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Consulate on Wheels

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Library System and Revolucion Radio Online bring the Consulate on Wheels to the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium (105 Market Street, Poughkeepsie) Tuesday, April 9th through Saturday, April 13th.

The Consulate General of Mexico provides its Consulate on Wheels in places where it may be difficult to travel to the consular headquarters in the United States, so that they can process important documents, such as passports and consular IDs.

We encourage all member libraries to advertise this opportunity to their local communities. Flyers are available in English and Spanish

All sessions are by appointment only between the times of 9:00 am – 1:30 pm. You can make your free appointment by calling MiConsulado +l (424) 309 0009.

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Update from Library Advocacy Day

Representatives from more than 24 MHLS member libraries that included all 5 counties joined MHLS staff and trustees for Library Advocacy Day in Albany on February 7th.  Our talking points included asking for increased library aid and construction aid in the upcoming executive budget.

All library advocates are asked to continue to work to impress upon our state legislators the importance of an increase in state aid for libraries in their one-house budget bills. Please use the New York Library Association’s Online Advocacy Center to send a message today. We are also urging library advocates to call their state Senator and Assemblyperson to drive home the message. For talking points about our budget priority please visit: https://www.nyla.org/2024-legislative-initiatives.

Caption: MHLS and member library staff and trustees met with New York State Senator Rob Rolison on Library Advocacy Day in Albany.

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Director Resources

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.

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Join MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the New Directors Forum

February 23rd from 10:00 – 11:30am. Registration is required. 

This informal gathering of New Directors (in your role for 3 years or less) discusses relevant topics related to finding your path as a new director. Facilitated by MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, author of the Handbook for New Library Directors in New York State & co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees in New York State, this program will address questions submitted in advance by attendees, particularly in the areas of working with your board, planning, and project/time management. 

Submit your questions for this session’s topic: Working with your Board.  

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Trustee Resources

Trustee Handbook Book Club – 2024 Dates!

The Trustee Handbook Book Club will continue in 2024! Thank you to all who attended the Trustee Handbook Book Club sessions last year. We hope to see you this year for the continuation of this one-of-a-kind series. 

Join Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, and friends for this fun and informative series! At each session, trustees will take a deeper dive into a topic relevant to their role and responsibilities as a library trustee. Each month trustees are encouraged to read a chapter of the Trustee Handbook. Each session will include a brief introduction to the chapter topic, as well as address any questions that come in live during the event.

  • What’s New in the 2023 Edition of the Trustee Handbook | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 5:00-6:30pm | REGISTER
  • Libraries for the Future: An Introduction to Sustainability as the Newest Core Value | Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | 5:00-6:30pm | REGISTER
  • Governance Structure: The Role of Board Officers and Board Committees | Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 5:00-6:30pm | REGISTER

Member Libraries can access the full Trustee Handbook Book Club series and resources for past recordings (as well as earn trustee education credits) in the Trustee Academy on the MHLS Training on Demand platform. Those without access to the platform can view materials via the MHLS webpage (certificates cannot be provided when viewed via the webpage). 

Purchase a bound copy of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, 2023 edition from the Mid-Hudson Library System. Order Form

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Library Advocacy Day

February 7th is Library Advocacy Day, and we need all the voices we can get to speak up for library aid! NYLA makes it easy through their Online Advocacy Center. Fill out the form to send the prewritten message or personalize the text before sending. After you use the form, spread the word about the Online Advocacy Center to your colleagues, patrons, friends, and family. 

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