We have a small window to influence the Governor’s Executive Budget and are asking for your help to join in on the New York Library Association’s (NYLA) postcard campaign. | | |
Each member library will receive a package with a set of postcards that are meant to be sent to Governor Hochul. We are seeking your help to have library stakeholders – trustees, Friends, and patrons – fill these out and send them up to Albany ASAP!
With looming pressures on state finances due to decisions in Washington, D.C., we need to communicate a strong show of support for libraries in this moment!
Let’s send a loud and clear message: LIBRARIES ARE ESSENTIAL!
Feel free to hold another “Postcard Party” and have some fun together while advocating for libraries! See some tips and a checklist at this link.
| | |
Library Advocacy Day is February 3rd! We hope you’ll join us in Albany – your attendance makes a BIG impact. Show up and voice your support for funding and policies that benefit libraries and spend the day with library lovers from around the State.
Get Ready:
-
Register to attend Library Advocacy Day in Albany
-
Register for the MHLS Advocacy Day Briefing | January 23 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Online
Join Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Executive Director and guest speaker Max Prime, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for NYLA. This event is designed for all library advocates – library directors, staff, trustees, Friends Groups and volunteers – who are interested in speaking up for libraries during the New York budget negotiation season. Between now and April 1st, when the state budget is finalized, library advocates can influence a number of key issues such as library aid, including operating funds for MHLS, and state aid for library construction.
Stay updated about Library Advocacy Day details and this year’s critical budget and legislative priorities at midhudson.org/library-advocacy-day/. MHLS will be sharing resources to help you be the most informed advocate you can be.
| | There will be no Bulletin on 12.30.25 – look for the next edition on January 6th! | Apply Now to Host the Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Collection! As our Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Project wraps up this year (kits are due at the end of the year!), we are pleased to roll out the opportunity to host the complete exhibit of 130 Tempestries, knit by fiber artists throughout our service area. | Shown above: a portion of the Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Exhibit at the 2025 MHLS Annual Membership Meeting | |
Thanks to funding from Senator Michele Hinchey, we will be able to facilitate the display of the entire collection in various locations within our system. In April, we plan to have a kick-off event at the Mohonk Mountain House who has generously offered to help us celebrate the creation of the largest Tempestry collection in the country. This is fitting as the data collected since 1895 came from their property!
We then plan to identify up to 6 member library locations to host the exhibit. If you are interested and think your library exhibit space is a good fit (read through the application form to determine what a "good fit" will be) then please use this form to indicate your interest by Friday, January 23, 2026.
If your library's exhibit space cannot accommodate the entire collection, please keep in mind that once the first leg of the tour is complete, we will open up an opportunity for member libraries to host a partial exhibit, a specific span of years, for libraries with smaller exhibit spaces.
| | |
The Board of the Mid-Hudson Library System met on Tuesday, December 9th and:
- Accepted the resignation of Rajene Hardeman effective December 31;
- Passed a resolution commending the MHLS Cataloging Team for their performance considering a 262% increase in the number of cataloging records they have managed this year, to date;
- Elected their 2026 Officers:
o President: Stuart Auchincloss
o Vice President: Barbara Swanson
o Treasurer: Kevin Finnegan
o Secretary: Jill Leinung
o Member-at-Large: Carla Taylor
- Approved the 2026 MHLS Capital Plan;
- Authorized a software modernization project for the MHLS Business Office;
- Approved the 2026 MHLS Budget;
- Approved a new, five-year contract with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director; and
- Unanimously approved a resolution to express their gratitude to outgoing Board President, Barry Ramage who is leaving the MHLS Board after ten years of service.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the MHLS Board is Saturday, January 31st in the MHLS Auditorium. All board documents are available on the Board Page: https://board.midhudson.org.
| | Member libraries are deep into making holiday memories with their patrons – hosting everything from wreath making workshops, cookie swaps, and visits from Santa. Happy holidays to all! | Caption: Patrons of Valatie Free Library show off their creations from a wreath making workshop. | Caption: Amenia Free Library’s Holiday Cookie Walk. | Caption: Clinton Community Library joined in for the Town’s Annual Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony. | | |
Adult Program Swap – Library Programs for People with Dementia | January 14 | 2 – 3 PM | Online
This program from the New York State Library will focus on patrons with dementia, their caregivers, and families. Library folks from across the state will share program ideas to create dementia-friendly programs and spaces, and strategies to support patrons and caregivers.
The Adult Program Swap is a collaboration between the Upper Hudson, Southern Adirondack, Mid-York, Finger Lakes, North Country, and Clinton Essex Franklin library systems and the New York State Library.
