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Volume 18-17 | 4.24.18 
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Adult Literacy Mini-Grants
Mini-grants of $1,000 each for up to 10 eligible member libraries are available from MHLS to help develop and expand adult literacy programs (which will enhance workforce development services in public libraries, improve adult literacy on the job and in the home) and increase participation of adults in library literacy programs which will improve their career and educational opportunities.
 
This mini-grant opportunity is made possible through Adult Literacy Services 2018-2019 funds received by MHLS  through the New York State Library's Division of Library Development.

Criteria, information and the 2018-19 application are available at https://bit.ly/2Hz538y. Applications are due to MHLS on June 5, 2018.
MHLS Announcements
Empire State Center for the Book in partnership with Poughkeepsie Barnes & Noble collected over 4,000 books during the annual Holiday Book Drive. 57 public libraries, schools, literacy organizations, food pantries, and social service agencies recently picked up books in the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium. This program puts brand new books directly into the hands of kids.

Above: Katie Scott-Childress, Director of Saugerties Library, picks out 70 titles to distribute in her community.
MHLS Libraries
The Board of the Amenia Free Library has appointed Erika Palombo as their new library director. Miriam Devine, the former library director, has retired after 29 years as the director. From a press release issued by Amenia Free Library Board President Alan Gamble: "Erika has an impressive résumé that includes her Masters of Science in Information Science from the University at Albany. She has worked briefly in the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the New York Public Library, the East Fishkill Community Library, Internship at the Dover Plains Library, and has been a Library Clerk at the Millbrook Library for the past 2 ½ years. Erika has been Webmaster for a Student Association and will use those skills to enhance our outreach. She has a passion for bringing STEM Programming to the Children and Young Adults of our community, and has instructed students on basic knowledge of circuitry and robotics. The Library Community is indeed in good hands with dedicated and creative people like Erika trying to make a difference in the lives of our community." An open house-style event to wish Miriam well in her retirement will be held on Sunday, May 6th from 2:00--5:00pm at the library.
Professional Development
Strengthening Young Families through Early Literacy Practices Workshops: National sources as well as member library experience within the MHLS region document the need for library staff to assist families with children from birth - school entry in developing the early literacy skills needed to succeed in the school years ahead, positioning the library as a vital community partner and hub for early learning in their community.

Presented by Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Assistant Director and Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Library Sustainability Associate and Communications Specialist, this workshop is designed for library staff that work with children from birth to school entry. Objectives:
  • The importance of early literacy and how it relates to library programming

  • Research based early literacy practices you can incorporate into your programming, including the framework of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing from the national Every Child Ready to Ready to Read 2 initiative

  • Tips & techniques to enrich story times to involve parents/caregivers
Register today for one of the following sessions at calendar.midhudson.org:

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Sustainable Libraries
Bullet Aid Request Template Now Available!
The newly passed New York State budget includes appropriations for direct grants-in-aid to certain educational institutions, including libraries. These funds are also known by the names of Special Legislative Grants and "Bullet Aid." Bullet Aid awards are allocated at the discretion of individual state legislators from their share of available funds. We are encouraging all member libraries to submit a request for funding to their State Senator AND State Assemblymember.
 
Last year, project awards in the region ranged from $2,500 - $20,000 and in other regions of the state ranged as high as $50,000. These funds have been used for technology upgrade, facility projects, programming, renewable energy and other sustainability initiatives.
 
Tips:
  • To get you started, the New York Library Association has provided a 2018 Bullet Aid Request Template: https://bit.ly/2qHoaTg
  • Not sure who your legislators are: Check out this handy list from MHLS: https://bit.ly/2HwFzbP
  • Wondering how much libraries in our region received last year? You can find out here: https://conta.cc/2JTJCxc
  • Be sure to make your ask specific - project wise and dollar wise
  • GET THIS DONE ASAP! Decisions about these funds need to be made in the next month and a half. Decisions are usually finalized in June.
Job Openings
Principal Library Clerk, Newburgh Free Library
The Newburgh Free Library at 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY, is seeking a candidate for the position of Principal Library Clerk in the Administrative Offices. The position involves responsibility under the general direction of the Library Director for assigned operations of library administration and services. The work involves performance of specialized clerical work. Advanced knowledge of library operations is required. This class differs from that of Senior Library Clerk in that there is a greater degree of independent judgement and decision making. Supervision may be exercised over Library Clerks, Pages and Volunteers. Does related work as required.
 
