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Volume 18-30 | 7.24.18 
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Farewell & Best Wishes
A message from departing MHLS Executive Director, Tom Sloan.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the MHLS Executive Director. I am proud of our many efforts since 2013 to strengthen MHLS services to member libraries and enhance cooperation among MHLS stakeholders.

I am particularly pleased by the success of our collaborative planning efforts. The Moving Forward Assessment Project, the MHLS Plan of Service 2017-2021, and the MHLS Action Plan are the foundation for how we most effectively and efficiently work together.
 
It is commonly-stated that collaboration is an "unnatural act among non-consenting adults," which recognizes the challenges that are encountered in collaborative efforts. I suggest to you that the single most valuable MHLS asset is collaboration among MHLS stakeholders. We cooperatively provide library services, coordinate activities, and share an understanding of how to work jointly for the benefit of all.
 
MHLS is extremely well positioned to move forward in supporting 21st century library services that meet the needs of our communities. Working together, you can be more confident than ever that MHLS' best days are still ahead.
 
Tom has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Live Oak Library System, which is headquartered in Savannah GA.
MHLS Announcements
The Mid-Hudson Library System Board of Trustees is pleased to announce an offer of employment for the position of MHLS Executive Director has been made to Rebekkah Smith Aldrich , who has accepted the offer. The MHLS Board of Trustees will confirm an official appointment at the MHLS Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 15. Ms. Aldrich has held a number of positions at MHLS over the past twenty years, most recently as Coordinator for Library Sustainability. She was selected after an extensive search that included review of more than one dozen candidates from across the nation.
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The board of the Howland Public Library in Beacon has announced the appointment of Kristen Salierno (pictured below) as their new library director.

"I look forward to leading the wonderful staff of Howland Public Library in providing excellent services to the growing, changing, and diverse community of Beacon," says Kristen who assumed her position as director on July 2nd. Before coming to Howland, Kristen was the Assistant Director of Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill where she was known for her positive attitude and enthusiasm. Kristen is excited about finding ways for the library to connect with the community so she can discover "the needs and wants the library can fulfill." Kristen holds a Master of Science in Library Science from Long Island University and a BA in History from Adelphi University. She is currently enrolled in New York Library Association's Leadership and Management Academy.  
MHLS Libraries
Senator Sue Serino has continued her tour of libraries within the 41st Senate District with stops at the Grinnell Public Library District, Pleasant Valley Free Library and Starr Library in Rhinebeck.
Fran Harrison, Grinnell Library Director (l), Senator Serino (r)
 
(l-r): Pleasant Valley Free Library Trustee Pauline Herr, Senator Serino, and PVF Library Trustee Joy Dyson
Steve Cook, Starr Library Director (l) and Senator Serino (r)
The Senator posted on Facebook, "Thank you for all that you do to connect our community members with important tools and resources.  #LoveYourLibrary"
Professional Development
Reminder! The Fall Into Books 20th Annual Children's & Teen Literature Conference will be held on October 24th. Early bird pricing for this event ends on July 30th. For more information and to register please visit
Trustee Resources
Oaths of Office for All Public Library Trustees: The New York State Library recently issued an important reminder that Public Officer's Law §10 requires all public library trustees (but not association library trustees) to take an oath of office within 30 days of beginning their term of office. Public library trustees are public officers and the oath of office is required to officially undertake and perform the duties of a public library trustee. If a public library trustee does not properly complete and file an oath of office, the trustee's position may be deemed vacant. See Public Officer's Law §30(1)(h). For more information about how and why the oath of office is administered, and where to properly file an oath of office, please see the Oaths of Office FAQ page on the State Library's web site: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/trustees/oath.htm
Job Openings
Part-Time Library Clerk, Olive Free Library
Olive Free Library in West Shokan, NY is searching for an energetic, positive, people-person for a part-time library clerk position.

General responsibilities to include:
  • Perform circulation desk duties, including greeting patrons, checking in and out library materials, registering new patrons, and shelving books.
  • Assist patrons with basic computer software.
  • Assist with opening and closing duties.
  • Establishing positive working relationships with coworkers, library users, and community organizations.
Ability and Skills:
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgment in handling information and records.
  • Ability to maintain high standards of library service.
  • Ability to use computers, various software, on-line databases, handheld devices, copy machine, fax machine, printers, and scanner.
The ideal candidate will be friendly, approachable, and open-minded. A self-starter who is motivated to take on tasks and help with library functions as needed.

The hours include day and evening shifts, and every other Saturday, a total of 10-15 hours per  week with possible additional hours. Priority is given to applicants residing in the Town of  Olive. Starting pay $11-12 per hour based upon prior experience.

Please email a letter of interest, résumé, and at least three professional references (all in pdf form) to:
Chrissy L. Lawlor
director@olivefreelibrary.org
Application deadline: Saturday, August 4.
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