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Volume 18-15 | 4.10.18
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State Budget Finalized
MHLS thanks all area library advocates who helped reach out to state legislators this budget season, from participants in the Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign to those who traveled to Albany to those who sent emails and tweets to their legislators - our impact is undeniable! The results of our efforts can be found in the recently passed New York State Budget:
  • Library Aid: The final budget came in with a $5 million increase to library aid over the Governor's proposal, putting aid at $96.6 million. This means the Governor's proposed cut was reversed and an additional $1 million over last year's budget was included.

  • Construction Aid: The final budget includes $34 million, statewide, for library construction aid. This not only restores the Governor's proposed cut of $10 million but goes $10 million above where we were last year in this budget line. The statewide total for this program is now $34 million, a historic high! For more information on applying for funding from this program check out the "MHLS Announcements" section of this week's MHLS Bulletin.
Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology took a visible leadership role in advocating for library and construction aid in this year's state budget. "Our libraries are playing an increasingly critical role in all our communities -- rural, urban and suburban," Barrett said. "Whether it's providing internet, workforce prep, homework help or simply fellowship, we need libraries that are accessible and technologically sophisticated to meet the needs of our diverse populations in 21st century New York."

Left-right: Mike Neppl, Director of Government Relations, New York Library Association (NYLA); Assemblymember Didi Barrett; Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability; and Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director, NYLA

Senator Kathy Marchione immediately emailed constituents in her district once the budget was passed to update them: " I am pleased to have secured this funding increase to ensure that our libraries have the support they need to continue serving all New Yorkers and remain treasured community resources. I look forward to continuing to work with you to keep meeting the needs of our excellent libraries and everyone they serve."
 
Assemblymember Kevin Cahill meeting with library advocates on Library Advocacy Day in Albany this year.
 
Several MHLS member library directors are quoted in a press release announcing the budget outcome for libraries from Assemblymember Kevin Cahill including Janet Dymond (Hurley Library), Dawn Jardine (Red Hook Public Library), Stephen Cook (Starr Library) and Jody Ford (Stone Ridge Public Library). " My colleagues and I in the Legislature know how important our libraries are," said Cahill, "Yes, they are where you can go to find a good read but they offer so much more...In the Hudson Valley, they also  serve as the heart of our towns and villages..."
 
Please take a moment to say thanks! The New York Library Association (NYLA) makes it easy for you to thank your local legislators through the NYLA Online Advocacy Center! In less than 15 seconds, you can send a message of appreciation with a pre-loaded thank you letter, or edit the letter to send your own personal message of thanks: https://bit.ly/2GzSry6
MHLS Announcements
MHLS Action Memo #18-03: Construction Needs Update & Intent to Apply in the next Construction Grant Cycle - This action memo, sent to all member library directors last week, is the first step to apply for the next round of State Aid for Library Construction funding. This memo is due on May 25, 2018.
 
"You just saved... Template Now Available!" It's here! It's finally here! A brand new custom due date receipt template is now available to help you point out to your patrons how smart they are for using the library! An embedded script calculates the value of the items the patron just checked out so you have a great opportunity to show them how much they save by using their local library. Once downloaded you can edit the text of your library's receipt or request minor edits of an existing template. Preview the available versions in Sierra by going to admin/settings/print templates. Questions? Contact [email protected]
Job Openings
Library Clerk, Poughkeepsie Public Library District
The Library District seeks a Library Clerk (up to 17.5 hours per week).  Primary responsibilities include public service at the Checkout Desks at both Adriance Memorial Library and the Boardman Road Branch Library (evening and weekend rotation applies).

Qualifications:  Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications:
  • Graduation from high school or possession of a GED,
This is a non-competitive Civil Service probationary appointment.  For permanent appointment, the selected candidate will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:  In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:
  • Ability to effectively work with a diverse staff serving a diverse population
  • Knowledge of and proficiency in computer applications in public library service, including use of the integrated online system (Sierra), MS Word, and MS Excel
  • Ability to effectively interpret and enforce Library District policies and procedures, as needed
About the Poughkeepsie Public Library District:  The Library District ( www.poklib.org) is an independent special library district serving the residents and businesses of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie with a chartered population of 75,000 and an annual budget of $7.5 million.  Having recently completed a $20 million capital improvement plan, the organizational focus will now shift to ongoing service evaluation and development as well as continued community engagement.

Compensation:  This is a non-competitive Civil Service appointment represented by CSEA.  Hourly rate is $14.44. Standard leave package applies.

To Apply:  Interest candidates should apply with cover letter and resume via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at   [email protected]
All applications will kept confidential.  References will be requested of finalists, only.
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Children's Program Specialist, Pawling Library
The Pawling Library is seeking a Part Time Children's Program Specialist to help us over the summer. The specialist will create and run library programs and services that target literacy and STEAM skills, in cooperation with the Children's Program Coordinator. These programs will engender learning and literacy skills in children and will demonstrate to their parents and caretakers how to create a productive learning environment. The specialist's primary area of focus will be school-aged children and their families.

We are looking for a caring individual who will bring excitement and compassion to the Pawling Free Library's programming. The candidate should have the ability to design meaningful educational programs for the children of Pawling. This job requires attention to detail, ability to work independently and with others, and multi-tasking. Most importantly, the candidate should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to connect to children and parents.

Responsibilities include:
  • Planning and coordinating children's programs.
  • Planning, coordinating and creating promotional material for children's programs.
  • Operating within a program budget.
  • Providing statistical information for the director's monthly report.
  • Supervising teen volunteers who assist with children's programming.
  • Performing other duties in support of children's department.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Commitment to creative and effective targeted children's programming.
  • Knowledge of language acquisition and reading processes.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with children, caregivers, and colleagues.
Public library or teaching experience preferred, but not required.
Childhood education experience a plus.
Experience working in a diverse environment strongly preferred.

Position: Part-time: 20 hours per week.
Pay: $15.75/hr

Instructions to Applicants
Interested individuals should apply online. Visit  pawlingfreelibrary.org/jobs
to apply. Only candidates who apply through the library's website will be considered.
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