Programs

2023 Annual Long Island Library Conference

May 11 2023 – Reunited

Programs-At-A-Glance

View program sessions:    Session I (9am-10am)     Session II (10:30am to 11:30am)     Session III (3pm-4pm)

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Session I:  9:00 am – 10:00 am

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Why Nonfiction Picture Books Are Essential
Speaker(s): Selene Castrovilla, children’s author, published by Astra Books for Young Readers and Holiday House.
Sponsored By: NCLA Children’s Services Division
Arranged by: Meghan Fangmann
Location: Salons 1,2,3 Session: 1 (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
Long Island author Selene Castrovilla will discuss the essential human components inside nonfiction picture books, sharing what has compelled her to write them for eighteen years. Today’s children need nonfiction picture books to navigate their formative years. These books provide understanding and clarity in a confusing world. They provoke empathy by showing the passion and anguish people experience. They inspire through example and suggest possibilities beyond the immediate landscape. They instill hope for humanity and a realization that we are more alike than different. When we read about other people, we are reading about ourselves.

A Vision of Technology in Libraries for 2023 and Beyond
Speaker(s):
Alison Mirabella, Longwood Public Library
James Hutter, Port Washington Public Library
Nick Tanzi, South Huntington Public Library
Chris DeCristofaro, Sachem Public Library
Sponsored By: CATS/NCLA’s Computers and Technology Committee
Arranged By: James Hutter
Location: Salons 4,5,6 Session 1: (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
In an era of rapid technological change, it can be difficult to keep up. Our speakers, library professionals who engage with technology in multiple roles as instructors, programmers, and library administrators, will present key technologies and trends for 2023 and beyond. Join us to explore the technologies of today and glimpse the technologies of tomorrow.

Growing a Seed Library in Your Community
Speaker(s):
Amber Gagliardi, Middle Country Public Library
Regina Dlugokencky, SeedSower Farm
Sponsored by: SCLA Reference and Adult Services Division
Arranged By: Kelly Filippone
Location: Salons 11,12 Session 1 (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
The establishment of Seed Libraries in public libraries is a growing trend and one of the community’s best assets in disseminating important information about individual responsibility in navigating issues surrounding food choices, the environment, preserving invertebrate habitats and climate change. A seed library has the potential to introduce fresh library programming that touches on every part of a person’s life: from educating patrons on nutrition to developing self-sufficiency in extraordinary times. This presentation will introduce the basics of starting a seed library: acquisition of seeds, identifying funding sources, and creating unique, eco-friendly gardening and crafts programs to fit any budget. We will also propose initiatives public libraries can use to help combat the decline of the Monarch Butterfly and other pollinators.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolbox
Speaker(s):
Kelly A. Harris, John Jermain Memorial Library
Trina Reed, Levittown Public Library
Sponsored by: Public Library Directors Association of Suffolk County
Arranged By: Jennifer T. Fowler
Location: Nassau/Suffolk Room Session: 1 (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
In 2020 a group of library administrators from Nassau and Suffolk counties came together to address the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries. Together, they created a toolbox to empower libraries to give employees access to equal opportunities, no matter who they are or where they are from. Our goal is to educate, engage and create policies for staff, trustees, and patrons to make libraries truly a place where everyone feels that they belong. The toolbox provides tips and templates to create policy, educate staff and trustees, and provide resources to help recruit and retain a diverse workforce.

Libraries versus Loneliness: Programs to Alleviate Loneliness and Social Isolation
Speaker(s):
Tony lovino, Oceanside Library
Sponsored By: NCLA PR/Programming Division
Arranged by: Tony Iovino, Oceanside Library
Location: Roosevelt Room Session 1: (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
Tony lovino, Assistant Director of the Oceanside Library, will give an overview on social isolation, how it affects older people, and the importance of building social connections. He will outline the Oceanside Library’s “Connections” program and protocols, as well as share highlights from other libraries and organizations.

