SSL Member Update
January 2024
Looking back and looking forward…
January 2024 marked a milestone for the New York Library Association Section of School Librarians. Eighty years ago this month, in January 1944, school librarians elected officers to the then-named School Library Section, thus becoming the first section of NYLA. As is the case with much of what we do as a professional association, the formation of our section came about through the collaborative and cooperative efforts of school librarians who are dedicated to their profession.
We also celebrate a second milestone this year. In 1974, the first School Library Media Day was celebrated in New York State and this April we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of this month! Our section has evolved over the years, even changing its name from the School Library Section to the School Library Media Section (SLMS) in the early 1970s to reflect the new technologies that school librarians were helping to integrate into schools. We will be celebrating both these milestones throughout the year and at our SSL Annual Spring Conference in Lake Placid. We hope you can join us!
As school librarianship has changed over the decades (and our name changed once again to the Section of School Librarians), NYLA/SSL has adapted to support these areas through advocacy, legislative initiatives, and professional development. What hasn’t changed is NYLA/SSL’s dedication to its mission: "to lead school librarians in advancing the profession; encourage, promote, and advocate the interests of school library programs, school librarians, and school library systems; and ensure that each student becomes an active reader, responsible information-seeker, and critical thinker." You can stay involved in these efforts by adding your profile to the new NYLA member database and joining or renewing your NYLA/SSL membership. We look forward to working for you and with you!
Maureen Squier
Director, Questar III School Library System
518-479-6976
VOTE! Knickerbocker Award
It's time to VOTE for your 2025 Knickerbocker author/illustrator! Cast your ballot today, nominate a new recipient for 2025, and make sure to join us in Lake Placid to celebrate 2024 winner Charles R. Smith Jr.!!!
Advocacy Alert!
We need pictures of our outdated and worn library books that we cannot afford to replace so we keep them on the shelves anyway. We will be tagging representatives and making it clear that our students deserve better and that #625IsNotEnough!
Note: We will be sure to blur any school or identifying information.
Tell Governor Hochul to Increase State Aid for Libraries
NYLA is asking our #LibraryAdvocates across the state to tell Governor Hochul that libraries need increased funding in this year's Executive Budget. Take ACTION today!
Here are some highlights of Governor Hochul's Executive Budget Proposal:
Library Operating Aid
- FY2024 Executive Budget Proposal: $96,127,000
- FY2024 Enacted Budget: $99,627,000
- FY2025 Executive Budget Proposal: $102,127,000
- Net Change over FY2024 Enacted: +$2,500,000
- FY2024 Executive Budget Proposal: $14,000,000
- FY2024 Enacted Budget: $34,000,000
- FY2025 Executive Budget Proposal: $34,000,000
- Net Change over FY2024 Enacted: $0
- FY2024 Executive Budget Proposal: $6.25/pupil
- FY2024 Enacted Budget: $6.25/pupil
- FY2025 Executive Budget Proposal: $6.25/pupil
- Net Change over FY2024 Enacted: $0.00/pupil
- FY2024 Executive Budget Proposal: $0
- FY2024 Enacted Budget: $0
- FY2025 Executive Budget Proposal: $3,000,000
- Net Change over FY2024 Enacted: +$3,000,000
NYLA is advocating for:
1. $147.1M Library Operating Aid
2. $69.4M Library Construction Aid
3. $11.00/pupil in Library Materials Aid
4. $3M for NOVELny
SSL Conference 2026
Fill out our SSL Conference Sponsoring Affiliate Proposal Application to submit a proposal to host our annual conference!
Eligible Affiliates should respond by May 1st.
NYLA Website
The new NYLA website is up and running! Be sure to renew your membership and select SSL as your free section to ensure that you continue to receive our newsletters.
The Palmer School - Advanced Certificate
The Palmer School has been approved to offer an Advanced Certificate in COmputer Science/Digital Fluency this upcoming fall 2024. The certificate is an excellent 12 credit (entirely virtual) opportunity for library media specialists hoping to hone their CS skills! Anyone interested should contact Bea Baaden.
Empowering Students Hybrid Course
Project Look Sharp is excited to be able to offer spaces for a limited number of our K-12 librarians to attend a hybrid online training in media literacy and constructivist media decoding provided by Project Look Sharp. This course combines two live online sessions with four self-paced modules of activities (see attached course outline) designed to train and support librarians in using media decoding to teach core content and address mis/disinformation so prevalent in today’s media landscape.
The cost of the 9-week course for K-12 librarians in New York State is $150 per person, which can be paid by the librarian, BOCES or school district depending on available funds and permission from their BOCES or district. Participants who complete the full course will receive 15 hours of CTLEs from Ithaca College, a badge from Project Look Sharp, and a letter to their principal or superintendent describing their work in the course.