Minimum Qualifications: You must have a completed application on file and submit a letter of interest to the Office of Human Resources. You must also apply to take the *Civil Service Exam by no later than April 23, 2018. Please see the district's website for details "City of Newburgh website for upcoming exams."   A separate application and fee will be required.
 
Typical Work Activities (Illustrative Only)
Supervises and performs complex clerical library functions: e.g. Time sheet records and room use forms;
Troubleshoots difficult clerical problems involving independent judgement;
Complies statistical reports for budget, circulation and attendance;
Maintains divisional/department records such as time worked files;
Provides information to the public on library policies and procedures;
Assigns and reviews work of subordinate staff and creates work schedules;
Performs routine searches of and updates to computer records;
Operates office machinery such as photocopiers or fax machines;
Calls patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials;
Compiles Board of Education materials and Library Committee materials;
Reports to the Director and Assistant Director;
Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
 
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:
Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment;
Good knowledge of library services and practices;
Good knowledge of handling and using library materials and equipment;
Working knowledge of business arithmetic;
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in written and oral English;
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions;
Ability to operate a personal computer accurately;
Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others;
Tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public.
 
This position is a competitive Civil Service position and is classified as Confidential/Managerial.
The Newburgh Free Library has a goal of reflecting the community it serves and welcomes candidates with diverse or multi-cultural skill sets.
 
To apply, go to www.newburghschools.org, click on the "Departments" tab, drop down to "Human Resources and Employment" and follow the directions on the posting for PLBC-001 Principal Library Clerk - Newburgh Free Library - Provisional Appointment.  

All replies must be received in the Office of Human Resources by 4PM on April 23, 2018.
For further information about the position, contact Human Resources at 845-563-3460.
Please use the "CSEA Application" and "Letter of Interest" template found on the district's website (www.newburghschools.org) under "Departments" tab, drop down to "Human Resources and Employment."
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Librarian I (Youth Services) - Poughkeepsie Public Library District
The Library District seeks a Librarian I to join the Youth Services Department.  Primary responsibilities include evening and weekend public desk assignments at the Youth Services Desks (one evening per week and  Saturday rotation), programming, and community outreach.  Will consider a student matriculated in an ALA accredited MLS program as a Librarian Trainee.
 
Qualifications:  Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications:
  • ALA MLS recognized by the NYS Department of Education (will consider a matriculated MLS student)
  • Eligibility for a NYS Public Librarian's Professional Certificate at the time of application for appointment; possession of certificate at time of appointment
This is a competitive probationary Civil Service appointment.  For permanent appointment, the selected candidate will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months.
 
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:  In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:
  • A desire for civic engagement with the local community and interests and a passion to bring the Library District's mission and vision outside the building and to the community at large
  • Ability to effectively work with a diverse staff serving a diverse population
  • Experience working in Youth Services is highly desirable
  • Willingness to work with the Head of Youth Services in the development of departmental policies and procedures as well as service plan implementation
About the Poughkeepsie Public Library District:  The Library District ( www.poklib.org) is an independent special library district serving the residents and businesses of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie with a chartered population of 75,000 and an annual budget of $7.5 million.  Having recently completed a $20 million capital improvement plan, the organizational focus will now shift to ongoing service evaluation and development as well as continued community engagement.
 
Compensation:  This is a Civil Service, represented appointment with the annual salary determined by the Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Library Director.  Salary is $53,166 per year ($48,648 for Librarian Trainee).  Primary assignment is one evening per week and a monthly  Saturday rotation.  Standard financial and leave benefits apply.
 
To Apply:  Interest candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at  [email protected].  All applications will kept confidential.  References will be requested of finalists, only.
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