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Volume 18-46 | 11.13.18
MHLS Annual Meeting Highlights
More than 130 library directors, trustees, staff and special guests attended the MHLS 59th Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, November 2nd held at the Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie.

During the Business Meeting portion of the event MHLS Board President Mark Wilson (above) reflected back on the year, noting:
  • The fiscal responsibility of the board in planning, implementing and monitoring a balanced operating budget of more than $3.8 million;
     
  • The adoption of both an Environmental Sustainability Policy as well as a NYS compliant Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy;
     
  • The board's commitment to good stewardship of the MHLS facilities with the completion of the Phase II renovations of the MHLS Auditorium which now allow for broadcast capabilities and remote participation for meetings in that space; and
     
  • A continued commitment to outreach from our board to the member libraries with board-to-board visits and two MHLS board meetings held at member libraries - Greene and Putnam Counties this year.
We were joined by Senator Sue Serino of Senate District 41, the largest district in our region and Assemblymember Didi Barrett of the 106th Assembly District who also happens to be the Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries & Education  Technology. Both legislators used a portion of their time to acknowledge the Clinton Community Library's milestones of being granted both their absolute charter from the New York State Board of Regents and the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award.

This event is our opportunity to elect trustees to the MHLS Board, this year three trustees were nominated and elected by the membership to five-year terms: Janet Schnitzer, Columbia County; Michele Ment, Putnam County; and Stuart Auchincloss, Ulster County.

MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich presented a look back at the activities of 2018 in the areas of Advocacy, Delivery Services, the E-Collection, Technology Operations and Consulting & Development. Rebekkah also shared the preliminary results of her Stakeholder Surveys and Listening Tour, two activities related to her "First 100 Days" initiative. Rebekkah's findings are being used to bolster and shape the System's Action Plans for the coming years.

Five MHLS staff were recognized for their service milestones:
5 years:
  • Nina Acosta, Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor
  • Matthew Reinhardt, Tech Support Specialist
  • Vinnie McCombs, Material Handler
20 Years:
  • Merribeth Advocate, Assistant Director
  • Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director
Outstanding Accomplishment Awards: Three member libraries were recognized for their recent achievements:
  • Brewster Public Library, Successful Building Referendum
  • Clinton Community Library, Sustainable Funding Milestone (First Successful 414 Vote)
  • Highland Public Library, Grand Opening
The 2018 Spotlight Presentation and Awards were focused on member libraries who have invested in programming, equipment and redesigned spaces to help connect residents with information and experiences related to emerging technology:
  • Beekman Library
  • Chatham Public Library
  • Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (Cold Spring)
  • Town of Esopus Library
  • Desmond Fish Library (Garrison)
  • Germantown Library
  • Highland Public Library
  • Hudson Area Association Library
  • LaGrange Association Library
  • Mahopac Library
  • Pawling Free Library
  • Phoenicia Library
  • Poughkeepsie Public Library District
  • Saugerties Public Library
After the close of the Business Meeting the keynote presenter, futurist Garry Golden (left) helped the audience get ahead of the curve by sharing demographic and funding trends that will greatly shape our future. In particular Garry focused on "population pyramid" charts which helped audience members get a striking visual of the aging population in the Hudson Valley. Discussion was centered around the impact of demographics and technology and what impacts to expect on library service design, housing and transportation in our region. Garry's presentation and related materials are available at http://www.garrygolden.com/november2/
MHLS Libraries
The Pleasant Valley Free Library suffered from a structural fire on Tuesday, November 6th. No one was harmed in the fire. The board is awaiting the final reports from the fire inspector, insurance company and cleaning service. The building is closed indefinitely.
 
While the library director and board are working to open temporary space the LaGrange Library has generously stepped up to be the hold pick-up location for Pleasant Valley residents and residents have been notified that their card works at any MHLS member library. We thank all member libraries for their gracious and heartwarming outreach to this library and their patrons, it has been wonderful to see the outpouring of support for this community in our MHLS Community.
 
At this time, the library is unable to accept any physical donations (books, shelving, etc). When they have found a temporary place to reopen library services, they will update everyone as to their plans. Right now, what they are most in need of are monetary donations to begin rebuilding. You can donate via their website ( http://pleasantvalleylibrary.org/) or checks can be mailed to: PO Box 633 Pleasant Valley NY 12569. Every little bit will help!
Job Openings
Circulation Staff, Phoenicia Library
Come work in one of the coolest small towns in America. Phoenicia Library is looking for 1-2 library staff to join our great library community in our new building. You will be at the front desk doing circulation and helping create the warm atmosphere that our patrons love.  You will work with a great, fun team.

Opportunities include: Depending on your skill level and initiative, you are encouraged to: help create or run programs, do collection development, learn linking etc.  It's' a great way for someone who wants to learn about all 360 degrees of a library operations bring their skill set up and hold some significant responsibility. 

Requirements: Ease with details & computers, familiarity with Word  and Internet search engines.  We can train on Sierra.  Friendly, open manner with all ages. Reliable.  This is an active, busy library with wonderful patrons.  We do shared caretaking of the library meaning everyone pitches in with all tasks including daily housekeeping, setting up for programs which involves moving light tables, chairs.  

Wage: $13.50/hour to start.

Possible 2 -3 day; or 5 day-a-week position (our days are 5 hours each). Position can evolve into FT position (with holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, money towards health insurance ) if the fit is right.  Also, if you have good experience and strong references in the library world we can consider full time right away.  How many days per week depends on your and the library's needs - and will be worked out prior to starting.   Saturdays (10-3) will likely part of the schedule, at least part of the time.

To apply: Please email your Word/PDF résumé   to 
[email protected]  and include a cover letter in your email telling us a little about yourself.  

We will be contacting people via email to set up interviews. Please address all questions regarding this posting to email, not the phone. Thank you so much for applying!
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