New Look for Trustee Resources

MHLS has unveiled a new design for the Trustee Resources Section of the MHLS web site: http://midhudson.org then Trustee Resources or http://midhudson.org/trustee/main.php This site is provided as a "guide at the side," mirroring the contents of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, 2005 edition by Jerry Nichols. For each category listed on the left-hand side there are excerpts and links into the text of the Handbook and a selection of web links and support materials related to the role of a public library trustee in NYS selected by MHLS. There is more than just a new look – there’s new content too:
· Site Map
· Jumpstart for New Trustees
· Checklist for Effective Trustees

· Budgets & Finance:
- MHLS Public Library Vote Toolbox
- Increasing Autonomy: Rechartering Your Public Library

· Duties & Responsibilities:
- Results Oriented Job Descriptions for Trustees

· Intellectual Freedom, Censorship & Privacy:
- Responding to Law Enforcement Inquiries

· Laws & Regulations:
- Presentation from the 2006 MHLS Executive Committee/Directors Forum: “Legal Issues for Boards”
- Newly revised “Public Library Law in NYS”

· Orientation of New Trustees:
- Sample Trustee Orientation Presentation

· Technology:
- Technology Planning Tool
- Technology Discounts

MHLS Announcements
2007 Legislative Season Update: The NYS Legislature passed a budget that included:
· $8 million extra for library systems
· $14 million extra for State Aid for Public Library Construction (for FY2008)
· $50,000 member item grant for MHLS, secured by Senator Stephen Saland, to underwrite the new Millennium server.
While these are all “one-shot” increases - this is still great news. We feel that having strong voices from the MHLS-area speak up during the budget negotiation made a difference and want to thank everyone who took the time to make a call, write a letter and, especially, those of you who made time to come to Lobby Day. The legislative season continues as the New York Library Association (NYLA) advocates for legislation to aid libraries:
• Knowledge Initiative (S.2125 Farley) – Bill would amend state aid formulas to libraries to make permanent the increase in aid to library systems and $14 million in construction aid to libraries received in 2006. It would also provide $10 million in annual support for NOVEL.
• Association Libraries Opt Into State Retirement – The bill would allow association public libraries to opt into the state retirement system upon approval by their board of trustees.

FY 2007 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Awards Announced: Thanks to a significant boost in State Aid for Public Library Construction funds available to MHLS member libraries last year, thirteen member libraries will receive grants through this program. To put the grant amounts (listed below) into perspective, MHLS member libraries have reported more than $70 million in construction, expansion and renovation needs. In this funding cycle alone, requests totaled over $ 2.39 million – more than four times the amount available in FY2006-2007.

Awards made through the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program (FY2006-2007):
Esopus -$143,445
Germantown -$95,561
Kingston -$24,219
Patterson -$67,450
Philmont -$6,323
PPLD -$134,900
Rhinecliff -$37,600
West Hurley -$11,543

Awards made through the $800,000 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program (FY2006-2007):
Brewster -$2,500
Hudson -$9,600
Livingston -$9,398
New Paltz -$8,611
Stone Ridge -$9,563

Be sure to fill out the currently active MHLS Action Memo #07-05: Construction Needs Update (due May 7th) if you are interested in applying for the FY2007-2008 funding cycle. The submission of this memo is required to apply.

MHLS Libraries
The libraries of Ulster County will share $20,000 in member item money that was made possible by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill.

The Hudson Area Association Library will receive a member item grant for $3,148 to purchase an early literacy workstation. The grant was secured for the library by Assemblyman Marc Molinaro.

“While driving around the region, publishers Karen Christensen and David Levinson were so captivated by the small but majestic stone library in Ulster County’s Stone Ridge that they were inspired to create Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love (Berkshire Publishers, $49.95). Although the Stone Ridge facility didn’t actually earn a place as one of the 80 featured libraries, it was mentioned in the book’s introduction. (The Chatham Public Library, in Columbia County, is also lauded for its stunning Tiffany window.)” –Hudson Valley Magazine, April 2007

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
Friends Support Group, Monday, April 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium
(Directions to MHLS: http://midhudson.org/help/directions.htm) Topic: Events. Facilitated by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator of Member Information. This support group has been created as a forum for member library Friends to come together and share information. Issues, problems and solutions will be on the table for all to learn from each other. This group meets multiple times per year. This instance of the support group will address best practices for planning and implementing events to support the library - Get ideas - Hear from those who have done it - Discuss and share challenges and solutions. While everyone is welcome to share "how they do it good" at their library, we will also have a special guest - Anne Jordan, Staatsburg Library Director and past-chair of the MHLS Marketing & Program Advisory Committee will join us to share information about a very popular fundraising event held annually by her Friends Group - the Murder Mystery Dinner Event. This year's theme, "The Chicago Caper" is set to take place the Saturday before our meeting so it will be fresh in her mind! Registration is required. Register one of 2 ways:
1. http://midhudson.org, then click on Calendar
2. call 845.471.6060 x46

Trustee Resources
Trustees looking for a clear summary of the essential elements of being a library trustee will want to register for one of the May 2007 sessions of Trustee Essentials. Covered will be:
· the background and structure of libraries in NY, how your library fits into the structure, and funding options for your library
· the delineation of the roles and functions of a library board and the best ways to get library work and board work accomplished
· practical tips for running effective meetings
100% of past participants said they recommend this training for public library trustees. There is a $50.00 incentive grant to libraries in 2007 if at least one of their trustees attends a MHLS Trustee Essential Education session this year. The System will mail checks based on attendance. Light food will be served. Register for one of the following sessions:
- Wednesday, May 16, 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Mahopac Library (668 Route 6, Mahopac - in the Periodical Room)
- Saturday, May 19, 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Kingston Library (55 Franklin Street, Kingston)
- Thursday, May 24, 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium (105 Market Street, Poughkeepsie)
Registration is required. Register one of 2 ways:
1. the MHLS online calendar at
http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
2. or call 845.471.6060 x46

Job Openings
Full-time Youth Services Coordinator position available at the Millbrook Free Library. Responsible for all children's and YA programming and collection development. Salary commensurate with experience and degree level. MLS or teaching experience preferred but not required. Benefits include health and dental insurance plus 403(b) annuity. Send resume to millbrook.director@verizon.net or Millbrook Library, PO Box 286, Millbrook, NY 12545.

The Germantown Library is seeking a part time library clerk for Tuesdays 10-5:30 and Fridays 10-5. The ideal applicant must be computer knowledgeable, friendly and flexible with an attention to detail. Duties include assisting patrons, shelving, working at the circulation desk and working with children. Please send your resume and letter of interest to: Germantown Library, Attn: Lynn Place, 71 Palatine Park Road, Suite 7, Germantown, NY 12526 or e-mail: germantownlibrary@valstar.net.

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.

Member Libraries are welcome to submit items of interest and job openings to the MHLS Bulletin: bulletin@midhudson.org. The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.