Please share the attached flyer and course outline with librarians in your district. Interested librarians should start by contacting Project Look Sharp at looksharp@ithaca.edu for more information.
The deadline for registration is Monday, February 12.
Sunshine Club Update
Congratulations to the lovely couple, Amber Gladle and Joshua Aldridge, on the celebration of their beautiful wedding on 10/13/23! Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Amber and Joshua embarked on this wonderful journey together. The wedding party was truly a sight to behold, and the inclusion of their daughter, Sydnee, added an extra touch of joy and warmth to the celebration. What a special moment for your growing family!
Amber is the former Region 5 Coordinator and 2024 Conference Co-Chair for the SSL Spring Conference in Lake Placid.
We wish Mr. & Mrs. Aldridge a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and countless happy moments. Here's to a beautiful union and a future filled with wonderful memories! PS -If you receive any correspondence from Amber Aldridge, it's from this beautiful bride!
NYLA/SSL 2024 Conference
May 16-18, 2024
Lake Placid, NY
The official registration has launched! Registration was launched on Monday, January 22. Please go to the conference website and under the attendee tab to find the information.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal for the 2024 conference. Presenters have been notified. A rough draft of the schedule is posted without the concurrent sessions included. A rough schedule with concurrent session information will be coming out at the end of March.
Updated information regarding the conference can be found on our conference website. The link to secure your hotel rooms is now open. Please use the following link to book your hotel room. As a reminder the hotel does not accept purchase orders. The link does include a location for you to upload your tax exempt form as well. The hotel will charge you for one night automatically when you reserve your room.
If you have any questions regarding the conference please email nylassl2024@gmail.com.
Coming to the conference? Download the web badge and tell everyone you'll be there!
Are you interested in donating a basket for our annual Knickerbocker Basket Raffle? Then take a moment and fill out this brief Google Form. We can’t wait to see you in Lake Placid.
Awards and Scholarships
Keep watch for a special conference update complete with the 2024 applications for our awards and scholarships!
All applicants MUST be a current member of NYLA/SSL.
Please contact Dawn Pressimone, SSL Awards Chair, with any quetions.
Beatrice E. Griggs Conference Scholarship – This award/scholarship is given to an individual who is currently enrolled in a MLS program working towards the School Library Media Certification. The recipient will receive $1000 from the Beatrice E. Griggs Endowment to go towards their educational expenses, PLUS registration costs for the 2024 SSL Conference. You must be able to attend the conference in its entirety.
Laura Wedge Scholarship – Recognizes a school librarian seeking professional benefits through the continuing education opportunities and collegiality provided by attending a SSL Conference in its entirety. The applicant should be a leader or emerging leader in the area of school librarianship. The recipient will receive $500 from the Laura Wedge Endowment towards conference expenses. **Applicant MUST be a direct service school librarian in New York State for at least 10 years.
Knickerbocker Raffle Scholarship – Recognizes a school librarian seeking professional benefits through the continuing education opportunities and collegiality provided by attending a SSL Conference in its entirety. The applicant should be a leader or emerging leader in the area of school librarianship. The recipient will receive $500 from the Knickerbocker Raffle proceeds towards conference expenses.
Beatrice E. Griggs Elementary Administrator’s Award – This award recognizes an Elementary Administrator who has been responsible for initiation, maintenance, and/or the improvement of and Elementary School Library Program in New York State during the past 3-5 years. The recipient will be our guest at the 2024 SSL Conference and will receive a plaque acknowledging their support of the School Library Program.
SSL Secondary Administrator’s Award – This award recognizes a Secondary or District Administrator who has been responsible for initiation, maintenance, and/or the improvement of and Elementary School Library Program in New York State during the past 3-5 years. The recipient will be our guest at the 2024 SSL Conference and will receive a plaque acknowledging their support of the School Library Program.
Region 1 SSL Representative: Amy Jo Southworth
Suffolk School Library Media Association
Greetings, fellow educators and bibliophiles! We are thrilled to share the wonderful highlights of our recent High Tea for Teacher Librarians Event held at the heart of our community, the local public library. It was an event brimming with warmth, wisdom, and, of course, delectable treats! One of the highlights was the gathering of seasoned and budding librarians from our local professional school librarian organization. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as new librarians had the unique opportunity to glean insights from experienced mentors. The exchange of ideas, stories, and practical advice formed the cornerstone of the event.
