Construction Awards Announced |
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The FY 2020-2021 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $578,082.00 have been announced and twelve MHLS Member Libraries have been awarded funds. The application process began well over a year ago, so these libraries have been waiting a long time for this announcement! |
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“Libraries have been instrumental during the pandemic, providing innovative and relevant ways to meet the needs of the communities they serve,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “These important funds enable libraries to improve the infrastructures necessary to support a lasting expansion of equitable and accessible services that New York’s libraries provide.”
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“Libraries play an integral role in their communities and it’s critical to ensure the necessary resources to improve library facilities at this unprecedented time of need,” Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “With these funds, our wonderful librarians and staff will be better equipped to help close the digital divide with the necessary infrastructure and accessibility improvements that make urgently important services available to all.”
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Senate Libraries Committee Chair Sean M. Ryan said, “New York’s Public Library Construction Aid program provides critical funding for libraries throughout our state, and its effects are far-reaching. When we invest in libraries, we invest in our communities. Infrastructure investments like these help ensure that libraries in every part of our state can continue to provide a wide range of essential services to the people of New York and, in many cases, serve as cornerstones of their communities.”
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“Our local libraries have always played a critical role here in our community, but they truly went above and beyond to help support our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Sue Serino of the 41st Senate District. “These grants will go a long way in ensuring our local libraries have the resources they need to continue doing what they do best—educating, connecting and providing resources for neighbors of all ages.”
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“Local libraries are essential in the process of providing equal access to knowledge, and they are even more important in a digital world,” Senator Pete Harckham of the 40th Senate District said. “That is why I am committed to helping them in every way I can to maintain and upgrade their infrastructure and technology. It’s not only about books, libraries offer so much to our communities.”
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2021 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System
Brewster Public Library: $8,102.00
Audiovisual infrastructure and equipment, millwork cabinets, and amenities for the new Program Room.
Claverack Free Library: $17,451.00
Library improvements will expand hours of access, increase accessibility for the elderly and frail, conserve energy, and enhance community safety.
East Fishkill Public Library: $13,155.00
Replace HVAC system; improve fresh air mix; install UV lights for health, safety, comfort benefits; see energy savings from high efficiency equipment.
Town of Esopus Library: $6,537.00
The Town of Esopus Library will install a digital sign near Rt. 9W to indicate the location of the library and its program offerings.
Desmond-Fish Public Library: $23,412.00
Create a Reading Garden and ADA-accessible paths to enhance use of grounds and educate the public about natural habitats and sustainable initiatives.
Hyde Park Library District: $28,784.00
This project will improve the efficiency of lighting and windows, create more flexible program space, and allow easier accessibility in the library.
Lagrange Association Library: $89,745.00
The LaGrange Association Library is relocating to an expanded physical plant in which to operate in the long term and be fully ADA compliant.
Pawling Free Library: $2,775.00
Alteration of library spaces to improve safety
Philmont Public Library: $23,941.00
Foundational and structural rehabilitation and upgrades.
Pleasant Valley Library: $357,970.00
The historic Library was devastated by fire and this project will both renovate and expand the sq. ft in order to incorporate community needs.
Morton Memorial Library & Community House (Rhinecliff): $3,710.00
A handsome and welcoming Library entrance - safe, accessible and historically preserved.
Valatie Free Library: $2,500.00
Library must purchase new furnace to maintain healthier environment for staff and patrons: no negative impact will occur; match funds are available.
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Please join us for our 62nd Mid-Hudson Library System Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, October 22nd. This event is online and free to attend!
Register for the Annual Membership Meeting
Register for the Keynote Speaker Patty Wong, ALA President
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Take action now to support the Library Trustee Training Bill on the Governor's desk!
Our library trustees play an important role in the success and long-term growth of our libraries through their work on policy, personnel, finance, funding, and more. Currently, the state does not require library trustees to obtain any formal training. Passage of this bill would ensure that those choosing to serve their libraries as a trustee have annual comprehensive training to support them in their work.
