MHLS Annual Membership Meeting Report | | On October 23rd, the 67th Annual Membership Meeting of the Mid-Hudson Library System was convened at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. | | |
More than 140 library directors, trustees, staff, and special guests attended – a testament to the dedicated staff and trustees’ system-wide and the collaboration of our shared goals for Hudson Valley patrons. The business portion of the event included:
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A report from MHLS Board President Stuart Auchincloss, who thanked member libraries for their participation in the focus groups for the new MHLS Plan of Service and stressed the importance of advocacy for state aid.
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A report from MHLS Board Treasurer, Kevin Finnegan, who provided details on the fiscal standing of the organization. Mr. Finnegan reported that MHLS is in stable financial condition, received a clean audit for FY 2025, and provided an update on the financial software modernization project.
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The election of three trustees to the MHLS Board:
o Greene County: Corinne Molinaro
o Putnam County: Terry Raskin, Esq.
o Ulster County: Donald Carragher
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A report from MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, announced the new “MHLS Matters” campaign (more on that below) as well as highlighting the everyday success of core services such as delivery, technology operations, and library sustainability teams in supporting member library operations. Rebekkah reviewed highlights of the year so far, including the launch of the new midhudson.org; the Patron Data Clean-up Project; the new Staff Picks feature; the Bridgebuilding and A.I. Horizons workshop series; as well as two larger grants received by MHLS, one to help extend the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley program and the other to experiment with items for member libraries’ Library of Things collections that help residents in the aftermath of a climate hazard event such as an extended power outage or flooding.
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NEW ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN: MHLS Matters!
We are asking for your help to gather quotes and anecdotes about why the Mid-Hudson Library System matters to you, your library, and/or your community. This will aid us in messaging with legislators over the next several months as we continue our work to achieve a strong outcome in the state budget process.
Maybe the MHLS Tech Ops team helped you in a way that ensures your patrons can connect with your collection and services through modern interfaces; perhaps a MHLS Consultant help you stabilize or grow your operating or capital funding; maybe you now have a stronger disaster preparedness plan thanks to the gift of a free dPlan account; maybe the MHLS Delivery Service helps save you tens of thousands of dollars a year rather than paying for postage to mail items back and forth... you tell us!
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Step 1: Please use this form before Thanksgiving to share your comments and encourage your staff, trustees, and Friends to do the same.
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Step 2: If you are willing to have your photo associated with the comment provided (which will help your message go further) please email a photo to engage@midhudson.org with your name and library affiliation.
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Four MHLS staff were recognized from their service milestones:
• John Barath, Delivery Operations Clerk (15 years)
• Kathryn Brew, ILS and Technology Operations Specialist (5 years)
• Kerstin Cruger, Outreach and EDI Specialist (25 years)
• Gerry Formby, IT Operations Supervisor
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Outstanding Accomplishment Awards were given to three member libraries for their effort and success:
- Marlboro Free Library – grand opening of the newly renovated library
- Olive Free Library – completion of the Sustainable Library Certification Program
- Rosendale Library – building referendum success
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After the close of the business meeting, Keynote Speaker Jennie Rose Halperin, Executive Director of Library Futures, presented a discussion on supporting equitable library policy, technology, and advocacy. After their speech titled “The Internet of Licenses: Contracts, Copyright, AI, and the Future of Libraries,” Halperin thoughtfully answered questions from those in attendance.
See our Facebook page for additional photos from the event!
| | On October 6th, MHLS held an orientation and tour for library staff and trustees, who learned more about how MHLS works and met our staff in person. Thank you to all who took the time to visit! | |
More recently, the Dover Plains Library shared a photo on social media from the orientation of some of the MHLS Delivery Operations Team, highlighting “what happens when you put in a book request from another library.”
These are some of the complimentary comments that resulted:
- “Our public libraries are treasures which are, at times, the only way to get a book in front of a class in a timely manner. The ILL system enriches the learning in my school library on a very regular basis.”
- “Shout out to these people who help me get the books I want! I appreciate all the libraries that participate in the Mid-Hudson Library system. This saves me SO much money over the course of a year.”
- “Awesome. This is a well-oiled machine. Love the libraries especially ILL. INTER LIBRARY LOAN!!”
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The New York State Library (NYSL) wants to hear from you! As part of New York State’s evaluation of its Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five-Year Plan, they are conducting a series of focus groups on a variety of topics important to libraries and library systems of all types. NYSL invites you to share your experiences and insights about what is working well, the challenges and needs you encounter, and opportunities to strengthen NYSL’s services. Your input is a valued part of this evaluation and will help inform recommendations for the next plan.
If you are interested, please register to be considered for one of the focus groups below. Staff from libraries and library systems of all types: school, academic, special, and public/association, are encouraged to join.
The focus group topics and dates are:
- Continuing education: Thursday, November 19, 10:30 AM
- Data and reporting: Thursday, November 19, 2 PM
- Outreach services: Friday, November 20, 9:30 AM
- Rural libraries: Friday, November 20, 12 noon
- Technology and digital resources: Tuesday, November 17, 9:30 AM
- Youth services: Wednesday, November 18, 10 AM
- Other: Is there another topic you feel passionate about? (Date to be determined, if necessary)
The focus group will be held on Zoom and last approximately one hour. Please follow this link to express your interest in participating.
