NJLA YA Section Meeting
May 11, 2007
House of Paone
In attendance:
Sandi Cronce, Willingboro
Saleena Davidson, South Brunswick
Sue Grotyohann, Monroe Twp.
Fran Housten, Cranford
Barbara Jobin, YA librarian emerita
Lucretia Lipper, YA librarian emerita
Kimberly Paone, Elizabeth
Joanne Parra, Moorestown
Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped
Michelle Reasso, Highland Park
Selwa Shamy, Bridgewater
Kate Vasilik, Franklin Lakes
Theresa Wordelmann, Old Bridge
Carlie Webber, BCCLS
Betsy Young, Bridgewater
Thanks to Kimberly for hosting this meeting!
Minutes from April's meeting:
Approved
Old business:
NJLA conference: Many programs were successful and well-attended, with no fewer
than 30 people at any YA Section-sponsored programs. Favorite programs included
Urban Fiction and Scott Westerfeld's presentation. The teen behavior/communication
workshop did not cover expected topics as thoroughly as hoped. It might be worthwhile
to revisit the issue in 2008.
One Book New Jersey title 2008: The section members voted for Dr. Franklin's Island
by Ann Halam as their One Book NJ selection for 2008. Other titles that came up for
consideration were Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini, Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman,
Tithe by Holly Black, Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements, The Schwa Was Here by
Neal Shusterman, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, Vampire High by Douglas Rees, and Buddha
Boy by Kathe Koja.
2007-08 Election Results: Jeri Gunther (Ocean Co. Library, Jackson Branch) will serve
as section president. Sophie Brookover (Camden Co. Library, M. Allan Vogelson
Regional Branch) was elected Vice-President/President-Elect, Selwa Shamy
(Bridgewater Library) will be the Secretary; Laura Leonard and Kate Vasilik (Hillsdale
and Franklin Lakes Libraries, respectively) will be the Members-at-Large.
GSTBA lists: Extra packets and pamphlets were available at the meeting. The list of
winners is available on the YA section of the website, and online voting is available
through BCCLS for the 2008 award.
Updates from around the state:
NJ State Library: Sharon Rawlins is the new NJ State Youth Services Consultant!
NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped: The position of Youth Services Librarian
will be looking for a new youth services librarian. Interested parties should be on the
look-out for job posting.
Statewide Summer Reading: 2007 is done! 2008 is well under way, with Sharon Rawlins
and Carlie Webber representing the YA Section. The 2009 committee is forming, so if
you're interested, contact Sharon.
One Book New Jersey: Kate Vasilik will continue to represent the YA Section, but
anyone can join the committee. Because most of the members of OBNJ work in Bergen,
Passaic, or Essex County, librarians from central and southern NJ are especially invited
to join. To join, contact NJLA President-Elect Michele Reutty. For the rest of 2007,
everyone is encouraged to have OBNJ programs and submit synopses of their programs
on the OBNJ website, http://www.onebooknewjersey.org
NJ Author Day: Excellent program, but poorly attended, probably due to the date. It was
held very close to the Princeton Teen Book Bash, and not long after NJLA.
Book Expo America: Are you going? Would you like a BEA buddy? Sandi Cronce
proposed that we have a cell phone number/travel exchange so no one has to brave the
exhibits alone. BEA will be from June 3-6 at the Javits Center in NYC. Double check
the rolling bag policy as it is believed they are NOT permitted in the exhibit hall but
MAY be permitted as checked items in the coat room.
Youth Services Forum is scheduled for October 17, 2007, at the Monmouth County
Library headquarters in Manalapan. The next planning meeting is June 7. Programs
slated for the 2007 forum include reaching tweens, book buddies, programming for
autism, art programs for younger children, a Mock Awards how-to, and writing for
grants.
Performers Showcase: Scheduled for November 1 at the Monmouth Cty. Library.
Questions were raised as to how many performers would be for teens. It was also
suggested that the Printmaking Council of New Jersey http://www.printnj.org/ be
contacted for cool craft programs.
Balloon Festival: July 27, 28, 29. NJLA needs volunteers! They will pay your admission
and you work for them. Creedence Clearwater Revival and Blues Traveler are scheduled
to perform.
Member updates:
The Super Librarian appeared at the Elizabeth Public Library to an audience of 115
people, including the mayor. Comic artist Ken Pyle loves libraries, lives in Bloomfield,
and could be someone cool to bring in for a program. His email is kcp@boatfive37.com
If anyone is interested in being a part of the Lerner Publishing Librarian Advisory
Council, a virtual group with annual meetings in Minneapolis, contact Kimberly Paone.
Saleena Davidson is working with a group called Drawn to Diversity at Alfred
University. This group lectures about ethnicity in comics and will visit your library for a
negotiable $200 fee. For more information, contact Dan Mapolitano at
mapolitano@alfred.edu
Mark McKenna, artist for DC and Marvel, has self-published a children's book. Want to
have him visit? Contact Saleena to coordinate.
NJ RULES YALSA! Sarah Cornish Debraski was elected YALSA President, Liz Burns
will serve on the 2009 Printz, and Sharon Rawlins will be on the 2009 Edwards.
Sandi Cronce is now an adult and teen services librarian at the the Willingboro Public
Library.
Karen Messick's husband, Dean, is ill. Cards and get-well care packages can be sent to
them at 4467 Wismer Road, Doylestown PA.
Send much love and warm thoughts to Laura Leonard on the illness and passing of her
mother.
New business
Tyler Rousseau has suggested the creation of a NJ Best Books YA list. Details for the
actual construction of the list to follow.
Idea of a statewide or regional TAB caucus was discussed (sort of an NJLA for TAB
members). Lots of work and discussion to follow on interest and possibility of this event.
Discussion of programs for NJLA 2008 included: Kevin King as presenter of several
programs (including communicating with teens, non-electronic gaming events,
programming, etc), panel on lock-ins, teen film festival how-to (Susan Conlon & Judy
Macaluso), Library as latchkey (on the heels of unsupervised teens/tweens arriving en
masse to libraries after school hours – possible CSS co-sponsorship?), possible preconference of Librarian as Confidant – where to draw the line? (Saleena to look into
published information on this topic).
GSTBA winners currently receive framed/matted awards of book cover with certificate.
Also suggested an approved to present winning author with small trophy.
Next meetings
Currently scheduled for September 28 and November 2, 2007, and January 25, February
22, March 28, and May 4. Theresa is checking to see if we can still meet at Old Bridge
for the Sept. and Nov. meetings; Saleena is checking South Brunswick’s schedule for the
winter/spring meetings.