IN THIS ISSUE
Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
Like us on Facebook  View on Instagram  View our videos on YouTube  View our profile on LinkedIn    
Access the
Volume 18-25 | 6.19.18
Top
Trustee Education Series
MHLS Trustee Education Series: Fall Sessions Announced and we've got something for everyone!
 
Building on the success of last year's relaunch of the MHLS Trustee Education Series, based on the new statewide approved "Helping All Trustees Succeed" (HATS) Curriculum, MHLS is proud to announce the 2018 Fall workshop line up. This fall we are introducing a brand new, "advanced" workshop!
 
Essentials: Roles & Responsibilities
Particularly for new board members, but open to all. Great for library board members looking for essential, basic information to increase their effectiveness in serving on a library board.
Intermediate: Financial & Fiduciary Responsibilities
This intermediate-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year.
 
Library boards are trusted with public and private funds to provide quality library service to their community. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront as a board makes decisions pertaining to the library's finances. This course will focus on the financial and fiduciary responsibility involved with:
    • The library's budget
    • Library funding
    • Financial policies
    • Reports to the board
    • External audits
NEW : Advanced: Strategic Thinking: Planning & Advocacy
This advanced-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. It is recommended that trustees have already attended the Trustee Essentials workshop prior to this one.
 
In this workshop trustees will:
    • Come to better understand the perception of libraries in today's world;
    • Work to identify community stakeholders; discuss effective community engagement techniques; and receive an overview of responsive planning opportunities; and
    • Receive an introduction to key advocacy strategies. 
Please register for workshops through the MHLS Online Calendar: http://calendar.midhudson.org 
A light dinner will be provided at the evening sessions.
MHLS Announcements
Reminder: All paperwork to take advantage of the 15% discount for your library's organizational membership to the New York Library Association are due on Friday, June 29th. Questions? Contact Joan Kay in the MHLS Business Office: jkay@midhudson.org
MHLS Libraries
The Stanford Free Library broke ground for their new library building on June 10th! The ceremony came with a BIG surprise! Assemblymember Didi Barret announced a $250,000 grant towards their project! Last week the New York Library Association picked this as their "Tweet of the Week"! Big congratulations to the hard working board and staff of the Stanford Free Library!
 
The sixteen libraries in New York Assembly District 106 have received a $20,000 Special Legislative Project Grant sponsored by Assemblymember Didi Barrett to support their summer reading programs. Assemblymember Barrett, chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Educational Technology, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of the grant. "Our local libraries play a critical role in our communities. For children of all ages, our libraries are the gateway to new information and new worlds. They encourage imagination and intergenerational sharing. I am pleased we could provide support to our outstanding libraries in the 106th district with funding for their Summer Reading Programs. I hope it will help launch new lifetime readers."

"We thank Assemblymember Barrett for her support of summer reading programs," said Tom Sloan, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System. "Assemblymember Barrett's support is vital to providing this essential education program which advances the excitement of reading and learning that takes place in the classroom," Sloan stated.
  

Research clearly shows students who participated in summer reading programs score higher on reading tests and don't experience summer learning loss. Public libraries throughout the Hudson Valley are providing summer reading programs, which will expose children and youth to a wealth of information, a wide variety of reading materials, and opportunities to build stronger vocabulary.
 
Libraries receiving grants:
  • Amenia Public Library
  • Boardman Road Branch, Poughkeepsie Public Library District
  • Claverack Library
  • Chatham Public Library
  • Clinton Community Library
  • Germantown Library
  • Hudson Area Association Library
  • Hyde Park Free Library
  • Livingston Free Library
  • NorthEast-Millerton Library
  • Philmont Public Library
  • Pine Plains Free Library
  • Pleasant Valley Free Library
  • Roeliff Jansen Community Library (Hillsdale-Copake-Ancram)
  • Staatsburg Library
  • Stanford Free Library
Job Openings
Youth Services Librarian, Catskill Public Library
The Catskill Public Library is searching for a dynamic, creative, positive, energetic, people-person to fill a Full-Time Youth Services Librarian position.

Requirements: A Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution with at least two (2) years of professional library experience. 

The Catskill Public Library, built in 1901, is a Carnegie Library located in upstate New York in the Catskill Mountain region. The Palenville Branch Library is located in Palenville, NY, America's first artist colony. The Library serves a population of approximately 13,000. 