You can use NYLA's Online Advocacy Center to quickly and easily let the Governor know trustee education and this bill are important to you. Using the Online Advocacy Center, you send a message the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Chairs of the Library Committees in just a couple clicks.
We only have until October 9th so after you send your message with the Online Advocacy Center, ask your fellow trustees, ask your Friends, ask your patrons, to send a message, too!
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Please join us in welcoming three new employees to the Mid-Hudson Library System! |
Kathryn Brew, Technology Operations Support Specialist | [email protected] | Ext. 221
Kathryn began a new position on the Tech Ops team in early September. The new role will provide much needed support to teammates who work in Sierra, Cataloging and IT. Kathryn holds both a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies degree and a master’s of Archival Studies degree from the University of British Columbia, where she completed her most recent work experience as a Metadata and Quality Control Assistant and a Library and Archives Assistant in their Museum of Anthropology. Kathryn got her start as a circulation clerk right here in MHLS at the Howland Public Library in Beacon.
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Alexa began working with Casey Conlin and Kerstin Cruger on the Library Sustainability Team in early August. She will be taking on many of the duties and responsibilities Kerstin has traditionally led in our organization. Alexa comes to us most recently from Rhinebeck Bank in Poughkeepsie where she was recognized as a "Universal Banker Leader," serving as a mentor for other employees at the bank. Alexa is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in English Language & Literature at Southern New Hampshire University.
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Kyra Walker, Interlibrary Loan & Cataloging Specialist | [email protected] | Ext. 224
Kyra began working in the ILL & Cataloging Specialist position in early August. Kyra is pursuing her master’s in Library and Information Science degree with the University of Southern Mississippi and most recently has been working at both the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and Marist College providing frontline library service to patrons. Kyra also has a background that includes working for the Clinton Community Library, the Eastern Correctional Facility Library, and Hudson Archival in Port Ewen.
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The search is still open for an Administrative Associate. This part-time position provides assistance to the executive director by coordinating activities related to the MHLS Board of Trustees and Directors Association; supports finance operations; special events planning; maintenance of member information; and assistance with general office duties.
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MHLS will be migrating to the new Extreme CloudIQ platform on Wednesday October 6th between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. This will only effect member libraries, that have Aerohive Access Points from MHLS and responded as such during the Aerohive Action Memo. We are working closely with Extreme Networks to make the migration as seamless as possible.
Please make sure that all access points are online during this time, so that they can receive important updates. Do not unplug or reset the devices during this period, as it may interrupt the migration or damage the device. The access points may go offline during the migration, causing a loss in internet for any wireless device. We recommend using wired connection where possible during the migration period.
If you have any questions about the migration, please reach out to [email protected]. |
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Congratulations to the Brewster Public Library on their Grand Re-opening celebration! The library held a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 18th to welcome back patrons after a major construction project. You can see highlights from the ceremony as well as a tour of the updated space in this compilation video created by Brewster Public Library staff member Stephanie Schleicher. |
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Reserve your seat for Circulation 101 with Laurie Shedrick, MHLS Assistant Director/Technology Operations Manager on Tuesday, October 19 th at noon. Become acquainted with the necessary skills and workflows needed to manage the primary tasks of circulation desk work. This workshop is intended for any new staff or perhaps experienced staff wondering if there are more efficient ways to do things while covering the circ desk. |
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Enrollment open for Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP). The Sustainable Libraries Certification Program Introduction presented by Annemarie Gordon, Sustainability Coordinator at the Suffolk Cooperative Library System is now available here. The webinar gives an overview of Sustainable Library Certification Program, which provides library leaders with a tested, structured path forward to increase your library’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity. In the program, actions within 12 categories provide you and your sustainability team with the opportunity to take a closer look at how things are done and/or consumed at your library and provide your team with the opportunity to think differently about how you will proceed on that issue in the future. The SLCP includes support from mentors, examples of sustainable work in libraries, inspiration, and “Pro Tips.” For more information, see the Sustainable Libraries Initiative homepage, and the SLCP FAQ’s. You can also sign up for the SLI Newsletter and SLCP Meetups to learn more about the program. You can contact Annemarie Gordon, Sustainability Coordinator at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, or Casey Conlin with questions about the Sustainable Library Certification Program.
