Professional Development 
 
March/April 2026
Welcome to the re-launch of the
Suffolk Cooperative Library System
Professional Development e-Newsletter
 
After a brief hiatus, we are pleased to reintroduce this publication as a bi-monthly resource designed to strengthen connections across Suffolk County’s library community. This newsletter is intended for librarians, library professionals, and partner organizations that work closely with libraries, with the shared goal of staying informed, engaged, and inspired.
 
Each issue will highlight professional development opportunities, system-wide programs, and initiatives taking place throughout the year—both at the library system and across the county. Our aim is to provide timely, practical information that supports your work and helps you make the most of the resources available to you.
 
In this issue, you will find information on upcoming programs focused on reading and literacy for patrons of all ages. This spring brings several exciting initiatives, including conversations around the science of reading, countywide reading efforts, and author-focused programming.
 
We recognize that not all library staff may be fully aware of the breadth of services and support the Suffolk Cooperative Library System offers. Through this relaunched newsletter, our goal is to better communicate those offerings, share meaningful opportunities, and highlight the many ways the system works to support libraries as they serve their communities.
 
We’re glad to have you with us and look forward to staying connected.
 
 
 Featured Events
Watch & Chat:
Science of Reading Roundtable
 
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
10:00AM–12:00PM
 
This Watch & Chat is a blended webinar and roundtable experience focused on literacy and the Science of Reading. Attendees will watch a webinar together and then chat in a guided discussion to reflect and ask questions. 
 
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Long Island Reads will honor Chris Pavone at a ceremony at the Half Hollow Hills Library (Dix Hills Branch) on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00PM.
 
Tickets will be available beginning March 15, 2026.
 
 
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Saturday, May 2, 2026 
9:30AM – 2:30PM 
 
St. Joseph’s University 
O’Connor Hall 
155 West Roe Blvd, Patchogue, NY 11772
 
Authors Unlimited is a free program that celebrates reading, writing, and art by connecting teens with young adult authors! Rowana Miller (Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls), Dave Roman (Unicorn Boy), and Kara Thomas (The Champions) make up this year’s all-star lineup!
 
Join us for a group panel followed by solo sessions with each author. Books will be sold and can be signed during the autograph session!
 
Authors Unlimited is an event meant for tweens and teens in grades 5-12. Attendees can earn three hours of community service credit for attending and filling out a survey at the end of the day.
 
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Online & In-Person Meetings
  • March 6 - Performers’ Showcase - Adult & YA Services
  • March 6 - Performers' Showcase - Children's
  • March 9 - WebPAC Farewell: Staff & Patron Transition
  • March 10 - OCLC ILL Training
  • March 11 - YA Summer Reading Workshop
  • March 11 - NYS Annual Report Work Session
  • March 13 - Adult Services Programmers Roundtable
  • March 13 - Lending Library Deep-Dive: Glowforge Laser Engravers
  • March 20 - NYS Annual Report Work Session
  • March 23 - Mental Health Resources Roundtable
  • March 23 - Children’s Department Heads Meeting
  • March 24 - YA Department Heads Meeting
  • March 26 - Stony Brook Teddy Bear Clinic
  • April 3 - ServSafe Food Safety Program
  • April 14 - Watch & Chat: Science of Reading Roundtable
  • April 16 - Web Accessibility for Social Media and Multimedia Content
  • April 20 - Head of Adult & Information Services
  • April 21 - Suffolk County Women’s Health Coalition Meeting and Information Sharing
 
 
For more information and registration visit the 
SCLS Gateway Calendar
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In this Issue
Featured Events
Online & In-Person Meetings

Please let us know in advance if you will need an accommodation that will make an event accessible to you.