A reminder from the MHLS Delivery Department: Please help delivery run as smoothly and efficiently as possible by providing a clear path to your library’s incoming and outgoing bin location, notify us of any lock and key changes in advance, and provide any feedback on the service and drivers.

For questions regarding MHLS delivery operations please contact Tom Finnigan, Delivery Operations Manager.

Member libraries across the system were celebrating “Library Lovers Month” in February. Here are a few Valentines from patrons of the Hyde Park Library and the Kinderhook Memorial Library!

Southeastern New York Library Resources Council (SENYLRC) is hosting a 3-part SEAL webinar series this spring! 

SEAL 101 | March 12 | 1-2pm | Online

A webinar covering all the ins and outs of using SEAL, such as creating accounts, searching the catalog, placing requests, and lending materials.

Best Practices for ILL | April 16 | 1-2pm | Online

A brand-new webinar that will closely examine SENYLRC’s Regional Inter-library Loan Code and Procedures. These documents lay out best practices for borrowing and lending materials, touching on policies, dealing with lost items, billing, due dates, and more!

Exploring the SEAL Catalog | May 14 | 1-2pm |Online

A deep dive into the SEAL catalog. Training topics for this webinar include how the catalog works, incorporating Boolean operators into searches, methods for browsing the catalog, and trouble-shooting common issues.

Registration and more information can be found at www.senylrc.org.

The theme for National Library Week 2024 (April 7-13) “Ready, Set, Library!,” promotes the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. The American Library Association’s (ALA) website has free tools to promote and celebrate, including social media graphics, posters, sample press releases, and PSA scripts.

Days of note during that week are:

• Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day is a National Day of Action in support of the right to read. The State of America's Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
• Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day, a day for everyone to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers.
• Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day, a day the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
• Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to urge members of Congress to protect the freedom to read.

REMINDER: An Introduction to the New Memo of Understanding | March 5 | 5:00pm | Online | REGISTER

Join MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for a guided walk-through of the new Memo of Understanding between MHLS and member libraries.