In addition to the data survey we sent to Library Directors, we are asking anyone who participated in the 2025 MHLS Road Trip Challenge to complete this evaluation survey. This survey is open to anyone who attempted to complete the challenge, regardless of the progress they made. This includes member library staff that participated. Anyone completing the survey can choose to be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 10 coupons for a free car wash at Foam & Wash. Please help us get the word out about this survey – we’ve created a flyer you can post to encourage participants to respond. View/Download Participant Survey Flyer.
Staff Suggestions/Feedback Welcome! We also want to know about your experiences with this program as a library worker. Please take a few minutes to complete this staff feedback survey. This feedback will be used to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of this program and may possibly shape future programs. We’ll use the findings to help the advisory committee analyze the effectiveness of the program.
ALL RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS. Both surveys will close November 19.
Due to the impact of the federal government shutdown on the FDR Presidential Museum & Library, where The Wallace Center is located, we will hold the meeting on the same date: Friday, October 24, with the same schedule, at The Academy, 33 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie.
Parking: A municipal parking lot is available directly across the street from the venue (view directions). Rate is $1.50 per hour. To facilitate payment we recommend downloading the MPay2Park App: Apple Store| Google Play, or Scan the QR Code below.
We will be contacting everyone who registered to ensure they know about the venue change, but please help spread the word about the new location to your staff, trustees, and Friends who are planning to attend.
Questions about this event can be directed to Elinor Levy at elevy@midhudson.org. Please include MHLS Annual Membership Meeting in the subject line.
Applications are now open to Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) member library staff to become trained “Digital Navigators,” an integral part of the digital inclusion network in the Hudson Valley. Digital Navigators are trusted guides trained to assist residents with a variety of technology needs, including getting an email address, navigating government websites, securing free or low-cost internet service, and using a device.
Digital Navigators will train with staff from National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Southeastern NY Library Resources Council, Ramapo Catskill Library System, Mid-Hudson Library System, and Westchester Library System. This training will focus on the digital inclusion ecosystem, a combination of programs and policies that meet your community’s unique needs to address all aspects of the digital divide, and the fundamentals of providing technical assistance to clients. We will provide updates on current programs, services, and resources to support a robust Digital Navigator program within your organization. Once trained, Navigators will meet with clients and provide data on those interactions via intake and exit forms. We will meet twice a month as a group and maintain an active listserv.
Navigators who meet the requirements by the deadline will receive a $500 investment incentive, payable to their organization. Please note: You must be currently employed or have regular volunteer hours and have the support of your library.
All meetings and training sessions will be held online via Zoom.
Training will begin on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Please see our website for the full schedule of meetings.
Can I be a Digital Navigator if I am not an expert in technology?
Answer: YES! You don’t need to be a tech expert! But you do need:
The ability to embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device characteristics, and common online services and applications.
Excellent self-organization, language capacity, and cultural competency.
Excellent telephone and online communication skills, including the ability to establish trust with clients of varied educational and cultural backgrounds.
The ability to demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor in working with diverse customers, coworkers, and the community.
The ability to creatively solve problems and negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
The ability to provide excellent customer service, establish appropriate boundaries with clients, and demonstrate innovation and flexibility.
If you are a current Digital Navigator, you can access your resources here: Digital Navigators Guidebook (password required for page access)
If that describes you, please apply today. Applications are due by Wednesday, November 26 at 12:00 pm. Participation is limited, and a complete application does not guarantee approval for the program.
Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley was established in 2022, and we have trained over 130 individuals in nearly 100 libraries and community-based institutions. We help you do the work you are likely already doing – with the additional support of a cohort, listserv, professional training, and data analysis. Learn more atDigital Navigators of the Hudson Valleywebsite.
Library Freedom Institute covers a wide range of highly relevant and engaging subjects in the privacy, intellectual freedom, and critical technology realm. The 2026 Institute will take place over 15 weeks (starting in late January), consisting of a two-hour virtual meeting every week, as well as an in-person weekend component.Participants will also spend time each week working on readings and group discussion. After LFI has completed, participants are invited to join the LFP community of practice, a one-of-a-kind space for library workers to continue collaborating in a supportive environment.
LFI is made possible in part through generous support from the Mellon Foundation, the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, and the Calyx Institute.
Join co-author of the Handbook For Library Trustees of New York State Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and friends for this fun and informative series! At each session, trustees will take a deeper dive on a topic relevant to their role and responsibilities as a library trustee.
Have questions for the panelists? Submit them here.
Particularly for new board members, but open to all in the Mid-Hudson Library System. Library board members looking for essential, basic information to increase their effectiveness in serving on a library board will benefit from attending this session.
Learning Objectives Attendees will develop a working knowledge of library funding and organization in New York State; receive a clear overview of stakeholder roles and responsibilities and receive an introduction to Open Meetings Law and best practices for effective board meetings. This webinar provides a foundation of knowledge that other workshops in the MHLS Trustee Education Series will build on.
