IN THIS ISSUE
Access the
Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
Top
Volume 19-05 | 1.29.19 
Calling All Library Advocates!
The Governor unveiled his FY2019-2020 Executive Budget proposal and it was not good news for Library Aid.

Proposed State Library Aid: $91.6 million
The Governor's suggested funding is $4 million less than what was in last year's enacted state budget. This proposed cut fails to acknowledge the crucial role libraries serve in our communities, and the contributions they make to our state's education system.

Proposed Library Construction Aid: $14 million  
Library Construction Aid received a $20 million increase in last year's enacted budget - Governor Cuomo has proposed eliminating that additional funding. The State Division of Library Development estimates that library renovation and construction needs are $1.7 billion statewide. Over 48% of public libraries in NYS are 60+ years old, and an additional 33% are 30+ years old. Investment in the Library Construction Aid program must be increased to address aging infrastructure, energy inefficient buildings and the evolving roles of libraries in their communities.

This is the third year of proposed cuts to library funding!  It's going to be important that we have a strong state-wide voice in support of library funding this year.

The New York Library Association (NYLA), our lead advocate in Albany, has provided customizable letters that can be sent to your representatives in Albany and to the Governor through their Online Advocacy Center: http://bit.ly/1LwV3Ex

Sending your letters of support is just the start! Here are three more things you can do to help with this year's advocacy effort:
 
Help more NY library supporters get enrolled in the NYLA Online Advocacy Center, numbers matter! The more people we can activate when the time is right, the bigger impact we can have with the legislature. Drive as much traffic as you can to this sign up form: http://bit.do/NYLAsignup

Help us tell the story with photos and numbers! Participate in the Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign at your library! If your library would like to participate in this campaign you can learn more here: http://midhudson.org/real-people-real-dollars/

Join us, and encourage others to join us, in Albany for Library Advocacy day on February 27! MHLS makes the day easy by scheduling meetings with each Assemblymember and Senator that represents our region and through arranging transportation. Thanks to the generosity of area Friends Groups the ticket to ride the bus this year is just $5! That's a lot less than it would cost you to park in Albany let alone the cost of gas! To register and learn more please visit: http://midhudson.org/library-advocacy-day/

Stay tuned for more information on how you can help mobilize advocates and our legislators to support libraries in this year's State budget. Your voice matters!
MHLS Announcements
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Board of Trustees met on Saturday, January 19th at the Highland Public Library and:
  • Were administered the 2019 Oath of Office; Reviewed the System's Conflict of Interest Policy, and were requested to sign and return the "MHLS Conflict of Interest Policy Disclosure Statement";

  • Accepted 2019 Board committee assignments (http://bit.ly/2CGE1HJ);

  • Received a report from Executive Director Aldrich (http://bit.ly/2Weuoc8) that included updates on staffing, contract timelines for both the delivery service and the Integrated Library Service (ILS) software; the renovation of the MHLS Auditorium; and the status of Pleasant Valley Free Library in their efforts to recover from the fire in November 2018;

  • Reviewed key talking points and issues (http://bit.ly/1QRHpDw) to discuss with legislators on Library Advocacy Day, Wednesday, February 27, 2019, in Albany, NY, and were encouraged to attend the event as well as to contact their local representatives with individual concerns in person, by phone and online;
  • Reviewed and discussed strategies to initiate, plan and facilitate Board-to-Board visits to the member libraries they represent in their counties;
  • Were presented an overview of the activities of the Ulster County Library Association by our host, Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, director of the Highland Public Library.
MHLS Board members and staff pose with Highland Public Library's director
 
All MHLS Board documents available at http://board.midhudson.org 
 
The next meeting of the Board is Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium.
Professional Development
Advocacy Day Briefing webinar: Friday, February 15th from 10:00-11:00 am. This online event is designed for all library advocates - library directors, staff, trustees, Friends, volunteers and patrons - who are interested in speaking up for libraries during the New York budget negotiation season.
 
During this live online webinar we will discuss:
  • Budget timeline and pressure points
  • Budget and legislative priorities
  • Effective talking points
  • How, when, and where you can speak up for libraries!
This webinar will be presented by Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director of the New York Library Association alongside MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich.
 
Please register for this event through the MHLS online calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org
Resource Sharing & Sierra
In 2018 the Central Library Collection Development Committee took a comprehensive look at the catalog enhancements that were currently deployed in our Encore Catalog against what was available. They determined that moving to a more holistic and comprehensive approach would provide a better user experience. On November 15th, 2018 the Directors Association voted to approve a move to Syndetics Unbound to provide cover images, summaries, author info, reviews, series, reader advisory, reading level, excerpts and more. In addition to enhancing the catalog this content is free to use on your websites, newsletters, social media and promotional materials. We are scheduled to go live with Syndetics Unbound on Friday, February 1st.
 
Visit Syndetics Unbound website for a full description: https://proquest.syndetics.com/Marketing/Detail/SeeIt
Job Openings
Part-Time Clerk, Kent Public Library
Kent Public Library in Putnam County seeks a Part-Time Library   Clerk ,   17  hours a week,   $11.60 to $12.50 per hour, Wednesdays through Fridays and every other  Saturday .  Must have high school degree, be experienced with computers, courteous, service oriented and able to work with the public at a busy circulation desk. Previous library experience preferred. If interested, please send your résumé to   cdonick@kentlibrary.org , and mention " clerk " in the subject line.

Part-Time Delivery Operations Clerk, Mid-Hudson Library System
The Mid-Hudson Library System is seeking a part-time Delivery Operations Clerk for up to 15 hours per week to receive, distribute, and prepare all incoming and outgoing items for shipment. Requirements of the position include but are not limited to; strong attention to detail, ability to follow directions, work within a team environment, sort library materials, meet the physical demands of the position, ability to lift 50 lbs., assist with unloading cargo vans, process and distribute internal and outgoing USPS mail, check in shipments against purchase orders, nightly building lock-up as needed.

Position is Monday through Friday with hours from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Hourly wage is $14.35hr. Send résumé with prior or present employment references to   delivery@midhudson.org or US mail to Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Attn: Delivery Operations Manager. No phone calls please.
In the News
Local
National