Vol.24-08 | 2.20.24

The Mid-Hudson Library System and our partner organizations have some exciting cohort opportunities taking place this Spring!

Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley: The application for Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley Spring 2024 session, which will run from April 2024 to June 2024, is now open for individuals affiliated with libraries and organizations in the Hudson Valley. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 26^th at 12:00pm.

The program is open to anyone who works at a library or a community-based organization that would like to offer Digital Navigator services to their patrons. Applications are available to individuals who work at libraries and nonprofit organizations in the following counties: Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. This cohort is open to individuals who have previously trained as a Digital Navigator and those new to the program. Visit the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley website to view the program requirements. Navigators who meet the requirements by June 30, 2024 will receive a $500 investment incentive payable to their organization.

Access the application and view the program requirements and timeline of events.

2024 MHLS Early Literacy Cohort: MHLS member library staff who work with families with young children, age birth to 5, who are interested in establishing a new community partnership or strengthening an existing partnership to support your library’s capacity to provide early literacy services in your community are invited to participate in the 2024 MHLS Early Literacy Cohort Program. 

Establishing partnerships demonstrates the library’s commitment to participating in community-wide goals, strengthens community connections, amplifies shared resources, and helps connect libraries to members of the community who may not be using the library. Applications due March 15^th.

Access the application and view the program requirements and timeline of events.

Evaluating Our Impact: Summer Reading Program Cohort 2024-2025: The Mid-Hudson Library System 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 22^nd.

Access the application and view the program requirements and timeline of events. 

If you have any questions about one or more of these programs, please contact MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kerstin Cruger.

Don’t forget the Libraries as Community Resilience Hubs cohort kicks off the first session tomorrow.

Assessment and Engagement: A Place-based Framework for Assessing Vulnerability and Opportunity | February 21 | 10:00 am | Online | REGISTER

MHLS Data Operations Supervisor, Nina Acosta, has put together a curated collection of eBooks and audiobooks on OverDrive in honor of Black History Month. This collection is pinned to the front page of https://mhls.overdrive.com/ and will be up throughout February.

Humanities New York (HNY) offers QUICK, VISION, and ACTION grants to New York organizations, municipalities, and tribal governments, on a monthly or semi-annual basis.

• QUICK grants include $500 to $1500 for a new public-facing humanities project.
• VISION grants include $500 to $1500 for planning a new public-facing humanities project.
• ACTION grants include $6500 to $10,000 for larger projects that get audiences exploring ideas with others in their community.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit proposals at least two months in advance of their planned start date. With questions, email [email protected].

The mission of HNY is to strengthen civil society and the bonds of community, using the humanities to foster engaged inquiry and dialogue around social and cultural concerns. To learn more, sign up for one of the Grants Information Webinars.

Part-Time Delivery Operations Material Handler, Mid-Hudson Library System

The Mid-Hudson Library System Delivery Operations department is seeking a part-time Material Handler for approximately 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. The position is four to five days per week, Monday through Friday and as needed to cover for other staff, with hours beginning between 9:45am and 10:30am to mid-afternoon. Hourly wage is $18.32/hr. Paid holidays and vacation time. Send up-to-date resume and three employment references to [email protected] or via US mail to Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Attn: Delivery Operations Manager. No phone calls please.