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Volume 20-01 | 1.7.20 
Start Planning for 2020!
Start planning now for some of the many "library celebrations" coming up in 2020! Many of these events are sponsored by the American Library Association or other organizations that provide marketing materials for the event. These can be great programming and PR opportunities in your community:  

Library Lovers Month : February

Take Your Child to the Library Day : February 1st
 
Digital Learning Day : February 27th
 
Freedom of Information Day : March 16th
 
School Library Month : April
 
Money Smart Week : April 4-11
 
National D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read): April 12th
 
National Library Week : April 19-25
Theme: Find Your Place at the Library
 
National Library Workers Day : April 21st

Preservation Week: April 26 - May 2

Children's Day/Book Day - El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Día) : April 30th
 
Choose Privacy Week : May 1-7
 
Children's Book Week : May 4-10
 
GLBT Book Month™ : June
 
Library Card Sign-up Month : September
 
Banned Books Week : September 27 - October 3
 
TeenTober: October
 
Digital Inclusion Week : October (Week TBD)
 
The Great Give Back: October (Date TBD)
 
National Friends of Libraries Week : October 18-24
 
International Games Week : November (Week TBD)
 
Hour of Code: December (Week TBD)
MHLS Announcements
All Member Library Annual Reports to the State are due to MHLS by 
Friday, February 14th.

2020 MHLS Directors Association Meeting Dates:
  • Wednesday, February 19 (Business Meeting) (Snow Date 2/20)
  • Thursday, March 5 (DA Sponsored Workshop)
  • Tuesday, April 7 (Business Meeting)
  • Tuesday, May 5 (DA Sponsored Workshop)
  • Wednesday, June 10 (Business Meeting)
  • Thursday, July 9 (DA Sponsored Workshop)
  • Wednesday, September 9 (Business Meeting)
  • Tuesday, October 6 (DA Sponsored Workshop)
  • Thursday, November 12 (Business Meeting / Luncheon)
All MHLS Directors Association Meetings are held from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium.
 
2020 MHLS Board of Trustee Meeting Dates:
  • Saturday, January 18th @ MHLS Auditorium (Snow Date 2/1)
  • Saturday, March 21st @ MHLS Auditorium (Snow Date 3/28)
  • Wednesday, May 13th @ Stanford Free Library
  • Wednesday, July 15th @ MHLS Auditorium
  • Wednesday, September 16th @ Claverack Free Library
  • Friday, October 23rd, Annual Membership Meeting @ FDR Presidential Library & Museum;
  • Saturday, December 12th @ MHLS Auditorium (Snow Date 12/19)
All MHLS Board meetings are held from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium unless otherwise noted.
Professional Development
2020 Conference Dates:
 
Public Library Association Conference: February 25-29 | Nashville, TN | https://www.placonference.org/registration.cfm

Computers in Libraries: March 31 - April 2 | Arlington, VA | https://bit.ly/39xERGq
 
Innovative Users Group (IUG) Conference: April 16-18 | Minneapolis, MN | http://innovativeusers.org/
 
Urban Librarians Conference: May 1st | Brooklyn, NY |
 
Hudson Children's Book Festival: May 2nd | Hudson, NY | http://www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com/
 
Youth Services Section (YSS) Spring Conference: May 15th | Clayton, NY | http://bit.ly/2gJPj0Z
 
American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference: June 25-30 | Chicago, IL | https://2020.alaannual.org/
 
New York Library Association (NYLA) Annual Conference: November 4-7 | Saratoga Springs, NY | http://www.nyla.org

Sustainable Libraries
NYLA Library Advocacy Day: February 25th | Albany, NY |  http://bit.ly/20vwCQs
 
Earth Day Eco-Challenge: April 8-29
https://ecochallenge.org/
Trustee Resources
Oath of Office Reminder for Public Library Trustees:  New York State Public Officer's Law §10 ( https://bit.ly/2Qk5Nlu ) requires all public library trustees (but not association library trustees) to take and file an oath of office within 30 days of beginning their term of office. Public library trustees are public officers and the oath of office is required to officially undertake and perform the duties of a public library trustee. If a public library trustee does not properly complete and file an oath of office, the trustee's position may be deemed vacant. See Public Officer's Law §30(1)(h) ( https://bit.ly/2SQEOzI ). For more information about how and why the oath of office is administered, and where to properly file an oath of office, please see the Oaths of Office FAQ on the New York State Library website: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/trustees/oath.htm
Job Openings
LIBRARIAN I -  Children/Adult collection and programs, Blodgett Memorial Library (Fishkill)
Blodgett Memorial Library in Fishkill, NY is seeking and energetic, positive,  creative and a  people-person Librarian to help develop and oversee Children/Adult collection and programs. The Librarian, who reports to the Director of the Library, will also assist with Technical and communication services. Staring salary is $40,000 and benefits to be negotiated.
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This is an entry level professional position for library school graduates. Employees in this class are expected to learn the specific applications of their professional training by the performance of beginning professional library duties under direct supervision of higher-level professional librarians. Initially, specific instructions may be issued at the beginning of each new assignment, but with leeway permitted for more independent and progressively more difficult work assignments as their experience in the field broadens. Supervision may be exercised over clerical personnel in various assignments.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
  1. Provides reference and reader's advisory services and instruction to library users;
  2. Performs original cataloging and classification and record editing;
  3. Performs collection development by recommending titles for purchase and/or deletion;
  4. Performs on-line database searches, and search training;
  5. Compiles bibliographies;
  6. Conducts book talks, multimedia programs, story and picture book hours, and liaison activities with community groups;
  7. Supervises the work of clerical, paraprofessional and volunteer personnel in assigned tasks;
  8. Prepares statistical and/or narrative reports, memoranda and correspondence;
  9. Keeps informed of professional developments through participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, continuing education courses and reading professional materials;
  10. Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of modern principles and practices of library services; good knowledge of on-line database systems; good knowledge of bibliographic tools and sources; good knowledge of library materials and collection issues for a specific subject area if functioning as a subject specialist; good knowledge of modern library organizations, procedure, policy, aims, and service; skill and accuracy in the performance of technical library tasks; ability to perform as a team member in the planning and implementation of automation or other library programs; ability to think critically to understand the needs of library patrons and groups and to prescribe information or materials accordingly; ability to carry out library policies and procedures; ability to read and comprehend library literature and research; ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to groups and individuals; ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise the work of others; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master's degree in Librarianship from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian's Professional Certificate at the time of application for appointment; possession of the Certificate at the time of appointment.

