Vol.24-13 | 3.26.24

The Summer Reading Program, designed to promote literacy and education, can be a source of stress, sometimes significant stress, for library workers. How can we ensure this program makes a meaningful impact on our communities without burning oursevles out? Join your peers on April 25^th at the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Auditorium (105, Market Street, Poughkeepsie) from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for the Rethinking Summer Reading workshop.

Presented by Millbrook Library Director, Courtney Tsahalis, this presentation will provide an overview of summer reading research and trends and help library staff re-focus on how to set kids up for future success using real-world examples. There will be a discussion session for participants following the presentation. 

This event is open to all MHLS member library staff who plan, program, or promote their library’s Summer Reading Program. Registration is required. 

Inspired by this topic? Take a deep dive by joining our Summer Reading Cohort! Application deadline extended.

Evaluating Our Impact: Summer Reading Program Cohort 2024-2025: The MHLS Summer Reading Program Cohort members will evaluate their library’s current Summer Reading Program (SRP) by focusing on why they hold the SRP and evaluate current practices through dollars spent, organizational goals reached, and other specific aspects chosen by participants. This program spans April 2024 to September 2025. This cohort is open to all MHLS member library staff who plan, program, or promote their library’s Summer Reading Program. Multiple staff members from an individual library are welcome to attend as a team. This cohort has a limit of 10 total libraries participating. Applications due March 29^th.

Access the application and view the program requirements and timeline of events. Please note all group work sessions have been changed to online events based on input from our members. 

Questions? Please contact MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kerstin Cruger.

The American Library Association (ALA) and Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) have partnered to create a National Climate Action Strategy for U.S. Libraries. In order to inform this strategy and expedite the implementation of the strategy in libraries, ALA and SLI are seeking feedback from the field. The results will inform the implementation section of the strategy document which is scheduled to be released in June 2024 at the ALA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.

This survey is intended for library leaders. The Working Group identifies library leaders as all library workers and trustees given each person’s sphere of influence to make a difference on the topic of climate action.

The survey should take 8-10 minutes to complete. It will remain open until Friday, April 5, 2024. Instructions are provided at the end of the survey on how to enter the drawing for one of two National Parks Annual Passes provided by the ALA Sustainability Round Table. Fill out the survey here: National Climate Action Strategy: Strategy Implementation Survey

Library Clerk & Passport Agent (part-time), LaGrange Association Library 

LaGrange Association Library is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service oriented individual to join our friendly team as a part-time Library Clerk and Passport Agent. Paid online training to become a Passport Agent will be provided. The ideal candidate should enjoy working with the public, have a good sense of humor, have an interest in reading and movies, be able to function independently and as part of a busy library team, and maintain the confidentiality of patron information. This position is 18 hours per week plus every other Saturday. Salary is $15.00 per hour with three (3) flex days upon hiring; sick, vacation, and personal days upon one (1) year anniversary. To apply: Please email a meaningful cover letter, resume, and 2 references to [email protected] and indicate “Clerk” in the subject line. View the full job description.

Library Director (part-time), Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library (Milton)

The Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library is situated in the hamlet of Milton in the town of Marlborough/southern Ulster County and services a population of about 2,000. We have recently undergone a renovation, which included the creation of a beautiful new children's space. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the community is supportive of the library. The Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library is an equal opportunity employer. The library director is responsible for the operations of the library and development and implementation of its service programs. Hours: part-time position (20 hours/week), offering flexible scheduling. Salary: $28,000 - $31,000/year - commensurate with the candidate's education and experience; benefits include an employee assistance program; 2 weeks paid vacation; sick and personal paid time off accrue based upon hours worked. To apply: please send your resume and cover letter to Maribeth King, President, Board of Trustees at [email protected]. View the full job description.

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.