The NJLA and the NJ State Library are proud to support this endeavor of the YA Services Section.  The purpose of this Teen Advisory Group Summit is to show teens that they are not alone in their support of the library; that their struggles can be overcome and that indeed they may share common difficulties with other teen groups.  In bringing teens from other libraries together we hope they will gain strength, confidence, and encouragement from their shared experience and be inspired to do more.  These economic times are trying for all of us who work in libraries whether public, private or school.  Empowering our teen patrons and to acknowledge the importance of their library is now more important than ever. 

Librarians must attend with their group.  The number of teens that are in your group is unimportant: their passion and commitment to their library, as well as yours, are all that we want to highlight and share.  Please emphasize to teens and their parents the honor of attending a statewide initiative.  We will be giving out certificates of attendance at the event for student records, which may be an incentive to participate.

Please know that space is limited and varies by location.  Registration is on a first come, first served basis.  Librarians may need to limit participants if they have a large teen group.  Please also note that these Summits are open to ALL libraries, public or school, who wish to bring their students and share their experiences.

Dates & Locations: 

March 2 – Voorhees Branch, Camden County Library, 203 Laurel Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043   Contact:  Emily Chornomaz

Email:  echorn@camden.lib.nj.us     Timing:  10:00 am – 2:00 pm (lunch is provided)

March 9 --  East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick, NJ 08816    Contact:  Beth Cackowski

Email:  bcackowski@ebpl.org         Timing:  1:00 pm-4:00 pm

March 9 --   Maplewood Memorial Library, 51 Baker St  Maplewood, NJ 07040

Contact:  Irene Langlois     Email:  ilanglois@maplewoodlibrary.org

Timing:  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

March 16 -- Toms River Branch, Ocean County Library  101 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ       Contact:  Pham Condello 

Email: pcondello@theoceancountylibrary.org    Timing:  11:00am -3:00pm (lunch is provided)

Librarians MUST attend with their advisory groups. 

We are encouraging librarians to have a virtual photo album or a powerpoint highlighting activities to share with other teens.  We are also encouraging each library to bring a snack to share.  Some locations will be decorating cupcakes or cookies, please check with the location on whether or not you need to bring any additional baked goods.   

We are including information on how to speak with teens and their parents to encourage them to attend.  Please feel free to use them or to adjust them as needed.

Click here for TAB Summit letter for parents and teens.