General responsibilities include: 
  • Establishing positive working relationships with coworkers, library users, community organizations as well as acting as liaison for library services 
  • Assisting library users with all manner of technology 
  • Providing reference and reader's advisory services to all library users 
  • Performing database searches and assisting others in such searches 
  • Designing and producing public relations and library-instructional materials 
  • Keeping informed of professional developments through literature, System meetings, workshops, continuing-education opportunities and participation in professional organizations 
Youth Services-specific responsibilities include: 
  • Advocating for and empowering youths, both in-house and in the community Planning and implementing youth programs (infants to age 17), both in-house and in the community 
  • Evaluating, developing and maintaining children's and young adult collections as well as selecting, processing and cataloging materials 
  • Developing and conducting library tours, presentations and outreach 
  • Seeking and implementing grant-funding 
  • Being comfortable stepping into already existing youth services programs 
Skills, Abilities, & Personal Characteristics: 
  • Knowledge of the modern principles and practices of library science 
  • Knowledge of and comfort with computer technology, mobile and hand-held devices and on-line database systems 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all age groups, skill levels and temperaments 
  • Ability to think critically to understand the needs of library users 
  • Ability to function as a team member 
  • Ability to work independently 
  • Tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and the public 
  • Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends 
The ideal candidate will be friendly, approachable, customer-focused, and open-minded with a genuine passion for working with kids and teens. Someone inspiring and capable of being inspired, who can see the silver lining regardless of situation. An unshakeable positive attitude is a plus.

Special Requirements: Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian's professional certificate at the time of application or possession of certificate at the time of appointment. 

Salary range: $47,000 - $52,000 
This is a Civil Service Position. 

Please email a cover letter, résumé and at least three professional references to Library Director, Sue Ray at Jobs2018@catskillpubliclibrary.org 
Subject Heading: "Youth Services Librarian Position"
Deadline: Wednesday, June 27, 2018
_________________________________________________________________
Library Director, Heermance Memorial Library (Coxsackie)
The Heermance Memorial Library seeks a team leader who can work together with an experienced staff, the board, an active friends group, and community groups to make sure that the library understands and meets the needs of the Coxsackie community now and in the future.  A special district library serving a population of 6500 full time residents, as well as people with second homes, the Heermance Memorial Library is located in an historic area, within walking distance of the Hudson River. The library  has a voter approved operating budget of $261,691 and is open 46 hours per week with a full time director, one full time staff, and 6 part time staff. The library is part of the Mid-Hudson Library System. Anticipated start date is  August 27 , 2018.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
  • Develop and recommend an annual budget to the Board of Trustees and present the budget to the community for approval
  • Manage the library budget by monitoring expenditures
  • Recommend policies and advise the Board on operational, fiscal, staffing, and facilities matters
  • Work collaboratively with staff to ensure that the materials selected and the services provided meet the needs of the community
  • Determine staffing requirements and hire personnel to meet those requirements.
  • Make presentations to the public, government entities, and the Board
  • Prepare, present, and implement long range goals and plans for the improvement or expansion of library facilities and information technology resources
  • Represent the library in the community and governmental, organizational and professional activities
  • Delegate responsibilities to provide a smooth day-to-day operation of the library
Qualifications:
  • This is a competitive civil service position. Candidates must have taken the Greene County Civil Service Library Director Exam, or be willing to accept provisional status until an exam can be taken.
  • Masters in Library/Information Science from an ALA accredited university
  • Must have or be eligible for the NYS Public Librarian Professional Certificate
  • The ideal candidate must also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Salary range begins at $48,000. Maximum is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is included. The library is a part of the NYS retirement system.
To Apply: qualified candidates please send your résumé and cover letter electronically to searchcommittee@heermancelibrary.org. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
__________________________________________________________________
Library Clerk, part time, LaGrange Association Library
LaGrange Library in Dutchess County, NY is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service/detail oriented individual to join our team as a part time Library Clerk.  Responsibilities include serving patrons at the checkout desk, assisting library users, answering the phone, shelf-reading, and small projects as assigned.
This position is 17.25 hours per week: Mondays and Fridays 2pm to 8pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2:15pm, with the opportunity to cover other shifts as needed.

Salary is $12 per hour with three (3) flex days upon hiring; sick, vacation, and personal days upon one (1) year anniversary.

Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, customer service experience, computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Must enjoy working with the public and maintain discretion regarding confidentiality of patron information.  Prior library experience is a plus.

Please email a cover letter, résumé, and 2 references to  mdebellis@laglib.org and indicate "Clerk" in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
In the News
Local 
National