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This Month at CLC:
JANUARY 2023
STARTING OUT WITH A BANG
Ellen Paul
We’re starting off 2023 with a bang: 12 new contracts for library equipment and technology. That brings us to over 100 publicly bid discount contracts with 94 different vendors for Connecticut libraries, the most ever. It’s a good way to start a new year.
 
Here’s the goal: If libraries buy it, I want CLC to have a contract for it.  
 
This equipment contract gets us one step closer to that goal. We’ve now got discounts on RFID, door counters, book lockers, AMH, self-check machines, poster printers, book scanners, digital signage, laptop dispensers, microform readers, 24 hour libraries, payment solutions, laminators. I’m sure I’m missing some.  
 
And, we have all of the companies you want to work with: Bibliotheca, ScannX, Tech Logic, FE Technologies, Laptops Anytime, mk Solutions and D-Tech, just to name a few. Questions? Call me. I want to help.
 
But if the goal is to have contracts for everything that libraries buy, even at 100 contracts, we’re not there yet. And that’s why later this month, we’ll be re-opening our supplies contract for things like art supplies, craft supplies, learning supplies, school supplies and more. We’ve already had a number of incredibly successful conversations with vendors. If you don't already know and love them, you will soon.  
So, if 2023 is starting out with a bang, it’s only going to get better from here. Stick with us because, as always, we’re stronger together.

Ellen

Ellen Paul, Executive Director
epaul@ctlibrarians.org | 860.740.3043
MEET YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT VENDORS
Introducing your new CLC library equipment and technology vendors!
Click the logos to learn more on our website.
Visit our Library Equipment & Technology page to explore products by category.
There are hundreds of products on our new equipment contracts.
Let us show you how to get started using them:
Get the Most from CLC's NEW Library Equipment & Technology Contracts

INTRODUCTORY TRAINING SESSIONS FOR CLC MEMBERS
Choose either session:
Wednesday, February 15
3:00-4:00pm
Zoom
Friday, February 17
11:00am-noon
Zoom
Whether you are looking for a sophisticated automated materials handling system, self-service solutions such as self-check machines and pickup lockers, a poster printer or a book scanner, you are sure to find the equipment you need within this contract. And we want to make sure you get the most from your purchasing dollars. Join us for one of these sessions to learn how you can maximize your savings by using our equipment contracts. 
TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY:
It's almost here. Are you ready?
Amanda Stern
Last month we shared 7 steps to a successful TYCLD. Now I want to take a step back and look at the why. Why do we have TYCLD? Why is it important?

It’s no secret to us in the library world how valuable libraries are and how important they are in the lives of children and families. However, we all run into people who don’t know this! They don’t realize that library cards are free, for example, or that they can find downloadable audiobooks, board game collections, or homework help through the library.
If you look at this state report, you’ll see that library visits, library card holders, and circulation numbers are down across Connecticut. Yes, we’ve spent time in a pandemic. But it's still concerning. There’s probably never been a year that’s more important to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day than this year!

There are a lot of families who are new to Connecticut – or new to being families – who stand to gain from having access to the library. Let’s reach out to our communities, find the families who may not know what the library has to offer, and show them our magic!

To make this easier for you, we’ve created some tools to help:

Please use these resources and share them widely with your community. Help them catch the magic of libraries!

If you have not yet registered your library, or you have updated your plans, you can do so by clicking HERE. We’ll be using this information you submit to update our participation map and to include in our press releases. The more information you can give us, the better we can help you!
Have a wonderful Take Your Child to the Library Day – and be sure to take lots of pictures!

Amanda

Amanda Stern, Events & Special Projects Manager
astern@ctlibrarians.org | 860.740.3044
WT COX PERIODICALS CONTRACT EXTENDED
CLC is pleased to announce that our Periodical Subscription Management Contract, awarded exclusively to WT Cox, has been extended through December 2024.

For almost 50 years, WT Cox has been a trusted provider of information services to libraries nationwide. WT Cox subscription services feature no-hassle proposals, cost-effective service, access to over 300,000 electronic and print titles, simple claiming and invoicing, and much more. If you're not using WT Cox for your periodical services, we challenge you to see if you can save by switching. For a no-obligation quote, send your current periodicals list to Shannon Navarro at WT Cox: snavarro@wtcox.com. All library types are eligible.

NEW YEAR, NEW ALL CT READS SELECTIONS
Meet the authors at a kickoff event!
All CT Reads 2023 Virtual Author Launch
with Rosena Fung, Samira Ahmed, and Dawnie Walton
Thursday, January 12
5:00 - 6:30pm (online)

You and your library users are invited to an extra-special All CT Reads launch event with the authors of the 2023 primary selections:

  • Rosena Fung, author of Living with Viola (kids selection) 
  • Samira Ahmed author of Hollow Fires (teen selection) 
  • Dawnie Walton, author of The Final Revival of Opal and Nev (adult selection)

Each author will discuss their work and answer questions from our community. Share with your patrons - all are welcome!