For more information, contact Erica.Freudenberger@NYSED.gov.
| | |
Save the dates for upcoming Trustee events in 2026!
Trustee Handbook Book Club: Open Meetings Law | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Online
REGISTER HERE
Join co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and friends for this fun and informative series! At each session, trustees will take a deeper dive on a topic relevant to their role and responsibilities as a library trustee.
Session Information:
Presenter: Kristin O'Neill, Committee on Open Government (NYS)
This session provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about Library Board of Trustees’ obligations under the Open Meetings Law. The class will focus on the areas of concern most relevant to you, so bring your questions, concerns, and unusual situations to discuss and to receive advice and guidance from the Committee on Open Government.
Have questions for the panelists? Submit them here. This event qualifies as trustee education and may be applied towards the NYS Trustee Education Requirements.
Trustee Handbook Book Club: Freedom of Information Law | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM | Online
REGISTER HERE
Join co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and friends for this fun and informative series! At each session, trustees will take a deeper dive on a topic relevant to their role and responsibilities as a library trustee.
Session Information:
Presenter: Kristin O'Neill, Committee on Open Government (NYS)
This session provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about a public library’s rights and responsibilities in relation to the Freedom of Information Law. The class will focus on the areas of concern most relevant to you, so bring your questions, concerns, and unusual situations to discuss and to receive advice and guidance from the Committee on Open Government.
Have questions for the panelists? Submit them here. This event qualifies as trustee education and may be applied towards the NYS Trustee Education Requirements.
| | |
Part-time Administrative Assistant – Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie
MHLS is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant to aid the Executive Director by coordinating activities related to the MHLS Board of Trustees and Directors Association; events planning; maintenance of member information; creating and maintaining a favorable public image for the library system; and assistance with general office duties. Pay range is $20-$25 per hour, hours are 15 to 20 per week. View the full job description at this link.
| | |
Part-time Operations Material Handler – Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie
The Mid-Hudson Library System Operations department is seeking a part-time Material Handler for approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. Requirements of the position include but are not limited to organizing the delivery operations area, unloading boxes from delivery vans, sorting library materials to appropriate bins, strong attention to detail, ability to follow directions, work within a team environment, meet the physical demands of the position such as being on your feet, walking, bending, crouching, using hands, reaching, and ability to lift 50lbs. Position is three days per week Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and as needed to cover for other staff with hours beginning between 9:45am and 10:30am to mid-afternoon. Hourly wage is $19.50/hr. Paid holidays and vacation time. Send up-to-date resume and three employment references to jcoyle@midhudson.org or US mail to Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Attn: Finance Manager & Personnel Officer.
| | |
Assistant Library Director – Hudson Area Library, Hudson
The Hudson Area Library is looking for a collaborative, service-oriented Assistant Library Director to help lead daily operations, support staff, and strengthen the library’s role in the community. This position works closely with the Library Director, oversees key services and scheduling, contributes to projects and policies, and ensures smooth, welcoming experiences for patrons. This is a full-time position, including some evening and weekend hours. Salary is $63,000. Benefits include paid sick, vacation, and holiday time, with the option to enroll in a health insurance plan. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume with contact information for three professional references to Emily Chameides, Library Director at info@hudsonarealibrary.org. Applications will be accepted until January 11, 2026. View the full job description at this link.
| | |
Children’s & Teen Programming Assistant – Kent Public Library, Kent Lakes
The Kent Public Library in Putnam County is seeking a part-time Children’s & Teen Programming Assistant (12 hours/week) to plan and lead creative, engaging programs for children and teens in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The position pays $19–$21 per hour with benefits. Application Information: First consideration will be given to resumes received by January 16; please send a resume and cover letter to Irena Goss, Head of Youth Services at youthservices@kentlibrary.org with “Children’s Programming Assistant” in the subject line. View the full job description at this link.
| | |
Library Director – Town of Ulster Public Library (outside of Kingston, NY)
The Town of Ulster Public Library is seeking an experienced full-time Director to oversee the development of the Library’s programs and services while exercising strong, co-operative leadership and fostering constructive relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff, and the community. A Library Master’s degree from an ALA accredited institution is required by our Civil Service. NYS certification will be required. The Director’s salary range will be $70,000 to $75,000 commensurate with experience and will include NYS retirement and health insurance contributions. Please email both a cover letter and resumé to directorsearch@townofulsterlibrary.org or mail both documents to the Director Search, Town of Ulster Public Library, 860 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 by January 3rd. View the full job description at this link.
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.
| | | | |
