As trustees, we have an important responsibility for planning and leading our libraries for the future. This responsibility requires that two important questions are considered:

1. What is a library?

2. Who are our stakeholders?

The first question seems easy. I mean after all, everyone understands that a library is a place housing books, right? The building and contents are important, but this is not the library. The library is more than a destination, it is an experience. Therefore, the impact of a library is more than the physical books, tables, chairs, computers, etc. During the pandemic, libraries became virtual destinations for reading, research, access to the internet, safe places for accurate information, and more. Libraries led by professional, caring library workers doubled down on supporting our communities through efforts to deal with the digital divide and access, providing places for inclusion of people who are otherwise disconnected and offering resources and information on sustainable practices in our lives. As trustees, it is important that we consider not only the needs of our patrons who have already connected with our online offerings, but all those in our community who could be patrons if they had equitable access to broadband connectivity, appropriate devices, and digital literacy skills to access our online resources and experiences.

This leads to the second question of stakeholder definition. Andrew Carnegie had a vision for the purpose and relationship of libraries in our community. He once said: “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” This means that everyone in the community is a potential patron and stakeholder. Therefore, our work as trustees requires that we pay attention to how our library experience provides opportunities and value to all community members. People of every age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, lifestyle, or differing abilities can find knowledge, value and acceptance in a library

Being a library trustee is a daunting task. I believe that these two questions frame our work and responsibilities. When we address these questions with open hearts and open minds, our work becomes clear.

The Howland Public Library celebrated 150 years of service to their community! The community and speakers gathered at the Howland Cultural Center, the original site of the Howland Circulating Library. Together they were able to celebrate the library’s history, the importance of libraries, the arts, and re-examining history.

Reserve your seat for Circulation 101 on September 13th at noon. In this brief lunchtime webinar, MHLS staff will cover the essentials for working at the circulation desk of any member library. This workshop is designed for new member library staff, but all are welcome. 

Impact Indicators Survey: The American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Programs Office (PPO) is partnering with Knology, a nonprofit research organization, to develop impact indicators for library programming and explore library partnerships. As part of this research, PPO is asking all libraries to participate in a short, 15-minute survey.

At the conclusion of the survey, you will be invited to provide contact information if you are interested in participating in a follow-up interview or focus group discussion. This survey is part of a larger collaborative effort between ALA PPO and Knology for the National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment (NILPPA).

Lauren T. Moore, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and New York State Librarian, and Grace Riario, Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, announced the release of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries Vision 2022 document. Vision 2022 provides a framework for libraries, reflecting the input of hundreds of library workers and supporters statewide. A road map for the future, Vision 2022 aims to inspire, support, and affirm the excellent work being done and codify a shared vision for libraries across New York.

The Vision 2022 process included discussions, interviews, and focus groups. These conversations identified a set of shared values endorsed by libraries of all types in New York. The NYS Library and the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries look forward to using this document as the foundation for ongoing conversations and collaboration with New York’s library community.

Assistant Director & Head of Circulation, Millbrook Library

Position Overview: 

Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of the circulation unit; oversees circulation staff; assists 

library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment; interprets library policies for 

patrons; coordinates activities with other unit heads; assists the director with duties.

General Duties:

• Assigns work to library clerks.
• Participates in the development of operating policies and procedures.
• Participates in library special projects as required or as necessary.
• Evaluates circulation operating procedures, and makes adjustments as needed to improve 
• efficiency.
• Settles problems arising from late, damaged, or lost materials.
• Participates in periodic evaluation of library clerks.
• Provides training for newly hired library clerks.
• Communicates with the Library Director regarding circulation policies and procedures, and 
• prepares monthly reports for the Director to present to the Board of Directors.
• Performs routine circulation desk duties as necessary.
• Responsible for the appearance and order of the Technical Services Area and the Circulation 
• Desk.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications Profile:

• Previous library experience and excellent working knowledge of Sierra required.
• Comfortable working with computers and software, and able to instruct other staff and the 
• public on computer usage.
• Ability to supervise and delegate tasks successfully.
• Outstanding customer service skills in order to relate courteously and effectively with library 
• patrons and to co-workers.
• Ability to work independently.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours / week (days, evenings, some weekends required).

Salary: $40,000 a year. 

Generous benefits package including Vacation, Sick, & Personal time, Medical insurance, 

Dental insurance, Life insurance & 403(b) Retirement Plan.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Courtney Tsahalis at 

director@millbrooklibrary.org.

National

• Oklahoma teacher suspended after promoting Brooklyn Public Library's anti-censorship campaign | Gothamist | 8.23.22

• Public librarians say they're struggling to serve patrons seeking shelter, mental health care | USA Today | 8.21.22

• How should eBooks be priced? Librarians and publishers weigh in | NPR | 8.18.22

• Reading While Incarcerated Saved Me. So Why Are Prisons Banning Books? | NY Times | 8.17.22

• As Idaho communities discuss removing controversial books, Brooklyn Public Library offers digital book access to young adults | KTVB | 8.17.22