New York State Executive Budget Finalized | | |
The New York State Budget is now finalized after an extended process that resulted in the latest budget since 2010.
The news is mixed for libraries with some tough news for us here at MHLS but some very good news for us all at the state level:
- Operating Aid: $106.395 million - This is an increase, but a very small one, just $70,000 statewide over last year's number so a very small increase for MHLS once that is divided up.
- Construction Aid: $44 million - This matches what was allocated last year, thereby fighting back the Governor's proposed cut. Nice job everyone!
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NOVELny: $3 million - This matches what was allocated last year, thereby preserving this program.
- Cultural Education Stabilization: $12 million - This is the big win this budget season as this is a new line that will help stabilize funding for the New York State Library!
- Library Social Worker Program: $500,000 - This program will be administered by the State Library and can be used to fund a social worker at a public library or to contract with an agency to bring social workers to a library. Stay tuned for more details.
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library: $1 million - Please note: this grant program is now administered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. In the past, the applications were due at the end of April.
The New York Library community also worked with a broad coalition external partners to ensure the passage of priority legislation like the Freedom to Read Act (S.8630-C/A.9537-B), which cleared both chambers of the Legislature by wide margins and now awaits the Governor's signature. There was no movement for the Open Shelves Act, the public library version of the Freedom to Read Act, nor the ebook legislation that the library community has been asking for - these topics will remain a priority in the next legislative season.
MHLS thanks our local library community here in the Hudson Valley for stepping up to reach out to our legislators over the past 18 months as we let them know about the very real concern over threats to the federal funding for the State Library. You can see the evidence of our advocacy work in that new state budget line for the State Library. Up next: using that same advocacy strength to inspire an investment in library operating aid!
| | Caption: Advocacy Day 2026 with NYS Assemblyman Matt Slater. | | The Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Collection traveling exhibit has now been installed at the Mahopac Public Library, through July 25th! An opening reception will take place Saturday, July 11, 12 – 2 PM. The next stop for the collection will be at the Olive Free Library this fall. | | |
Southeastern NY Library Resources Council has presented the Poughkeepsie Public Library District ( PPLD ) with the 2026 Twila Snead Award for Excellence in recognition of the library’s remarkable service to local history.
PPLD was being recognized for their stewardship of the Poughkeepsie Journal’s Photo Morgue, a collection of more than 300,000 black-and-white photos documenting over a century of local history!
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Registration is now open for The Association for Library Service to Children's (ALSC) National Institute, a biennial conference for those serving children and families in libraries; children's literature experts; education and library school faculty; and other interested professionals on October 1 – 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
This intimate, intensive learning experience is a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country, attend practical and meaningful professional development programs, and hear from field leaders and children's literature creators at keynote sessions.
Registration fee includes:
- Four incredible keynote sessions
- Two days of education programming
- Thursday's Opening General Session dinner
- Refreshment breaks throughout National Institute
- Networking opportunities
- Any virtual/recorded content considered part of National Institute's program
See the complete schedule and registration information here.
| | Resource Sharing & Sierra | |
Free Spanish Course for Library Professionals to better serve your Spanish-speaking patrons!
Learn library Spanish anytime with the self-guided Spanish for Library Professionals course in Transparent Language Online. It's free. Just sign up to start learning.
Choose from 11 themed units to prepare to speak with patrons about:
• Issuing library cards
• Finding & checking out materials
• Using library computers & printers
• Registering for adult programs & book clubs
You can also join a free 4-week beginner Spanish class. Classes resume in August, so get on the wait list.
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The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is now accepting applications for 2026 grant opportunities for libraries in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties. Please join one of the upcoming webinars to learn more about the application process, eligibility, and required materials. Please note that some applications are due by August 15.
- Community Grants Webinar | Wednesday, July 8 | 12 - 1 PM
- General Grants Overview | Thursday, July 9 | 12 – 1 PM
With support from generous donors, Community Grants invest in the strength and sustainability of nonprofits throughout the region. This year, the program will introduce priority focus areas, which have been identified through the Voices of the Hudson Valley report:
- Early Childhood Education/Childcare
- Food Security/Hunger
- Housing & Shelter
- Mental Health
- Transportation
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REMINDER: Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP) Office Hours | July 20 | 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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Finance for Directors | July 22 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM | MHLS Auditorium, 105 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
The role and responsibilities of the library director include significant oversight of the library's finances, both from an internal financial control and a budgetary planning perspective.
This event will review:
- Budgeting 101
- Financial Reporting
- Working with a treasurer/bookkeeper/finance staff
- Multi-Year Financial Planning
This workshop is part of the MHLS Sustainable Funding Education Series; registration is limited to MHLS member library directors. Lunch will be provided.
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The Central Library Resources Council (CLRC) in collaboration with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, will present an upcoming webinar, Highlight Your Local History with Fully Funded Historical Markers, on Tuesday, August 4, 2 – 3 PM. You’ll discover how libraries, archives, and museums can preserve and share their unique stories while strengthening a lasting sense of place through fully funded historical markers.
Historians from the Pomeroy Foundation will introduce participants to the Foundation’s historical marker grant programs, including Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage®, Hungry for History®, and more. Attendees will learn how Pomeroy Marker grants help communities nationwide recognize their shared past, foster civic pride, educate the public and engage residents and visitors alike. The session will also highlight the Pomeroy Education Program for students.
Webinar attendees will learn about the process of researching and selecting compelling marker subjects, navigating the application process at wgpfoundation.org, and drawing inspiration from real-world examples of libraries and communities that have celebrated their heritage in meaningful, visible, and lasting ways.
Find more details and registration here.
| | Administration & Management | |
Incarcerated Individual Reference Request Procedure: A reminder to all MHLS member libraries that should you receive - by mail - a reference request directly from an incarcerated individual in a correctional facility you should not respond to them.
Please send the letter including the envelope to MHLS, ATTN: Kerstin Cruger, to forward to the senior librarian at their correctional facility. This will legitimize and facilitate their access to information as the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has a mechanism and procedure for information sent to the incarcerated, and it must involve the facility library. Keep in mind that there is seemingly innocent information that certain incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have, due to their history of criminal actions, and when the requests come to you unmediated by a facility librarian it is not possible to determine what those specific parameters are.
The best way to serve this patron, if they contact your library directly, is to send the request to Kerstin Cruger, Outreach & EDI Specialist at MHLS through the delivery.
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