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REMINDER: Libraries participating in the 2021 The Great Give Back (GGB) should complete The Great Give Back Program Submission Form to provide information on when their The Great Give Back events will take place, and how community members can participate. |
The Suffolk County Library System (SCLS) has created flyers and social media images available here to help you promote your program. Participating libraries that complete the GGB Program Submission Form will receive stickers in yellow and pink to give to your participants courtesy of SCLS. Look for an envelope in the MHLS delivery. To help support this statewide event when posting to social media use the hashtags #greatgiveback and #librariesgiveback and tag @greatgiveback in your Instagram posts. |
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There is still time to register for the MHLS Trustee Education Series sessions, Legal Issues: NYS Minimum Standards and Financial & Fiduciary Responsibilities. These intermediate-level courses are for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year.
Legal Issues: NYS Minimum Standards | Tuesday, October 12th | 10:00-11:30 am | Register
There are a number of laws and regulations that directly and indirectly apply to and impact libraries in New York State. This program provides a primer on what trustees need to know about how libraries are governed in NYS including an overview of minimum standards for public and association libraries. All MHLS member libraries are required to meet these standards, which include requirements for library planning, staff training, library services, and community engagement.
Learning Objectives:
- Library stakeholders will understand the minimum standards applicable to their library.
- Library stakeholders will be aware of ways to meet the minimum standards.
- Library stakeholders will be aware of resources to support them if they are not currently meeting standards.
Financial & Fiduciary Responsibility | Thursday, October 14th | 5:30-7:00pm | Register
Library boards are trusted with public and private funds to provide quality library service to their community. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront as a board makes decisions pertaining to the library’s finances. This course will focus on the financial and fiduciary responsibility involved with:
- The library’s budget
- Library funding
- Financial policies
- Reports to the board
- External audits
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Administration & Management |
The New York State Library has announced effective January 1st, 2022, only in building hours will be accepted for the purposes of minimum standards compliance. Curbside and/or lobby service hours will no longer be counted towards the library’s required minimum weekly hours open. Member libraries that believe they may have difficulty meeting their minimum required hours should contact MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin before November 30 th, 2021. |
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REMINDER: The second application filing window for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program will close on October 13th. The roughly $2 billion in ECF program funds remaining can be requested for connected devices and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons for the current 2021-22 school year. Eligible schools and libraries will be able to apply for financial support for eligible equipment and services received or delivered between July 1 st, 2021, and June 30 th, 2022 for students, school staff and library patrons with unmet needs. ECF Applicants looking for help can contact the ECF Customer Support Center (CSC) with questions at (800) 234-9781 Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm or submit a case in the ECF Portal. |
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The NYS Department of Labor has updated their model airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plans. The updated plans reflect two key changes. First, the updated model plan revises the section on “face coverings” to provide two options from which employers can choose. Second, the NYSDOL has removed the words “use a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained” under the “Physical Distancing” section of the template. In addition, it also removed the provision stating to “avoid unnecessary gatherings and maintain a distance of at least six feet.” Instead, the model plan now simply states: “Physical distancing will be used, to the extent feasible, as advised by guidance from State Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control, as applicable.” Although these updates to the model plan have been made, no changes to the Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard or the guidance seem to have been made at this time. On September 6 th, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease under the HERO Act. This designation requires all private employers, including association libraries, to implement workplace safety plans. More info is available here. |
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Assistant Library Director, Beekman Library
The Beekman Library seeks an innovative library professional who is passionate about providing exceptional library service to the public. The Assistant Library Director performs professional and administrative duties in planning, implementing, directing and evaluating library service to the community.