A&O Evaluation and Strategy will lead the focus groups. Together, participants will explore how LSTA funding supports libraries and systems across New York State and how NYSL can continue to meet the needs of libraries and their communities.
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Let your inner child shine and present at the 2027 Youth Services Section (YSS) Spring Conference! This is a great opportunity for library staff to share creative ideas and successful youth services programs with colleagues around the state, as well as gain valuable professional experience. The conference will be held in Utica, NY on Friday, April 9, 2027
The deadline for submissions is Saturday, November 14, 2026. Submit your program proposal here: https://forms.gle/JRfepctZZWDJbSrb7
All submissions will be notified of their status by December 11, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to the conference director, Diana Cassulis at dcassulis@midyork.org
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Libraries Count: Expanding access to early math learning through public libraries | December 3 | 3 – 4 PM | Online | Registration
In this webinar hosted by WebJunction, Dr. Alissa Lange and Dr. Bharat Mehra will introduce the Libraries Count project and explore the important role public libraries can play in expanding access to high-quality early math learning. Drawing on expertise in early childhood mathematics, library and information science, social justice, and community engagement, the presenters will share the ideas that shaped Libraries Count, lessons learned through collaboration with library professionals, and practical examples of what early math can look like in library spaces.
Drawing on expertise in early childhood mathematics, library and information science, social justice, and community engagement, the presenters will share the ideas that shaped the Libraries Count program, lessons learned through collaboration with library professionals, and practical examples of what early math can look like in library spaces.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of early math as an accessible, playful part of everyday library experiences and ideas for supporting children, families, and communities through their own library programs and spaces.
| | Resource Sharing & Sierra | |
Happy November! The system's new staff picks have been published across the catalog, app, and OverDrive.
Change: this is a rotating list. The link will stay the same from month to month and be updated with the newest staff picks. We will also publish a separate archival copy of each list, which can be found here and here. The app code and website embed code are derived from the Discover list, so they will also update each month without any action on your part. You may need to update wording around the list if you have it labeled for a previous month.
We hope the permanent 'current picks' list will make it easier than ever to make use of the lists and share with patrons. If you have any ideas or suggestions that could help your workflows, let us know at techsupport@midhudson.org.
Upcoming December list: Cozy Mysteries! Click here to suggest a book or piece of media and share the link with coworkers who might not be aware of it. The form is available for submissions throughout the month of November.
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Create Lists – Experienced | December 17 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Online
We will go beyond the basics to review tasks and options for those with a foundational understanding of
Create List:
- Create lists for statistics
- Export Lists
- Mobile Worklist and Create List
- Decision Center reports in Create list
- Advanced index search strategies
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The NYSL Small & Rural Library Listserv is live! Attention all small and rural libraries you can now officially subscribe to the SMALL-LIBRARIES list.
This listserv is part of the New York State Library’s commitment to small and rural libraries — stay tuned as they develop the network and plan for the future! They’re excited to have a space devoted to small and rural libraries and look forward to having fun and doing great things together.
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REMINDER: Sustainable Library Certification (SLCP) Office Hours | November 16 | 3 – 4 PM | Online
Join this office hour session to chat with MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich & MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Laura Crisci. Tell us what you are working on, hear from others, and get support as you work to complete your Sustainable Library Certification.
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REMINDER: 414 Debrief | November 17 | 2 – 3 PM | Online
At this debrief we'll check in with MHLS libraries who went for a 414 vote this year. Discuss what was successful and share any lessons learned.
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Applications for Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) Planning & Assessment Services are open now through Friday, November 20. Offered free of cost to qualifying New York State collecting institutions, Planning & Assessment Services connect organizations with DHPSNY specialists to evaluate preservation practices, deliver tailored recommendations, and develop practical, actionable plans suited to your organization’s unique needs. Final reports can strengthen grant applications, improve access, maximize the impact of your collections, and more.
DHPSNY is accepting applications for the following services for consideration in the fall 2026 review period:
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Preservation Surveys: Comprehensive evaluations of preservation needs, addressing areas like building conditions, collections care, and emergency preparedness.
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Condition Surveys: A detailed assessment of preservation needs for a specified set of materials; for organizations that have already completed a Preservation Survey.
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Archival Needs Assessments: Holistic reviews of archival programs, covering collections management and administration.
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Strategic Planning Assistance: Guidance from a trained facilitator to develop a three-year strategic plan.
Learn More & Apply → http://bit.ly/planning-and-assessment.
For assistance, questions about eligibility, or additional information, contact us at info@dhpsny.org or 215-545-0613 ext. 337.
Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) is a program of the New York State Archives and New York State Library to provide service and support for the state’s archival and library research collections. https://dhpsny.org/
| | Administration & Management | |
A reminder from the MHLS Delivery Department: Please help delivery run as smoothly and efficiently as possible by providing a clear path to your library’s incoming and outgoing bin location, notify us of any lock and key changes in advance, and provide any feedback on the service and drivers.
For questions regarding MHLS delivery operations please contact Chris Herron, Operations Manager.
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Library Director – Rosendale Public Library
The Rosendale Public Library is seeking an energetic, community-focused leader to serve as its next Library Director. This is a unique opportunity to guide a vibrant rural library dedicated to fostering opportunities for growth, lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement. Starting Salary: $65,000 annually. See the full job description here.
MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community.
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