Vol.24-12 | 3.19.24

These are challenging times. In an increasingly complex and less welcoming world libraries, stand out – they are special. We promote inclusion and are continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our communities. But rising stress in the communities we serve is increasing the number of trying encounters faced by library staff. Staff burnout and dissatisfaction are legitimate concerns. 

What our libraries and communities need most right now is compassion. Compassion has been identified as a key component of individual, organizational, and societal well-being. Employees in compassionate organizations are not only more resilient to stress and burnout, but have reduced anxiety, increased motivation, and are more engaged and collaborative. By cultivating our personal capacity for compassion and developing compassionate work cultures, we can better sustain ourselves, support our coworkers, and transform our libraries and our communities for the better.

Join us May 3rd from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm for Balancing Acts: Cultivating Compassion for Library Worker Wellness. In this half-day in-person workshop guest lecturer Jennifer Bollerman will address:

• Why compassion is vitally important for individuals and our communities
• What compassion is and how it differs from empathy
• How to apply compassion in our workplaces to minimize suffering
• How to cultivate compassion through mindful self-awareness

Participants will be invited to attend four follow-up online mini sessions designed to help put into practice principles learned during the workshop. These will be held on:

• Tues 5/14 10:00 am – 10:45 am via Zoom
• Wed 5/29 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm via Zoom
• Thurs 6/6 10:00 am – 10:45 am via Zoom
• Thurs 6/13 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm via Zoom

Jennifer Bollerman is Assistant Director at the Patchogue-Medford Library and is certified as an Ambassador of Applied Compassion Program through Stanford University.

REGISTER | Seating is limited.

This event is part of the MHLS Horizon Series where we bring you content on emerging issues that are impacting our communities and the work of libraries.

Questions about this program? Please contact Laura Crisci, Library Sustainability Coordinator, [email protected].

Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) is seeking to update our collection of member library logos, so that we have the most up-to-date versions on file. Please forward your file(s) to Library Sustainability Associate & Communications Specialist, Stephanie Werskey at [email protected]. Logos should be sent in either .jpg or .png format and be the largest size available. If your library has multiple versions of your logo (such as color and black and white versions), feel free to send them together.

Banned Books Symposium: Proactive, Reactive, Supportive | May 4 | 8:30 am | Dutchess BOCES, 5 Boces Road, Poughkeepsie | REGISTER

This half-day conference will feature presentations in all capacities of banned and challenged books and programs. Jeff Trexler has served since 2020 as Interim Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting free expression and the legal rights of the comics community. He has extensive experience providing strategic advice to librarians, teachers, retailers, publishers, creators, legislators, and even law enforcement on responding to attempts to restrict access to graphic novels. Cost: $25, includes lunch.

This Symposium is in partnership with Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, Ramapo Catskill Library System, Mid-Hudson Library System, Mount Saint Mary College, SUNY New Paltz and BOCES School Library Systems of Dutchess, Orange-Ulster, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett, has donated multiple copies of the 2024 volume of Women’s History in the Hudson Valley: Ten Stories from Columbia and Dutchess Counties to member libraries within the 106th district!

Assemblymember Barrett's office produced and distributed the Women’s History in the Hudson Valley booklet in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Library System as part of Women’s History Month. The 10 women highlighted in this year’s edition made significant strides toward equality, helped others in times of need and shaped the Hudson Valley communities we call home. This booklet features the stories of Joan Steiner, author of the “Look-Alikes” series, who was formerly a trustee of the Claverack Free Library and a driving force behind the vision to move the library to a new, larger space! 

E-book versions of the 2024 edition, as well as past editions, are also available within the MHLS catalog. 

Children’s Librarian, Elting Memorial Library (New Paltz)

The Elting Memorial Library, in New Paltz, is seeking an energetic and creative person, to fill a full-time Children’s Librarian/Youth position. Some evening hours are required in addition to daytime duty. Competitive salary. Benefits include health insurance, sick/vacation time, and 403(b).

Position starts in May. Under the guidance of the Library Director, this person selects library materials and maintains the collection, is responsible for creating and implementing most children’s programs, assists library patrons, answers routine reference, computer and internet queries, and provides circulation services as needed. This person may also assist the Youth coordinator in planning and carrying out some teen-level activities. A full job description will be provided after a resume is received.

Required Qualifications: An M.L.S. or M.S.I.S. degree from an A.L.A. accredited program. Experience with programming and collection development.

Please send resume and two references to Stephen Cook, Interim Director, Elting Memorial Library, 93 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561; or [email protected]. For more information visit www.eltinglibrary.org/childrens-librarian-joblisting.

MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community.