Examples of Duties:
- Plans and implements all adult programs
- Assists Director with collection development
- Writes grant proposals
- Assists Director with marketing of library services through various media
- Identifies new service needs in the community
- Provides digital literacy support and training to patrons and staff
- Troubleshoots technical problems
- Acts as the Library Director in his or her absence
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Working knowledge of professional library principles, practices, functions, methods and administration
- Working knowledge of library circulation systems and online databases
- Strong computer and technical skills
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to develop the necessary supervisory, decision-making, team building and conflict resolution skills to assist the Director in personnel matters
- Ability to set priorities and coordinate multiple projects
- Ability to perform with a minimum of supervision and to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of and ability to learn various graphic design and marketing software such as Canva, and Constant Contact
Qualifications:
MLS or equivalent from an ALA accredited school. Two years of professional public library experience required. Prior supervisory experience is a plus.
Compensation:
This is a salaried 40-hour-per-week position with a competitive compensation package including paid vacation, personal days, holidays, sick time, and health benefits. Salary range is $47,000-$50,000 a year depending on experience.
Beekman Library:
The Beekman Library is an Association Library located in Southern Dutchess County that serves the 12,650 residents of the Town of Beekman. We are a vital, exurban library with an active adult and children's program calendar.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and résumé with the subject heading Assistant Director to [email protected]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Clerk/Passport Agent, part time, LaGrange Association Library
LaGrange Library in Dutchess County, NY is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service/detail oriented individual to join our team in our beautiful new library located in the center of LaGrangeville.
Responsibilities include answering the phone, serving patrons at the checkout and information desks, assisting library users with reference, reader’s advisory and basic computer functions, shelving, shelf-reading, and small projects as assigned. Online training to become a Passport Agent will be provided and those duties include processing new passports, carefully checking personal documents, and taking passport photos.
This position is 18 hours per week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 2pm-8pm, plus 2 Saturdays per month 9am-2:15pm, with the opportunity to cover other shifts as needed. Salary is $13 per hour with three (3) flex days upon hiring; sick, vacation, and personal days upon one (1) year anniversary.
Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, United States Citizenship (mandatory for Passport Agents) customer service experience, basic computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the physical condition to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds. Must enjoy working with the public, have patience with children, and be able to maintain confidentiality of patron information. Prior library experience is a plus.
Please email a meaningful cover letter, résumé, and two (2) references to [email protected], and indicate “Clerk” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Librarian II – Poughkeepsie Public Library District
The Library District seeks an individual to join the Library District’s management staff as Head of Borrower & Technical Services. The position is responsible for the overall management of clerical staff who perform circulation and technical services functions. Management of this large department and its varied responsibilities is assisted by two Supervising Library Clerks as well as a Library Assistant. The selected candidate will assist with staffing the Reference & Information Desk and will participate in collection development tasks.
Qualifications: Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications:
- ALA MLS recognized by the NYS Department of Education,
- Minimum of two (2) years professional library experience subsequent to the MLS
- 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 Civil Service appointment. For permanent appointment, the selected candidate will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months and must be reachable on an appropriate Civil Service List of Eligibles, once the examination is given and the List established.
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,
- Thorough knowledge of Innovative’s Sierra system preferred but not required,
- Leadership and a willingness to actively support the Library District’s management team,
- Thorough understanding of contemporary public library standards and practices,
- Ability to effectively work with a diverse staff serving a diverse population
- Willingness to participate in state and national library organizations
- Ability to effectively use library data to analyze Library District operations to effect positive change, as needed
- Willingness to work with the other managers in the development of Library District 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 $9.5 million. The Library District operates the Adriance Memorial Library and the Boardman Road Branch Library along with a bookmobile service. In 2022, a new branch library will open at the Family Partnership Center in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Compensation: This is a Civil Service, represented appointment with the annual salary determined by collective bargaining. Current minimum salary upon appointment will be $59,192 (Step 1), depending on experience and qualifications. 35-hour work week. Standard benefit package applies including medical and NYS Retirement System pension plan. Other benefits may be elected. Standard leave package applies.
To Apply: Interest candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at [email protected]. All applications will be kept confidential. References will be requested of finalists, only.
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Local
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Dede Farabaugh | Desmond Fish Public Library | Highlands Current 9.17.2021
National
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