Happy New Year, NEFLIN!

Believe it or not, we are already halfway through the first month of 2026. If it seems like each year goes by faster than the one before, we have a suggestion: do something new! Research shows that when we add new challenges and experiences into our daily lives, our brains perceive time as passing more slowly.

So if you're looking for something new to try this year, NEFLIN is here for you. Accept the 2026 Virtual Training Challenge, write an article for Library Insights, attend a training or interest group on a new topic, be a part of the upcoming Hot Topics Conference, or host a library program using items from NEFLIN's Equipment Loan. This newsletter will tell you about all of those opportunities and more.

We look forward to spending 2026 with you! Let's make this a great year, and let's make sure it doesn't go by too fast.

Jenny Eason

jenny@neflin.org

Member Services Coordinator

NEFLIN invites you to submit a proposal for the 2026 Hot Topics Conference.

This year's theme is "Engaging Spaces, Strategic Design."

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 

Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm.

Location: Schultz Conference Center, Jacksonville

We are looking for innovative approaches to redesigning existing spaces. Libraries are adapting to meet diverse needs, including accommodations for special populations, dynamic programming areas, advanced technology integration, sustainability features, and community collaboration zones.

Perhaps you have areas that are sensory-friendly, incorporate makerspaces, accommodate patrons with limited mobility, or introduce new programming ideas for children or teens. NEFLIN's 2026 Hot Topics Conference is your opportunity to share how you have created welcoming, functional spaces that inspire learning, connection, and creativity.

Presentations should be 45 minutes in length, including Q&A time, and will take place in concurrent sessions throughout the day.

The deadline for submitting a proposal is January 30, 2026.

If your proposal is chosen, you will be notified by February 13, 2026.

We will send acceptance and regret notifications via email.



Questions? Contact NEFLIN at office@neflin.org.

A New Year is a great time to take on a challenge, so NEFLIN has the perfect opportunity for you:

The 2026 Virtual Training Challenge!

Enhance your professional skills while earning bragging rights and chances to win prizes!

The Challenge: Complete a designated Virtual Training module every month from January through August 2026. Watch your NEFLIN email on the first of every month to find out which training module you need to complete. These trainings will cover a wide range of topics and apply to many library roles.

The Reward:  You will develop new skills and knowledge that will benefit you and your library community.  In addition, everyone who completes the monthly challenge will receive a certificate and will be entered into a drawing for an exciting NEFLIN Prize Pack. Participants who complete all monthly challenges by August 31, 2026, will be entered into a grand prize drawing to be held at the 2026 NEFLIN Annual Meeting. 

Find out more about the Virtual Training Challenge at http://www.neflin.org/vtc, or get started NOW with this month's challenge:

We chose this module to kick off our Virtual Training Challenge because it is timely. Beginning in April 2026, Section 508 will require new Digital Accessibility standards for public institutions. Prepare yourself to meet these new standards and answer questions from the public by completing the January challenge. 

Please note: All virtual trainings are accessed through NEFLIN's Niche Academy platform. If you don't have an account, set one up using your library email address at https://my.nicheacademy.com/neflin-staff.

Library Insights, Issue Three

is now available!

This issue highlights the many ways NEFLIN members are solving problems through innovation and serving their communities with excellence. Read on to be inspired!

Library Insights is an entirely member-driven publication. All authors, editors, designers, and peer reviewers are your fellow NEFLIN members.

It's not too late to be part of the next issue of Library Insights!

Read Online

-or-

Download PDF

We are accepting article submissions for our Spring 2026 issue until Monday, January 26th.

Find out more at https://neflin.org/library-insights/ or reach out to the Library Insights Editorial Board at libraryinsights@neflin.org.

New items have been added to NEFLIN's Equipment Loan program! To make your reservation for these or any other items from the collection, email training@neflin.org.

Sensory Activity Kit

Promote mental wellness and stimulate senses with these entertaining baubles. These can be used during programs designed for all ages, study sessions, or any time you think patrons may need to add some calm to their library visit. This kit comes with Activity Boards, Transformer Fidget Spinners and Tactile Worry Stones.

Jumbo Checkers Set

Enjoy this classic game on a LARGE scale!! Comes with a 4.5’ game board mat and red and black game pieces.

Tic-Tac-Toe Toss

Add an extra skill to this traditional game to amp it up! If you have more than two players, turn it into a tournament! Comes with a 3-foot game mat and X and O bean bags to toss into your desired square.

Giant Dice Games

Learn to play over 20 games with these giant dice! This set comes with dice, Yardzee and Farkle instructions and reusable score cards, and instructions for lots more!!

Looking for a way to connect with others who share your interests? Maybe it's time to try an Interest Group! 

Check out our complete list of groups and add your name to their email lists so that you can stay in the loop about upcoming meetings.

Wednesday, Jan. 21st

9:00 - 10:00 am

Online

Friday, Jan. 23rd

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Ocala

Wednesday, Jan. 29th

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Online

Thursday, Jan. 30th

10:00 - 11:00 am

Online

Friday, Feb. 6th

10:00 - 11:00 am

Online

Friday, Feb. 6th

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Online

Thursday, Feb. 19th

10:00 - 11:00 am

Online

Wed., March 18th

10:00 - 11:00 am

Online

Our first Interlibrary Loan Interest Group meeting will take place on 

Friday, January 30th, at 10:00 am.

--------------------------------

Join Karlene Adams and Amy Ackerman from the St. Johns County Public Library System and chat about the challenges from the previous year with Interlibrary Loan World, and discuss other Interlibrary Loan related topics.

Purpose: To connect with other Interlibrary Loan staff in Northeast Florida to share information and create a community as we navigate new waters.

Topics:

• What ILL platform are you using? Is it connected with your ILS?
• How have you been dealing with the new shipping situation?
• Did you suspend your ILL service and are you coming back now that DLLI is partially returning?
• How do you advertise & explain ILL to your patrons?
• Whatever else attendees are interested in!

Friday, February 6th

10:00 - 11:00 am

Topic: America's 250th: How Will You Celebrate?

2026 is here, and with it, a year of celebration for America's 250th.

Has your library begun preparing for this milestone? We are interested in hearing more about your plans for programs, events, and displays, even if they are in the early stages. Katie and Jenny from NEFLIN will facilitate this open discussion and brainstorming session. Come ready with ideas to share and questions to ask!

If you already have plans underway, please share them in this short survey. The information you provide will help us know how we can support our members in the year ahead.

We hope you'll join us in this discussion!

This project is funded under the provisions of the Library Cooperative Grant program awarded to the Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN). Florida’s LCG program is administered by the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services.