A Crash Course in Open Educational Resources
Speaker(s):
Danielle S. Apfelbaum, Farmingdale State College
Derek Stadler, LaGuardia Community College
Sponsored By: NCLA Academic and Special Libraries Division
Arranged By: Danielle S. Apfelbaum, Derek Stadler
Location: Vanderbilt Room Session 1: (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
The visibility and popularity of Open Educational Resources (OER) have increased as federal, state, and local OER initiatives have gained speed, yet many academic and public librarians remain unaware of what OER are or their value to patrons. In this introduction to OER, attendees will learn to identify and describe the defining characteristics of OER, utilize specialized repositories for locating OER, decipher the open licenses commonly applied to OER, and communicate the value of these resources to a variety of community stakeholders.

The Stony Brook Medicine Healthy Libraries Program: Supporting Public Libraries
in Addressing the Health and Social Needs of Communities
Speaker(s):
Gabriella Pandolfelli, Stony Brook Medicine Healthy Libraries Program
Dr. Lisa Benz Scott, Public Health at Stony Brook Medicine
Sponsored by: SCLA-RASD Health Concerns Committee
Arranged by: Valerie Lewis, Lisa Benz Scott, Stephanie DiChiara
Location: Whitman Room Session:1 (9:00 am to 10:00 am)
The presenters will describe the interprofessional (IP) team model of the Stony Brook
Medicine Healthy Libraries Program (HeLP) which delivers blood pressure screenings, health
education, and case management to patrons in partnership with 8 public libraries in Suffolk
County, New York. HeLP involves students training in nursing, physician assistant education, public health, library science, and social work working in teams. The presenters will summarize the ongoing services HeLP provides (since Feb 2020) and the health and social needs it addresses. The information presented can be used to implement similar programs at other public libraries.

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Session II: 10:30 am to 11:30 am

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The Trauma of Library Work
Speaker(s):
Amanda Fludd, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R)
Katiusica Gray, LCSW-R
Sponsored by: NCLA Library Staff of Color Committee
Arranged by: Shakema S. Miller
Location: Salons 1,2,3 Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Hearing the trauma stories of others and working directly with patrons in the community can take an emotional and physical toll on staff. In this training, we identify the common signs of trauma, secondary trauma, and stress through a diverse and culturally-competent lens. Participants will explore the impact of trauma, overlooked trauma triggers at work, and how it shows up in the mind and body, with best practices for self-care. Participants will leave with proactive, individualized, and systemic trauma-informed tools and coping strategies.

Teens and Mental Health
Speaker(s):
Robyn Berger-Gaston, Family Service League of Long Island
Sponsored by: Young Adult Service Division of SCLA & NCLA YASD
Arranged by: Lauren Strong
Location: Salons 4,5,6 Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Robyn Berger-Gaston will provide information on top issues impacting today’s youth, effective strategies to respond to these stressors, when to seek professional help, and building resilience and community resources. Suicide risk factors, warning signs, and addressing risk for suicide will also be discussed.

Gordon Korman Hits 100… Books, That Is!
Speaker(s):
Gordon Korman, New York Times Bestselling Author
Sponsored by: NCLA Children’s Services Division
Arranged by: Meghan Fangmann
Location: Salons 7-10 Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Forty five years after his seventh-grade English assignment became his first published novel, Gordon Korman has published his 100th book, The Fort. He will also discuss his newly-released book for 2023, Superteacher Project. Gordon will talk about his nearly half a century writing for kids and how his two genres – humor and adventure – are a cinch to keep kids reading.

Readers Advisory Unconference within a Conference
Speaker(s):
Mara Zonderman, Westhampton Free Library
Stephanie McEvoy, Hampton Bays Library
Sponsored by: Long Island Reads Committee
Arranged by: Mara Zonderman, Stephanie McEvoy
Location: Salons 11,12 Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
In this participant-led session we will break into small groups to discuss Readers Advisory topics such as promoting RA services, online tools and digital readership, displays, and RA programming. Share best practices and learn what’s worked and what hasn’t at libraries across Long Island. Come away with new ideas to enhance your RA work.

Meet Long Island’s Movers and Shakers
Speakers:
Ellen Druda, Half Hollow Hills Community Library (retired)
Nancy Evans, West Babylon Public Library
Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, Uniondale Public Library
Tanisha Mitchell, Freeport Memorial Library
Sponsored by: Long Island Library Committee
Arranged by: Martha DiVittorio, Shakema S. Miller, Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, Jeffrey Baker
Location: Nassau/Suffolk Room Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Meet Long Island’s Library Journal Movers and Shakers, Ellen Druda (2018, Half Hollow Hills Community Library), Nancy Evans (2017, Levittown Public Library), Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel (2016, Uniondale Public Library) and Tanisha Mitchell (2013, Freeport Memorial Library/Metropolitan Opera Library). The panel will discuss the programs that got them selected as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker, give updates on those programs, and share what they’re doing now. The discussion will be moderated by Shakema S. Miller, Nassau Library System.

