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Volume 18-40 | 10.2.18 
Congratulations Beacon!
The 2018 Battle of the Books program spelled victory for the Howland Public Library located in Beacon as they took home first place in both the teen and middle school competitions.

Howland Public Library Teen Team (Photo by Phoebe Temple)

The  3rd Annual Teen Battle of the Books event , held in August brought together fourteen library teams comprised of 9th-12th graders. Each team came ready with extensive trivia knowledge of five titles, they had read over the summer. The heated contest put  Beacon in first place with s econd place going to Butterfield Library in Cold Spring while  Grinnell Library in Wappingers placed third.

Then on Saturday, September 8th the Beacon Bees won the 14th Annual Middle School Battle of the Books. Twenty-five Mid-Hudson Library System member libraries faced off after reading eight books and practicing with their teammates and coaches all summer. Second place went to Clinton Library's Fiction Tacticians and the Brewster Buzzers placed third.

Howland Public Library Middle School Team

Clinton Community Library Middle School Team

The Mid-Hudson Battle of the Books encourages a community of engaged middle and high-school-aged readers in our five-county region by introducing them to great books, authors, and their fellow readers in an atmosphere of friendly competition and good sportsmanship.

To learn more about this event or become a participating library in this member driven program visit https://mhbattleofbooks.org/
MHLS Libraries
Germantown Library's website has a fresh new look! The site has a streamlined layout which features upcoming events, selected services and the library's Makerspace. Check it out at https://germantownlibrary.org/
Sustainable Libraries
The Friends of the Howland Public Library sponsor a bus to transport coaches, teammates and their families to the annual Battle of the Books Regional Competitions. However, the bus is more than just a reliable ride it also offers a community experience for all those involved in the event.  
Ginny Figlia, Head of Youth Services at Howland Public Library said, "The bus turned out to be more than just transportation. The kids look forward to riding together, each year, as a team. They feel more connected to each other, and frankly, have more fun. It's also a nice way for parents to meet each other and chat." 
Reference & Collection Development
Access books for Youth at Deep Discounts from the Scholastic Family and Community Engagement Program.
 
Research shows that children achieve superior outcomes in school and in life when they receive literacy support outside of the classroom. This support consistently results in higher graduation rates, increased future earning potential, and improved quality of life. Having books in their home is key to enhancing literacy. Enrolling in this 'take home book program' will give you 43-72% discounts (and free shipping) for books that will be given to children to take home and keep. Register for a free membership at http://bit.ly/2xPclhi
Trustee Resources
A new edition of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is now available in both print, for $5.00 a copy, (order form found at http://bit.ly/2OjSOjk) and online, for free, through the New York State Library's website http://bit.ly/2DvUKkz

Updates include:
  • Alignment of information with the newly revised Minimum Standards for Public Libraries in NYS;
  • Clarity on the questions surrounding the Library Treasurer and Library District Clerk positions;
  • Expanded commentary on procurement policies and the "claims audit" procedure, a very hot topic in recent audits of public libraries by the Office of the State Comptroller;
  • New information about the position of the Library Director as an "Officer of the Corporation" and the suggestion that the Library Director take the Oath of Office, just as public library trustees do;
  • Connections to the work of the Sustainability Initiative of the New York Library Association; and
  • Links to several brand-new webinars that will help you do your job as a trustee.

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Job Openings
Library Director, Millbrook Library
The Millbrook Library  is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director.  The Library is an active community center serving a vibrant, rural community.  Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations.
 
Minimum Qualifications : Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program preferred and 3 years of progressively responsible library administrative experience.  Experience should include a broad background in management, administration/human resources, operations, fundraising and finance, as well as knowledge of library services, operations and collections. 
 
Salary : $50,000+ commensurate with experience and benefits. 
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the MillbrookLibrary, its programs and services, in compliance with all applicable laws, and policies and decisions of the Board;
  • Oversees continuous development of relevant library materials and services; responsible for the development of the Library's adult collections; plans and implements programs and services for patrons of all ages in collaboration with the Youth Services staff;
  • Exhibits a high level of administrative and supervisory skills including: recruiting, hiring and training new employees, as well as coordinating the continued training and development of staff members; administering personnel policies; preparing performance evaluations of staff members; record keeping; grant writing and preparing the annual budget, state and local reports; and oversees the annual audit;
  • Possesses exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
  • Exercises considerable professional skill, initiative and good judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library, patrons, the public and the Board to promote the library as an integral and vital component of the community;
  • Strong computer skills: knowledge of database, spreadsheet and word processing software, as well as familiarity with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
Qualified applicants should submit cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references no later than October 26, 2018 to:
 
Kerry Weller, Chair  Board of Trustees Personnel Committee
Millbrook Library
PO Box 286
Millbrook, NY 12545
 
or email to   [email protected]
________________________________________________________________

Library Clerk,  Newburgh Free Library
The Newburgh Free Library is seeking a full time library clerk to join its circulation department. We are seeking someone committed to providing exceptional customer service.

The library clerk performs the following functions:
  • All circulation duties: included but not limited to checking items in and out, placing holds, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance
  • Provides information to the public on library policies and procedures
  • Performs routine searches and updates of computer records
  • Provides reference and readers advisory when needed
  • Helps to maintain a friendly, welcoming environment
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Hours: 35 hours per week and includes a weekly night and Saturday rotation shift. Position includes shifts at both our main library and branch (located inside the Newburgh Mall - 1401 Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550).

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 Library Clerk.

All replies must be received in the Office of Human Resources by 4 PM on October 9, 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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