All CT Reads is an initiative of the Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development in partnership with CLC and the Connecticut Association for School Librarians (CASL).
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR PARTNERS
Save with your CLC discount
COMPUTERS IN LIBRARIES
CONFERENCE
March 28-30
Arlington, VA

Discover and discuss the technologies that are shaping the future of libraries. Save up to $250 with your CLC registration discount.

CT RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION SHOWCASE
February 16
Manchester, CT

Preview 42 live performances, plus 72 tabletop displays - make all your programming decisions in one day! Just $35 with your CLC discount.

THIS MONTH'S VENDOR WEBINAR
You'll learn a lot in 30 minutes!
Rosen Digital Resources for 21st Century Learners
A WEBINAR FOR CLC PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Thursday, January 19 at 3:00pm
Join us for this Rosen Digital webinar for an introduction to two exciting and dynamic databases:

  • Teen Health & Wellness, the award-winning database that provides middle and high school students with up-to-date, non-judgmental curricular and self-help support
  • Core Concepts Science Suite for grades 3-6+, comprised of Biology, Chemistry and the Periodic Table, praised by Booklist as "an excellent database for students ... [with] a terrific amount of high-quality information in an easy-to-navigate format."

CLC members receive an exclusive discount on these and many more products from Rosen. Learn more at this webinar.
ROUNDTABLE ROUNDUP
These are online meetings unless otherwise noted.
For MANY more opportunities, visit ctlibrarians.org/events
Academic
Library Roundtable Series
Access Services: Wednesday 1/11, 2:00pm - Register
TOPIC: THE ROLE OF ACCESS SERVICES IN MERGING & CENTRALIZING LIBRARIES

Archives & Special Collections: Thursday 1/12, 11:00am - Register

Dept. Heads, Managers & Supervisors: Wednesday 1/18, 11:00am - Register
TOPIC: CULTIVATING DEPARTMENTAL CULTURE IN HYBRID AND ONLINE WORKPLACES

Research, Reference & Instruction: Thursday 1/19, 11:00am - Register

Technical Services: Thursday 1/19, 2:00pm - Register
Readers' Advisory Roundtable
Tuesday 1/10 at 2:00pm
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: HEALTH & WELLNESS BOOKS AND RESOURCES

We all know people's minds go to taking better care of their health in the new year. Join us for a conversation on health and wellness titles.
Children's Services Roundtable
Tuesday 1/17 at 2:00pm
SUMMER READING

Join us to talk all things Summer Reading, including programs, prizes, and more!
Adult Programming Roundtable
Tuesday 1/24 at 11:30am
HYBRID PROGRAMS

Are hybrid programs worth the hassle? What successes have you had with hybrid programming? Join us for a brief demonstration of Simsbury's OWL hybrid device, bring your questions, and share your recent programming successes.
Young Adult Roundtable
Friday 1/27 at 11:00am
WHAT'S EVERYONE TIKTOKING ABOUT?

Join us for our next meeting of the Young Adult Roundtable as we dive into all things TikTok!
LGBTQ+ Roundtable
Monday 1/30 at 9:30am
NEW YEAR, NEW QUEER BOOKS

The books are coming out, and so are we! Join us for this virtual breakfast meeting and bring your favorite breakfast treat and either your favorite LGBQTIA+ book from 2022 or the LGBQTIA+ title you're most excited for in 2023! Enjoy a slideshow of LGBQTIA+ books (all genres, all ages) being published in 2023. 
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
We are delighted to welcome CLC's newest members:


Thank you for joining CLC and over 960 libraries across Connecticut in saving, learning, and collaborating. We're stronger together!
CLC loves to celebrate our members! We have a page on our website that we're updating monthly with news from Connecticut libraries - new hires, promotions, awards, grants, and other celebrations. This month you'll find news about ...

Easton Public Library
Essex Library
Milford Public Library
Plainville Public Library
Richmond Memorial Library, Marlborough
Simsbury Public Library
Westport Library

Want to be included next month? Submit your news to Amanda Stern at astern@ctlibrarians.org by January 20. Academic, school, and special libraries - we want to hear from you too!
THE LAST WORD
Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom - you're the best! This is a little message just for the 15% of CLC members who haven't renewed your CLC membership yet. We totally get it - the end of the year is crazy! That's why we give you January; we all need a little grace sometimes. Let us know how we can help. Tracy can get you your invoice, and Julie can answer questions about your membership and savings. It's going to be an amazing year, but it won't be nearly as good without you!
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