Ready, Set, Retire!
Speaker(s):
Representatives from the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan and the New York State Retirement System
Sponsored by: NCLA Retirees Committee
Arranged by: Debbie Podolski, Jan Heinlein
Location: Roosevelt Room Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Everyone looks forward to retirement with thoughts of relaxing and vacationing. There is more to it than working the years and submitting your paperwork. Whether you plan to retire this year or in 5, 10, or 15 years, learn about what you should be doing now to be ready to enjoy your retirement. Learn about your benefits in retirement and how to plan for a solid financial future.

Academic and Public Library Partnerships for College Readiness
Speaker(s):
James Mantegna, Assistant Professor and Librarian at Nassau Community College
Leslie Wong Loock, Assistant Professor and Librarian at Nassau Community College
Shikha Joseph, Instructor and Emerging Technologies Librarian at Nassau Community College
Dr. Elizabeth Pollicino Murphy, Executive Director of Libraries at St. Joseph’s University
Janet Clarke, Associate Dean, Research & User Engagement at Stony Brook University Libraries
Diane Longo, School Media Specialist at Brentwood High School
Maureen Ryan, School Media Specialist at Brentwood High School

Sponsored by: NCLA Academic and Special Libraries Division
Arranged by: Leslie Wong Loock
Location: Vanderbilt Room Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
This panel discussion will address increasing collaborations between the academic, public, and school libraries for student college readiness. Focus areas will include outreach and programming ideas that can be introduced at different types of libraries. Librarians from public and high school libraries will be invited to join the discussion with their ideas, possible current or past collaborations, lessons learned, and feedback on the role libraries can play in college readiness.

Do Good With Data
Speaker(s):
Diana Plunkett, Brooklyn Public Library
Sponsored by: NCLA Library Staff of Color
Arranged by: Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel; Michelle Samuel; Kaysha Watson-Phillips; Shakema Miller
Location: Whitman Room Session: 2 (10:30 am to 11:30 am)
Libraries can make data-informed decisions at all levels. Making the same data available to everyone is a start. Next, layer in training staff on how to use data in their work and incorporate data into larger initiatives. As with all culture change, it takes time and is an iterative, ongoing process. Sharing data throughout an organization provides a shared story of who we are. Empowering front-line staff to make decisions by giving them access to data they can pair with their knowledge and experience helps them provide the services needed in their communities. Everyone, from board members to management and yes, librarians, can use data in their day-to-day work. Hear how libraries make it work for their communities!

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Session III:  3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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We’re Here, We’re Queer: Challenges & Strategies in the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights at the Public Library
Speaker(s):
Lawrence Fiorelli (they/them), Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Heights Branch
Rakisha Kearns-White (she/her), Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library Youth Wing
Djaz Zulida (he/they), Brooklyn Public Library, Business & Career Center
Sponsored by: CLASC (Children’s Librarian Association of Suffolk County) and Long Island Library Pride Association
Arranged by: Lauren Tellerman
Location: Salons 1,2,3 Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
From book banning to bad press to anti-LGBTQ+ agitators at the door of your branch, the road to LGBTQ+ equity in the library remains long. Come learn how you can promote allyship amongst your library staff and how to build resilience in the face of adverse events. We will talk about inclusive initiatives, safety strategies, and discuss the ways that anti-queer culture wars impact LGBTQ+ materials, performers, staff, and patrons.

Kind, but With Spine: Constructive Confrontation, Deliberate Boundaries, and Avoiding Compassion Fatigue
Speaker(s):
Alicia Collumbell, The Smithtown Library
Sponsored by: SCLA Reference and Adult Services Division
Arranged by: Kelly Filippone
Location: Salons 4,5,6 Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Library staff face a unique set of challenges and questions when navigating patron needs and relationships. We have been taught the tenets of good customer service and going “above and beyond”, but we aren’t taught how to deal with confrontation or navigate difficult boundaries conscientiously. Compassion fatigue is a real complication of the services we offer. This program aims to offer tips for constructive confrontation, setting and keeping boundaries, and learning effective means to combat compassion burnout.

