$20 Million Cut to Libraries

Governor Paterson Proposes 21% Cut to Library & System Funding: A "one-time" $20 million cut to library and system funding in the 11th month of the System's fiscal year is on the table in Albany today as legislators are called back into session. As you read this dozens of area library supporters are trekking to Albany for the New York Library Association's Rally Against the Cuts.

Here's how can you help today:
#1: CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS They need to know that libraries are making a difference in our communities during these tough economic times.

Here are some talking points:
· Libraries have already contributed their fair share toward reducing the state's budget deficit. Library Aid has already been reduced twice this year from $102 million to $99 million.
· Between 1998-2006, libraries and library systems received no increases, while other educational institutions received generous increases.
· Library use is up dramatically in every community across the state. [use stats from your own library here - circulation, program attendance, door count, computer usage]
· Library systems are the backbone of our libraries and information infrastructure. They are an example of how the library community has long been a champion and role model for regional cooperation, resource sharing and providing services in a cost-effective and efficient manner, that saves libraries of all types and their patrons money.

#2: USE NYLA's ONLINE FAX PROGRAM at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=925 to reach out with a pre-written message for the Governor and your legislators.

Please note: This cut will impact the libraries recommended for State Aid for Public Library Construction grant awards out of the $800,000 funding stream.

2008 Vote Round Up: 2008 was a good year for library budget votes with 92% passing. 2008 success ratio = 23:2. The Clinton Community Library had their budget voted on for the very first time via a 414 vote and so far it looks like they've won*. Grinnell Library Association in Wappingers Falls, the Kinderhook Memorial Library and the Valatie Free Library also tackled 414 votes this year and were successful. We applaud these libraries for taking the necessary steps to solidify their operating support from their local communities.

[Type of library key: SP = special district public library; SC = school district public library; M = municipal library; A = association]
November 2008
Clinton (A) Win: 583-527*
Kinderhook / Valatie (A) Win: 1,652-934**
Poughkeepsie (SP) Win: 2,167-866 [city]* / 3,940-2,665 [town]*
Wappingers Falls (A) Win: 2,818 - 2,358*
October 2008
Athens (SP) Win: 66-10
Coxsackie (SP) Win: 93-4
East Fishkill (SP) Win: 235-120
Hurley (SP) Win: 34-1
September 2008
Fishkill (SP) Win: 34-0
Hyde Park (SP) Win: 128-44
Rosendale (SP) Win: 192-42
Saugerties (SP) Win: 246-76
Staatsburg (SP) Win: 48-7
Town of Ulster (SP) Loss: 164-153
West Hurley (SP) Win: 76-13
Woodstock (SP) Loss: 362-232
August 2008
Stone Ridge (SP) Win: 52-3
July 2008
Plattekill (SP) Win: 47-6
June 2008
Marlboro (SC) Win: 84-5
Mahopac (SC) Win: 471-355
Town of Esopus (SP) Win: 111-21
Kingston (SP) Win: 170-100
May 2008
Saugerties (SP: building referendum) Win: 1272-812
Catskill (SC) Win: 571-263
April 2008
Highland (SC) Win: 41-3
To view a retrospective listing of library votes visit http://www.midhudson.org/GTY/member-library-votes.htm.
*Results are unofficial;
**Joint 414.

MHLS Announcements
MHLS Executive Director Josh Cohen took center stage at the New York Library Association (NYLA) Conference in Saratoga Springs as he was inaugurated as the 2009 President of NYLA. Josh's speech at the Inaugural Dinner brought people to their feet! Feedback from those present included words like: brilliant, motivating, inspiring, and hope-filled. His speech implored libraries of all types to recognize their worth, work together and take library service in New York State to the next level in the coming year. Josh comes into the position as NYLA President during a very tough time economically for libraries and systems in New York State. The current cuts proposed by the Governor last week will most likely be a precursor to a tough budget year in Albany next year as well. All libraries are fortunate to have a leader like Josh involved at the head of NYLA during this time.
[Biased much? Why yes! We are!]

Resource Sharing & Millennium
REMINDER: Your Pick-Up Location Rules!
As of Friday, November 14th the way Millennium determines how long an item checks out, how much the daily fine is (if any), what the maximum fine will be (if any), and how many times it can be renewed is now defined by where the item is checked out and not by who owns it. This should make things simpler for library staff and patrons. Here's what you need to know:
· Since all items checked out at your library will use your rules, items sharing the same itype will be due on the same day. You mostly only need to know your own rules!
· If your library does not normally circulate a certain itype (Wii games for example), a generic rule will be in place to accommodate that.
· Labeling may not be correct. For example a short loan book may circulate 14 days at the owning library and be labeled as such, but if your loan rules allow only 7 days the item will check out for only 7 days.
· If your library does not charge daily late fees, items checked out at your location will no longer accrue fines.
· Circulation notices (Overdues and Bills) will be based on and reflect the practices of the lending agency.
You can review your library's loan rules in Millennium by clicking on the top toolbar, then select admin/circulation/loan rule determiner table. Locate your library's 3-letter code and then look for the itype. VIP, or ptype 4, patrons have different rules (no fines) applied. Look up the rule # by choosing loan rules instead of loan rule determiner table. Questions? Contact Laurie at x221 or lshedrick@midhudson.org.

We are still waiting on more than 50% of member libraries to send in their 2009 Closed Dates: Please include all scheduled closings for holidays, staff development, repairs, or any other time your circulation services are suspended. The dates should be submitted by the last week of November in order for Millennium to calculate your due dates accurately. Submit the dates to Laurie Shedrick: email lshedrick@midhudson.org; Fax: 845.454.5940 or in the delivery to MHLS Attn: Laurie Shedrick.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
At the Ulster County Library Association's Annual Dinner earlier this fall keynote speaker Jerry Nichols, Director of the Palmer Institute for Public Library Organization and Management at Long Island University shared some great tips to aid us in talking about ourselves from the book "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath:
· Six key principles to "stickiness" of a story or idea = SUCCES(S): simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions and stories.
· "Avoid the curse of knowledge." Once you know something, it's difficult to imagine what it is like to not know it. But the people you are speaking to do not necessary know what you know, so never assume they understand anything about the library - how you are funded, how you are governed, or how your patrons use you and benefit from your services.

Job Openings
The NorthEast-Millerton Library is seeking a creative, energetic, and enthusiastic person to fill the position of Youth Services Coordinator. This is a part-time position requiring 15 hours per week @$12.00/hour. Job Description: Planning, promoting and implementing programs for children and teens. This includes 3 regular story hours (newborns to 24 month-olds, 2 and 3 year-olds, 4 and 5 year-olds); leading and supervising our Teen Advisory Group; book discussion groups, and the summer reading program. Please send resume and letter of interest to Margaret Quick, Director, NorthEast-Millerton Library, P.O. Box 786, Millerton, NY 12546 or e-mail nemlib@fairpoint.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.