Welcome back, everyone!

If I had asked anyone in our profession five years ago what a library program in K-12 education would look like in 2022 I doubt anyone would have guessed we’d be navigating a new frontier. Granted, it is the nature of Librarians (especially in schools) to forge ahead and lead the charge for change. Once again we are faced with a unique year. We start the year knowing that plans could change on a dime. As we have returned to in-person learning it is imperative that we navigate this change together.

MCSMA welcomes all Librarians and people who support our school libraries. You do not have to live or work in Morris County to become a member. Please consider joining or re-establishing your membership in MCSMA. By doing so you are building a support network that is unmatched in our profession. We are one of the longest running local organizations under the NJASL umbrella.

As innovators, we have had to reimagine the ways we provide services to our school communities and each other. I’m sure you are excited to share how to use all the valuable resources you and the library provide and also to help build a sense of community. But, please do not forget to take care of yourself in the process. We are constantly being reminded to care for the welfare of our students' social and emotional wellness and often we don’t get the support we need as librarians, teachers and caregivers.

Membership does have its privileges, Networking, you are welcomed into a world where your contemporaries can relate to being an island in our school communities. When you're in a room full of other Librarians, conversation flows easily, and the relationships built can be valuable. We recognize the hardships you have navigating the rough waters of change. Professional development, attending our meetings every other month will provide you with PD specific to your content area. We know you have specific needs and concerns to address. Leadership experience, the more involved you become in an organization, the more you will be seen as a leader in the school community. Friendship, we’ve all got something in common FUN! MCSMA brings in guest lectures by industry experts, we have happy hour mixers, and other fun events you can choose from. Join MCSMA and ignite your enthusiasm for this novel beginning to another unusual school year.

I hope more of you can connect with us for one of our upcoming programs. I look forward to seeing many of you virtually at our first General Body meeting on October 14 or in person at our county event during NJASL Fall conference.

• Thursday October 14, 2021 “Hot Topics: Advocacy, Genrefying, Social Justice, Mindfulness, Diversity Audits, Just plain reading for fun!”

• NJASL Fall Conference December 5-7 join us for our county event TBD - Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Please log on to our website and renew your membership today. www.mcsma.info

I wish you all the best and hope for your health and safety,

Tara Collins

President, MCSMA