The New Jersey AI Hub, LibraryLinkNJ and the New Jersey State Library have launched the NJ AI Library Learning Network, a statewide initiative using public libraries as delivery points for artificial intelligence literacy and workforce skills programmes, as reported by Edtech Innovation Hub, with Microsoft TechSpark also supporting the programme.

Five library systems will participate in the first phase, receiving training, curriculum, resources and ongoing support to provide practical AI learning within their communities, without requiring each system to develop training independently.

The initial offer covers three programme strands. AI for All provides introductory learning for residents seeking to understand how AI works and how it is being applied. AI for Jobseekers focuses on employment and career-related applications. AI for Small Business supports local business owners considering how the technology could be used in their operations.

LibraryLinkNJ represents libraries and related organisations across all 21 New Jersey counties, covering a state population of approximately 8.79 million people. Its network of more than 1,100 voting representatives spanning over 2,500 public, school, academic, institutional and specialist libraries gives the initiative a direct route into local communities without creating separate training infrastructure.

The New Jersey AI Hub was established through a partnership involving Princeton University, the State of New Jersey, Microsoft and AI infrastructure provider CoreWeave, with a remit covering AI research and development, workforce preparation, startup support and responsible deployment. The library network extends that work into community-level education, connecting the hub's technology and workforce priorities with institutions already providing local access to digital services and learning support.

Thomas Edison State University, an affiliate of the New Jersey State Library and one of New Jersey's 11 senior public higher education institutions, brings experience in online and adult education to the partnership.

The initiative gives public libraries a formal role in supporting workforce readiness and small business capacity as AI tools become more common in recruitment, workplace tasks, customer service and business administration, extending AI learning beyond universities, employers and commercial training providers.

The partners have not yet announced which libraries will participate in the first phase or when the first AI learning sessions will begin.