From Grade Schooler to Grammar Gallivanter: The Extremely Efficient, Not At All Meandering 50-Year Path to a Book
Speaker(s):
Ellen Jovin, Author and Grammarian
Sponsored by: NCLA Reference and Adult Services Division
Arranged by: Lisa Paulo, Marie Drucker
Location: Salons 7-10 Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Author Ellen Jovin will talk about how her book Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian (HarperCollins, 2022) came to be written. Although a whimsical idea in late 2018 led to a book proposal that in turn led to a book deal in early 2019, there were decades of contributing incidents along the way—encounters with teachers, books, bosses, strangers, errant apostrophes, and more—that caused this particular combination of words to end up on the page.

Tackling Tough Topics: The Importance of Visibility in Middle Grade Literature
Speaker(s):
Barbara Dee, Middle Grade Author
Sponsored by: NCLA Pop Culture Committee
Arranged by: Kat Baumgartner
Location: Salons 11,12 Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Join us to hear author Barbara Dee speak about how she approaches tough topics when writing middle grade literature. She has written several books that reflect the lives of many different readers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, those with family members dealing with mental health challenges, and those with parents suffering from addiction. Barbara’s Fall 2022 release, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, tackles the anxiety caused by climate change. She will speak on the importance of placing these topics at the forefront and why librarians should not shy away from them when making collection development decisions.

Who the Heck Were Henry Waldinger and Emma Clark?
Speaker(s):
Frank McKenna, Seaford Public Library
Sponsored by: NCLA Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Arranged by: Frank McKenna
Location: Nassau/Suffolk Room Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Have you ever wondered (or not) who the people were who have had public libraries named after them? Well, you are in for a treat with a light-hearted exploration of who Henry Waldinger, Emma Clark, John Jermain, William Cullen Bryant, and several others were, plus a few libraries you most likely never knew were named after people (or not).

WOW your Community
Speaker(s):
Georgina Rivas-Martinez, South Huntington Public Library
Michael Bartolomeo, South Huntington Public Library
Jennifer O’Connor, South Huntington Public Library
Lisa Esposito, South Huntington Public Library,
Jennifer Conlon, South Huntington Public Library
Martha Kahn, South Huntington Public Library
Sponsored by: SCLA Multicultural Outreach Services and Information Committee of RASD
Arranged by: Amber Gagliardi, Georgina Rivas-Martinez, and Michael Bartolomeo
Location: Roosevelt Room Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
The Without Walls (WOW) Committee of the South Huntington Public Library was formed in the Summer of 2019 to engage with and provide outreach to the South Huntington community. The committee is a collaborative effort with representatives from several departments within the library. Learn tips and strategies on how to form a successful interdepartmental outreach committee and organize programs and events designed to engage with all members of your community. Our children’s, young adult, Spanish services, and adult departments will share examples of their outreach efforts.

Reuniting the Vanderbilts: A Case Study in the Rescue and Transfer of Archives From Dowling College to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
Speaker(s):
Diane Holliday, Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, Stony Brook University
Janet Soley, Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Jo-Ann Carhart, Advisory Board Member of the Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and retired librarian, East Islip Public Library
Nicole Menchise, Long Island Library Resources Council
Paul Rubery, Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
Killian Taylor, Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
Sponsored by: SCLA – Division of Academic and Special Libraries
Arranged by: Nicole Menchise
Location: Vanderbilt Room Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
When Dowling College closed its doors in 2016, the library contained not only the college’s records but hundreds of archives that represented the various incarnations of the original Idle Hour property, home of William K. Vanderbilt. A panel representing several Suffolk County organizations will explain how each had a part in saving these historically-significant archives and how they found a new home with the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.

What We’ve Learned as Library Director
Speaker(s):
Christine Belling, Syosset Library
Victor Caputo, Former director, Bryant Library
Marcie Litjens, Center Moriches Free Public Library
Sponsored by: Public Library Directors Association of Suffolk County
Arranged by: Marcie Litjens
Location: Whitman Room Session: 3 (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
This three-person panel made up of two current and one former director will discuss what they learned after taking the director’s chair. Join this unique and lively discussing of the expected and the unexpected aspects of the job position.