Please contact Julie Spann, Library Director at 845-896-9215 or by email,  [email protected] if you are interested in the position.
________________________________________________________________

Librarian II - Head of Youth Services, Mahopac Public Library 
We will look to you to design informal learning opportunities that create magical experiences for babies, children and tweens. If you are a person with knowledge and experience with collections and innovative programming for babies through tweens, love working with children, have a friendly and approachable style, and are excited about the prospect of growing and learning in a changing environment, this job is for you.
 
Responsibilities include:
  • Direct, supervise, and support the daily operations of the department. Assign appropriate tasks, projects, and additional duties as needed consistent with the library goals identified in the Long Range Plan.
  • Assume responsibility for supervision of the library and staff as the Person in Charge (PIC), including intervening in patron/staff disputes and enforcing policy throughout the building as necessary.
  • Oversee the formation, development, and implementation of goals and action plans, in conjunction with management and department staff.
  • Give input into the department collection development activities. Participate in the maintenance and development of the picture book, board book, easy reader and parenting collections, evaluating the assigned collections for balance, and selecting items for withdrawal as necessary.
  • Promote innovation by encouraging staff to identify new ideas and opportunities to improve existing or create new processes, programs and services.
  • Network with community groups and participate in outreach to schools, daycares, preschools and other community organizations and agencies. Present programs and workshops for the local area and represent the library at town and county events.
  • Establish and oversee the staffing and the scheduling of staff at the Youth Services Desk; work the Youth Services desk as necessary.
  • Give input into the programming budget and regulate related purchases, and request the necessary maintenance for department activities.
  • Hold regularly scheduled Youth Services meetings in coordination with the Teen Services staff.
  • Provide reader's advisory for children and adults in Youth Services, market and educate customers as to our resources and programs, and instruct our library customers and staff how to use technology from e-readers to our online databases.
  • Monitor and evaluate policies and procedures of the department, suggest policy revisions, implement changes, and train staff as necessary.
  • Create, plan and execute innovative, engaging programs for babies to tweens, including special annual programs and events throughout the year; collaborate with other departments in thematic displays and programming.
  • Establish and run the Summer Reading Club as well as coordinate summer programs for babies through children in grade 5.
  • Conduct Library tours and plan special programming for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Head Start groups as needed.
  • Establish a welcoming, supportive, and functional environment for youth, their caregivers, and department staff.
  • Compile department statistics and reports by providing regular written narratives to the Director and the Board of Trustees.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.
Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited university
  • At least two years professional experience in a library environment with supervisory experience required
  • Successful experience working with youth
Necessary Special Requirements
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of basic library procedures, principles, and philosophy of service.
  • Knowledge of print and online information, resources, computers, and software programs.
  • Ability to direct, supervise, and manage department staff.
  • Evidence of past community involvement.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to identify networking opportunities and communicate with others in the profession and in the community.
  • Ability to plan and implement effective library service goals and evaluate effectiveness of service.
  • Ability to enforce library policies and make sound judgments when necessary.
  • Good communication skills - verbal, interpersonal and written.
  • Ability to work under limited supervision, exercising latitude in judgement to determine work methods and results.
  • Ability to conduct oneself with courtesy and tact.
  • Physical ability to push fully loaded book carts and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and vary work schedule; must be willing and able to work nights and weekends.
Salary: $28.00/hr.
 
Email résumé and cover letter to Michele Capozzella, Library Director at [email protected] by Friday, January 17, 2020.
 
Note: This is a civil service position. The chosen candidate will be provisionally appointed to the position. Permanent appointment is dependent upon a qualifying score on the Librarian II training and experience examination to be given in the Summer of 2020.
In the News 
Local
  • Book Benefits | Howland Public Library, Desmond-Fish Public Library | The Highlands Current 12.28.19
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