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The School Library System council met in person for the first time since the remote period, welcoming several new members and setting its agenda for the year ahead.

Among the first orders of business was to elect a new chair, as Eleanor Schuster of Eastchester took the gavel from Chairwoman Kelsey Cohen of Mamaroneck.

School Library System Supervisor Jennifer Cannell oversaw her first council meeting since joining Southern Westchester BOCES earlier this year. Nearly half of its 16 members are new to the council as well. The council’s role, she explained, is to develop policies, goals and long-term plans as well as a required five-year plan of service. The council also votes on the system’s budget and annual report.

“The way I think of a library council is you’re like the board of education of the library system,” Dr. Cannell said.

More than that, however, Dr. Cannell said she envisions the council’s role as supporting member librarians in increasing their capacity and educating districts about the proper role of school librarians. “A big part of what we do here is advocacy,” she said.

AnnaLee Dragon, Executive Director of the New York Library Association, visited the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Harrison Offices Oct. 6.

School Library System Supervisor Jennifer Cannell, a past NYLA president herself, said it was Ms. Dragon’s goal to learn more about the Southern Westchester region and how the SLS team collaborates in support of the districts it serves. Recently, AnnaLee was recognized as a 2022 Power Player in Education by PoliticsNY.

“I have worked with AnnaLee for many years and admire her strong leadership and great sense of humor,” Dr. Cannell said. “Much of her work as a former public library director and now as Executive Director of the New York Library Association has focused on building partnerships to strengthen communities.”

Following the meet-up in Harrison, Ms. Dragon, Dr.. Cannell and several SLS member librarians attended a roundtable discussion on school libraries hosted by state Sen. Shelley Mayer at White Plains High School.

Upcoming Events

May 28 12:30 PM 03:00 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

SLS Council Meeting

The School Library System Council is responsible for developing and approving the Plan of Service; is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Plan of Service; recommends for approval the annual budget prior to submission to the District Superintendent for his signature; and supports the activities of the School Library System, through service on a committee.

SWBOCES School Library System

May 28 04:00 PM 07:00 PM

SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

SLS Communication Coordinators Meeting

Quarterly meetings for SLS Communication Coordinators as mandated in NY State Education Law 90.18. Communications Coordinators are informed on topics such as New York State Education Department updates, technology, and Information Fluency Skills. Professional development is provided on current issues with the expectation that it is shared with other school librarians in district.

SWBOCES School Library System

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