Construction Awards Announced

Ten MHLS member libraries plus the System received confirmation that they will receive NYS Public Library Construction grants for FY2007-2008.

Grants made through the $800,000 funding stream:
Brewster Public Library: Reconfiguration of space to enlarge local history room and create storage and coffee room; purchase of 2 computers for new space. $4,146
Kent Public Library: Installation of automatic door openers at front entryway. $3,079
Kingston Library: Installation of insulation beneath attic flooring; installation of central air conditioning in second floor administrative offices and hallway, including upgrading of required electrical. $21,509
Pleasant Valley Free Library: Replacement of windows and soffits. $6,600
Putnam Valley Free Library: Replacement of windows and oil boiler. $5,600
Mid-Hudson Library System: Reconstruction of delivery area space. $3,249

Grants made through the $14 million funding stream:
Haines Falls Free Library: Installation of new HVAC system; construction of ADA-compliant front entryway; construction of 2 ADA compliant bathrooms in newly purchased building. $150,000
Roeliff Jansen Community Library: Site preparation for construction of new 7,500 square foot library. $110,000
New Lebanon Library: Reconstruction of driveway, parking lot, and sidewalks; construction of new front, accessible entryway. $30,000
Poughkeepsie Public Library District: Installation of 43-well geothermal heating and cooling system. $188,673
Rosendale Library: Replacement of slate roof. $75,000
Mid-Hudson Library System: Reconstruction of 2 existing bathrooms in the Auditorium to make them larger and ADA compliant. $20,225

Libraries interested in applying for the next round of construction grants should attend the Construction Grant Workshop being held in the MHLS Auditorium on Thursday, April 24th from 10:30am – 1:00pm. Register online at http://calendar.midhudson.org/

MHLS Announcements
Library Lobby Day: Last Tuesday was Library Lobby Day in Albany and we got some very good news – both the Senate and Assembly have restored the $5 million for Systems in their budget proposals. Stay tuned -; negotiations are still to come with the new Governor. Another success of the day was the great turn-out of MHLS-area supporters at the event. Twenty-five libraries representing all five counties were in attendance; we thank each and every one of you! Libraries represented:
Howland Public Library (Beacon)
Cairo Public Library
Catskill Public Library & Palenville Branch Library
Heermance Memorial Library (Coxsackie)
East Fishkill Community Library
Highland Public Library
Hudson Area Association Library
Hyde Park Free Library
Kent Public Library
Kinderhook Memorial Library
Kingston Library
LaGrange Association Library
Mahopac Library
Elting Memorial Library (New Paltz)
Patterson Library
Plattekill Library
Pleasant Valley Free Library
Poughkeepsie Public Library District
Rosendale Library
Saugerties Public Library
Tivoli Free Library
Town of Esopus Library
Wappingers Falls
West Hurley Public Library
Woodstock Public Library District
MHLS would also like to thank the local contributors to the Lobby Day Bus:
o Foundation for Hudson Valley Libraries
o Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Seven Database Bookmarks Re-Issued: In the delivery with this week’s Bulletin each library will receive replacement bookmarks for seven of the current database bookmarks. This was necessary due to the change in steps to reach a database after the implementation of the new authentication method in January. The new ones are marked with the date “2.08” in the lower right-hand corner.

Professional Development
Serving Homeschool Families Workshop, presented by Adrienne Furness, Children’s Librarian, Webster Public Library. Thursday, May 1st from 10:00am-12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium. This program is intended for any library staff wishing to provide better service to homeschool families. The workshop will cover:
- Philosophies and perspectives prevalent in the homeschooling world today
- Assessing the needs of homeschool families
- Purchasing appropriate materials
- Marketing library services to homeschoolers
- Connecting with established homeschool networks
Please note: There is a fee is $10 for MHLS member library staff, $15 for all other participants. Register online through the MHLS calendar at http://calendar.midhudson.org

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
Last week the Outreach Coordinators from four area public library systems banded together to present a program, “Public Libraries - Resources for You and Your Students” at a meeting of the Hudson Valley/Catskill Partnership (HV/CP) hosted by MHLS. HV/CP is an Adult Education Network representing adult education programs in ten counties, spanning four public library systems. In the MHLS region they cover Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties. HV/CP is guided by the desire to develop and promote new methods and outreach programs to make literacy accessible to all.

Kate Hymes the Director of HV/CP; Anne M. Frank the NYS Education Department Assistant in Continuing Education, Adult Education and Workforce Development; and nearly thirty adult program managers representing literacy programs heard from MHLS Outreach & Education Coordinator Merribeth Advocate, and her counterparts at the Ramapo Catskill, Westchester and Four County Library Systems. Participants were excited to hear about library resources and expressed an eagerness to make connections with the public libraries in their communities for themselves and their adult literacy students.

Tip: A great way to reach out to the adult educators and students in your service area would be to arrange a tour of your library. Check out the ‘Making Connections’ literacy site http://literacy.sals.edu/literacy for information about what to include in a tour and more ways libraries can support adult learners. (‘Making Connections’ was developed by The Southern Adirondack Library System and Literacy NENY, supported by funds from the NYS Library's Adult Literacy Library Services grant program.)

Programming
The Marlboro Free Library recently posted video of their teens in their Goin' Green on the Red Fashion Show. All garb had to be created from recycled materials. Check out the video at http://www.marlborolibrary.org/

Administration & Management
Library Directors: Each library should fill out the brief online internet connection survey available on the MHLS home page [http://midhudson.org] to help NYS determine how can libraries obtain Internet access at an affordable price.

Job Openings
Assistant Librarian (two positions are available) for the Woo-Ju Memorial Library, Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent, NY (Putnam County). The Woo-Ju Library is a private library specializing in Buddhism. Hours: For preparation of the collection prior to the official opening, from 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, for a four week period beginning in April 2008. Then, after the official opening of the library, from 9:30am - 5:30pm on alternating Sundays, from April through December. Duties: General care and administration of the circulating and reference collections. Check library materials in and out. Process new acquisitions. Data entry. Assist patrons. Requirements: Two years or more college. Good English written and spoken skills. (Chinese desirable but not necessary). Basic computer skills. Previous library experience is desirable but not necessary. To apply: Contact Marilyn Schlansky at 845.878.6818.

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