Discussions ranged from best practices in the realm of school libraries to injecting creativity into research projects. Picture this: 6th graders wrapped in tissue paper, hopping across the library for an Ancient Egypt-themed green screen photoshoot! It was a testament to the power of combining learning with fun. The event also delved into the ever-evolving landscape of technology in school libraries and included using Diffit for lesson planning, along with ideas for using and teaching AI. Colleagues shared both positive and challenging experiences, fostering an environment of camaraderie and shared learning. There was also mention of earning an Advanced Certificate in Computer Science/Digital Fluency this upcoming fall 2024 through Palmer School/Long Island University, and the consideration that many of the lessons we’re already teaching qualify for this certification. Look for additional info on this newsletter.
But what's a gathering without some indulgence? Our tables were adorned with an array of delicious bakery treats, fresh fruit, and comforting warm beverages. As we savored each bite, the air was filled not just with the aroma of pastries but also with the spirit of collaboration and community. A special touch to the evening was the generous gesture of free mugs, each filled with Hershey kisses and t-shirts for all attendees. Why the free merchandise, you ask? The answer lies in an exciting proposition - the active membership of the Suffolk School Library Media Association is voting on a potential name change. In a bid to include school librarians from both Nassau and Suffolk counties, the proposal aims to reflect our evolving community. With the Nassau affiliate no longer existing, this is a timely and forward-thinking move to unite and strengthen our organization.
Anticipation hangs in the air as we eagerly await the vote results and the announcement of our new, inclusive name. Change is on the horizon, and it promises to bring us together for more enriching gatherings, fun nights, and collaborative endeavors. As we look back on this High Tea for Teacher Librarians Event, we're not just celebrating an evening well-spent; we're savoring the promise of an even brighter future for our community of dedicated school librarians. Here's to embracing change, fostering connections, and the many exciting chapters yet to unfold in our journey of knowledge and camaraderie!
Region 2 SSL Representative: Donna Gray
Professional Development & Networking Opportunities
Tech Summit In Person FREE PD and Networking event March 11, 2024
Beyond Access June 6, 2024, Online FREE PD with CTLE
Check our Professional Learning Calendar for additional information as the event gets closer.
- Roy Rosewood (NYCLSA Spotlight Librarian for December) is the high school librarian for construction trades, engineering, and architecture. Through his UFT work, Roy has been a strong advocate for school librarians. Check out all the amazing work he is doing inside and outside of the school library!
NYC SLS welcomes its newest member, Lindsay Klemas, to the team as the Queens Library Coordinator.
NYCSLS joined other school systems throughout the state for the PD on AI on January 17. One of the presenters at the statewide PD was our very own Sandra Echols. Sandra also published an article in Computers In LIbraries titled Did a Bot Do Your Work? Teaching AI Literacy Skills
Castle Hill Middle School 127X hosted Stephane Matteau (NY Rangers) in collaboration with NY Edge. Mr. Matteau led students in a book reading and motivational talk about leadership and self-awareness. The librarian Ms. Crespo, is a Teacher2Librarian graduate student attending St. John Fisher. Their library is a VITAL recipient and received money to improve their technology and student engagement areas during the 2021-2022 school year.
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad held an author talk at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on January 24, 2024. Several teachers and teacher-librarians from NYC SLS attended, and Leanne Ellis provided opening remarks in on behalf of the Office of Library Services.
SSL Region Representative: Teri Richardson
SSL Region Representative: Debra Armbruster
SSL Region Representative: Kaitlin Patenaude
School Librarians of Northern New York
Jefferson-Lewis Library Association
Northern Adirondack Library Association
SSL Region Representative: Penny Feeney
Baldwinsville: C.W. Baker High School - Librarian Leslie Cartier
Investigatory Podcasts Featuring the Mysteries Inside Gothic Fiction
English 10 Honors classes are developing original podcasts around the mysteries inherent in their chosen Gothic Literature novels. This project is being co-taught by LMS Leslie Cartier and English Teacher Michelle Kuraszewicz. They are writing original scripts, creating audio recordings of a host who will be conducting an investigation into the mysteries, along with character interviews, and selecting appropriate theme music and sound effects. The final project will also feature original podcast cover art.
Fayetteville: Wellwood Middle School - Sarah Elliott
Mock Caldecott Event
Over 450 5th, 6th and 7th graders voted on 11 picture books in Wellwood Middle School's 2nd Mock Caldecott. Students first explored and learned about book awards, then spent 2 minutes with 11 different books. The Mock Caldecott winner was, "The Tree and the River" by Aaron Becker!
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/cnyslibs/home
Email: cnyslibs@gmail.com
SSL Region Representative: Alicia Sherman
School Librarians of the Southern Tier - East
School Librarians of the Southern Tier West
Contact SSL!
Email: nyla.sslibs@gmail.com
Website: www.nyla.org/ssl
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