Book Club in a Bag

The Book Club in a Bag Program is now available to patrons throughout the Mid-Hudson Library System.

The Book Club in a Bag kits consist of a tote bag containing at least 10 copies of a single title, discussion questions for the title, and discussion leader tips. Some bags have "extras" like audio book versions of the title, a music CD, recipes related to the title and about the author info.

Patrons can view the available kits within the online catalog or through local library web sites, but must request them through local library staff. A Staff Support Page has been set up to help streamline the procedure that needs to be followed, access the staff page through http://midhudson.org or get there directly at http://midhudson.org/program/BCB/staff.htm.

In addition to the borrowing procedure and online request form for staff to use, the Staff Support Page also provides answers to frequently asked questions about the program, information on how to promote the program to your patrons and how your library can create a kit for the program.

Questions can be directed to Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator of Member Information (x39 or rsmith@midhudson.org) or to Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Public Services Assistant (x50 or kcruger@midhudson.org).

MHLS Announcements
2006 Advocacy Efforts A Success! The NYS legislature passed a budget for next year that includes:
· $2.7 million for the Census money
· $3 million for library systems
· $14 million for library construction
The New York Library Association reports that legislators around noted the impact of the big turn-out on Library Legislative Day (March 14th in Albany). Thank you, again, to all who made the time to come to Albany and speak up for MHLS and local library funding and to those who called and wrote to their legislators. Please thank your local legislator for making libraries a priority! Governor Pataki has until April 12 to accept or veto this budget so stay tuned!

MHLS Libraries
MHLS Member Libraries celebrated National Library Week last week in a variety of ways. From a ReadAlouds with a NYS Senator and "Famous Future Chefs" from the Culinary Institute of America to cartooning workshops, Internet classes for adult beginners, the launch of a Spring Storytime program and fine amnesty opportunities.

Professional Development
Orientation for New Library Staff: Designed for new library staff, but open to all who would like to attend, this workshop provides introductory, baseline information about working effectively in a public library and in the Mid-Hudson Library System. The workshop will cover:
· The role of the public library in our communities
· How your library fits into the library structure of New York State
· Your role as a library representative
· Helping patrons find what they want
· Overview of the online catalog, HomeACCESS databases and interlibrary loan
· Resource sharing concepts and issues
This workshop will take place on Thursday, April 27th from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium. As requested by the MHLS Director's Association this workshop will be offered multiple times per year. Register online through the MHLS calendar by going to http://midhudson.org and clicking on Calendar OR get there directly at http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp.
This workshop will be presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator of Member Information, Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Outreach & Education Coordinator and Josh Cohen, MHLS Executive Director.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
MHLS Campaign Institute: Marketing and Public Relations for Your Library's Vote, Tuesday, May 23rd from 9:30am - 1:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium. Presented by Libby Post, President of Communication Services. Designed for library staff, trustees and Friends Groups, this workshop will teach attendees how to integrate their campaign's message and themes into all of their marketing and public relations activities. The workshop will cover:
· The basics of political communications as it relates to marketing and public relations.
· How to develop compelling campaign materials that catch and hold voter's attention.
· The role of computers, voter contact and targeting in marketing and public relations.
· Building community constituencies that campaign for you.
· How to manage the press:
Register online through the MHLS calendar by going to http://midhudson.org and clicking on Calendar or get there directly at http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp

Reference & Collection Development
The Central Reference Library Survey deadline has been extended to April 30th. Access the survey online at: http://poklib.org/assets/events/downloads/centrallibsurvey.pdf.

Trustee Resources
The New York State Association of Library Boards (NYSALB) is holding their 10th Annual Trustee Institute at the Holiday Inn Turf in Albany from May 5th - 6th. Topics to be covered include Success Stories, "Basic Training for Trustees," "Becoming a Public Library," "Fundraising for our Libraries" and Implementing RFID. To learn more and to register go to http://www.nysalb.org/inst2006.htm.

Youth Services
NYS Summer Reading Celebrity Spokesperson Announced: New York State Librarian Janet Welch introduced Brooklyn-born magician David Blaine as spokesman for the Statewide 2006 Summer Reading Program, Books: A Treasure! Last week. Read the press release online at: http://www.nypl.org/press/2006/summerreading06blaine.cfm

Job Openings
Library Clerk, part time, Millbrook Free Library. We seek an energetic self-starter who has experience working with the public, strong computer skills, is detail-oriented, and able to multitask. 21 hrs/wk. Tuesday 9:45-6:15, Thursday 9:45-6:15, Saturday 9:45-4:15 (8:45-1:15 from June-August). Call 845.677.3611, ext. 2 for application or send resume to PO Box 286, Millbrook, NY 12545.

Library clerk position, Germantown Library. Thursday 5-8, and Saturday 10-3. Salary $7.50 per hr. Computer skills necessary, Contact Virginia
Atwell. 518.537.4156.

Head of Youth Services (Librarian II - Children's Services) Would you like to assume responsibility for a healthy youth program in a growing suburban community and help develop plans for youth services in a new building? We are seeking an imaginative, adaptable, outgoing, craft-y, experienced children's librarian to head our youth services department. Responsibility for planning and implementing programs and purchasing materials for children (infants through grade 6); supervision of teen services librarian and clerk, children's services library assistant. Civil Service minimum position requirements are an ALA accredited MLS (MLIS), NYS professional librarian's certificate and two years of post MLS professional experience in youth services. Supervisory experience preferred. Position available June 1. Starting salary $43,034, benefits include NYS retirement, health insurance. Send resume and three references to: Pauline J. Kehoe, Director, Goshen Public Library, 203 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924.

MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master's degree in the same community.

The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries at bulletin@midhudson.org. The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.