IN THIS ISSUE
Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
Like us on Facebook  View on Instagram  View our videos on YouTube  View our profile on LinkedIn    
Access the
Volume 17-50 | 12.12.17
Top
2017 Vote Results
2017 demonstrated, once again, that Hudson Valley residents value their libraries. Twenty-five communities voted on tax levies for their public libraries and one community voted on a building referendum. 96% of those votes were successful! You can review the full results of votes this year in the MHLS Public Library Vote Toolbox: http://bit.ly/2Bbx1Ew
 
Two of the libraries on the list this year made history in their respective communities:

The Brewster Public Library successfully passed a $2.9 million building referendum which will enable them to carry out their master facility plan to expand, by double!, and renovate their Main Street facility. The plans include a community room to accommodate up to 50 people, private study rooms, and an ADA compliant elevator and restrooms.

The Clinton Community Library made history by passing their very first 414 (municipal ballot) vote! For the very first time in this library's history they have stabilized their operating funds and have a predictable amount of funding to base planning decisions on. This was a huge win for this library and their community! 
(front row: Sue Ellen Fairbanks, trustee; Barbara Burns, board president; Johanna Whitton, trustee; back row: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS; Zachary Snow, trustee; Mary Pat Sternberg, trustee; Wilfred Relyea, trustee; Matthew Pfisterer, trustee; and newly elected trustee Marion Auspitz.)
 
MHLS salutes all libraries that went to the polls this year. Careful financial planning in the Property Tax Cap era is essential to the viability of libraries in the Hudson Valley for the future. Routine budget votes are a critical component of a healthy financial strategy for all types of libraries. If your library board would like to discuss sustainable funding plans please feel free to contact MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich: [email protected]  
MHLS Announcements
Legislative Leaders Visit MHLS: The Chairs of both library committees in the NYS Legislature visited the MHLS region recently!
 
Assemblymember Didi Barrett, the new chair of the Assembly standing Committee on Libraries & Education Technology visited with member library directors at the December MHLS Directors Association meeting to share updates from Albany and talk about the library community's budget priorities for the coming year.
 
Senator Patty Ritchie, who is beginning her second year as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, and Senator Sue Serino, who represents much of Dutchess and Putnam counties, toured the Adriance Memorial Library along with MHLS Executive Director Tom Sloan last month!
(l-r) Senator Sue Serino, Poughkeepsie Public Library District Executive Director Tom Lawrence, Senator Patty Ritchie, MHLS Executive Director Tom Sloan
MHLS Libraries
The Trustees of the New Lebanon Library are pleased to announce the appointment of Moriah Sears as Library Director Dianne Hobden, Library Vice President and Chair of the Selection Committee said, "I am very excited to have Moriah on board as the new director of the New Lebanon Library. She is young, enthusiastic, and full of great ideas to make our already amazing Library even better!" Moriah grew up near Asbury Park, NJ, and then moved with her family to South Carolina during her high school years. After graduating high school via homeschool, she attended Southern Wesleyan University where she double-majored in English and Psychology. Following graduation, Ms. Sears embarked on an overseas experience in South Korea, teaching English as a second language for two years. Moriah obtained her Masters in Library Science (MLS) from the University of South Carolina, following stints in various positions, including as a Counseling Specialist with SC Connections Academy--a virtual charter school. Also of note, Ms. Sears was the Chief Editor of her college's Annual Creative Writing Magazine.
 
On Saturday, November 18th the Putnam Valley Library re-opened both the vehicular and pedestrian bridges that lead patrons to their library. The bridges had been damaged by recent Hurricanes and years of weather and wear. The library was awarded multiple State Aid for Library Construction grants for this project and matched those funds with generous financial and in-kind donations from their community. 
Pictured above: Terry Raskyn, board president of the Putnam Valley Free Library, at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo Credit: Robert Culp, MHLS Trustee
Job Openings
The Board of Trustees of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library is seeking a forward-thinking, community-minded and enthusiastic leader as its next Library Director.  The Roeliff Jansen Community Library serves the towns of Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, New York. It is a diverse, Hudson Valley rural community that borders the Berkshires and includes an engaged and committed population of patrons, supporters and volunteers.  Built in 2010 as the first green library in Columbia County, it is a welcoming, bright and comfortable space.  The library is highly regarded as an important community resource, which has provided diverse and strong programming reaching children, youth and adults. 
 
The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative in her/his previous positions and experiences as a strong leader.  She/he will need to feel comfortable serving as the face of the library in the community.  The candidate will possess strong organizational, problem solving, advocacy, technological, and fiscal management skills.  The ideal candidate will commit to ensuring high quality service and best practices in a dynamic library. The Roeliff Jansen library is an association library with 501 (c) (3) status.
 
Responsibilities are to:
Lead and supervise the day-to-day operations of a small library staff, services, and facility.
 
Ensure policies and procedures developed in conjunction with the Board of Trustees regarding personnel, records management, etc. are maintained.
 
Prepare monthly reports to the Board of Trustees including statistics and summary of projects and activities.
 
Participate with Board Treasurer in the development of the budget and oversee its day-to-day management.
 
Manage, procure and evaluate the library's diverse collections to reflect the community needs.
 
Initiate and coordinate high-quality programs, speakers and exhibits that reflect and add value to the community.
 
Work with and attend active Board Committees.
 
Participate in planning a sustainable funding strategy including all annual fundraising efforts.
 
Identify and seek grant opportunities that may benefit the library.
 
Serve as the library's public face in the community, expand the library's community outreach, and promote the library's visibility and connections with the community.
 
Administer a robust volunteer program including recruitment, training and scheduling.
 
Oversee library website and its development.
 
Participate and attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
 
Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees to implement the library's strategic plans and goals.
 
Qualifications:
A Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school preferred.
 
Previous experience in library management.
 
Experience with computer technology and electronic resources.
 
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written.
 
Experience working with volunteers and or Friends groups and a Board of Trustees.
 
Knowledgeable of principles and practices of library functions, and open to new trends and innovations in field of library management.
 
                    ******
Competitive compensation and benefits to be commensurate with experience.
 
To apply:
Please send cover letter and resume electronically to [email protected] . Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
 
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

In the News
Local
National
International