The Mid-Hudson Library System respects the rights of the residents of the Town of Union Vale to determine a path forward to access library services locally.
Since 2020, when the Town of Union Vale ended a long-standing contract for library services with the member libraries of the Mid-Hudson Library System, thereby contributing no funds to support cooperative library services for their residents from that point forward, the member libraries of the Mid-Hudson Library System have continued to serve the residents of the Town with few exceptions.
Recently it has come to our attention that there is some misinformation about the previous and current relationship between the Town of Union Vale and the Mid-Hudson Library System. We would like to provide some clarification…
Click here to read the full statement.
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October 2024 Statement Regarding the Town of Union Vale
NYS Construction Awards Announced
The FY 2023-2024 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $1,407,025.00 have been announced and ten Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Member Libraries and the MHLS have been awarded funds.
2024 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System
D.R. Evarts Library District: $132,754.00
New water services and fire suppression system, and upgrades to existing mechanical and basement waterproofing systems.
Hyde Park Library District: $94,562.00
Two-story elevator lobby addition.
Kingston Library: $414,803.00
Converting its existing gas boiler and freon AC HVAC system to a geothermal HVAC system.
Marlboro Free Library: $342,456.00
Energy efficient upgrades to the existing plumbing, mechanical and electrical building systems.
New Lebanon Library: $22,695.00
Installations of energy-efficient lighting fixtures and new exterior doors at the front entrance to the library.
Patterson Library Association: $138,663.00
Adult collection area reading niche additions.
Plattekill Library: $19,993.00
Installation of electronic outdoor sign with digital display-color digital section: 3ft X 5ft -Display – 6MIL Resolution.
Red Hook Public Library: $103,262.00
The project will renovate the exterior of our historic 158-year-old building to improve access, safety, and long-term sustainability.
Roeliff Jansen Community Library: $17,750.00
Replacement of a broken accordion partition between its program space and main library with a manually operated folding partition.
Stone Ridge Library District: $16,683.00
Installation of 4 Mitsubishi High Efficiency Heating, Cooling, Dehumidification, and Air Purification systems in the public areas of the library.
Mid-Hudson Library System: $103,404.00
Roof system replacement (including the gutters & downspouts) and installation of solar energy electrical generation system on the MHLS office building.
Director Resources
Building Resilient Communities
WebJunction is hosting a webinar series to provide training for library staff, featuring library and community experts from diverse sectors. Ultimately, the project aims to inform a comprehensive research agenda that emphasizes the vital roles libraries and community organizations play in enhancing public health and fostering sustainable practices. Through these efforts, Building Resilient Communities strives to raise awareness of and increase knowledge about how climate change impacts the environment, public health and social equity, and to disseminate information so that public libraries and their community partners can develop and strengthen STEM learning ecosystems that create new, or bolster existing, strategic collaborations and partnerships to address local impacts of climate change. Questions about the project can be directed to the project’s Principal Investigator, Anne Holland, aholland@spacescience.org.
Building Community in a Changing Climate | November 21 | 3 – 4:00 PM | Online | REGISTER
Explore how public libraries and their partners are empowering communities to address climate change collaboratively.
Presenters:
- Kate Gomes, Library Director, Holbrook Public Library (MA)
- Brenda Harrington, Adult Services Librarian, Belfast Free Library (ME)
- Sarah Kirn, Participatory Science Strategist, NASA, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Climate Change Communication: How and Why To Do It In Libraries | December 5 | 3 – 4:00 PM Online | REGISTER
Explore effective climate change communication strategies to engage communities and inspire action.
Presenters:
- Rebekkah Smith Aldrich (MLS, LEED AP), Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System (NY), Co-founder/Current President, Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI)
- Matt Bollerman, CEO, Hauppauge Public Library, Co-founder/Vice-President, Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI)
- Rose Hendricks, Seeding Action Research Director, Association for Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
The New York State Library is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the New York State Library Digital Equity Academy.
The Digital Equity Academy offers a unique learning experience to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a real impact. This class is free, and you don’t need any previous digital equity experience – just the desire to improve digital equity in your community!
Over the course of seven months, delve into the essential aspects of digital equity, from understanding its importance to developing and implementing effective strategies. Subjects include:
- Visioning and assessment
- Stakeholder engagement
- Digital equity planning
- design and implementation of those plans
- Funding opportunities
- Promotion and programmatic sustainability
Each month, you’ll receive a pre-recorded lesson, no longer than an hour, to study at your own pace. Then, the group will come together for a live online class to discuss your insights, share strategies, and build a supportive community. Your expected time commitment is about four hours per month.
The goal is to create a diverse cohort representing libraries of all sizes and geographic locations throughout New York. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, there’s a place for you in the Academy. Seeking individuals who are motivated, passionate, and have the support of their library leadership.
To register please contact Lauren Cardinal at Lauren.Cardinal@nysed.gov.
There is not currently a formal registration deadline, but the academy is slated to start in early December, with the bulk of the course taking place from January – June 2025.
Additional Director Resources
Trustee Resources
What’s new in the Trustee Handbook? PR & Advocacy
How people receive and interpret information in today’s media-saturated world requires boards to put more energy and fundings towards public relations and advocacy work. The chapter on Public Relations & Advocacy is much more detailed, delving into issues around reputation management and crisis communications for the first time in the Handbooks’ history.
Trustee responsibilities are small in number but broad in scope. This monthly Bulletin feature is designed to point out sections that are new in the updated version of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State.
Purchase a bound copy of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, 2023 edition from the Mid-Hudson Library System. Order Form.
What’s new in the Trustee Handbook? Technology
The Technology chapter was greatly changed from the last edition to address issues surrounding digital equity, inclusion, and justice as well as the importance of staff training in light of the new minimum standards for association and public libraries. Also discussed in the chapter are the realities for budgeting for technology in a way that does not leave it to change but makes the necessary investments in this important aspect of library infrastructure.
Trustee responsibilities are small in number but broad in scope. This monthly Bulletin feature is designed to point out sections that are new in the updated version of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State.
Purchase a bound copy of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State, 2023 edition from the Mid-Hudson Library System. Order Form.
Additional Trustee Resources
