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.

The 65th Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Friday, October 25th at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, New York. 
During the business meeting we will report to the membership on the health of the organization, conduct board elections, consider amendments to the MHLS Bylaws, and hear from MHLS’ Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. We will bestow Outstanding Accomplishment Awards to our member libraries who have achieved sustainable funding, completed the Sustainable Library Certification Program, and the Public Library Administration Certification from Long Island University. Following the business meeting and awards we will hear from our keynote speaker, Lisa Varga, Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association and Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year. Ms. Varga will be presenting on the topic of Opening Minds, Closing Doors: The Threat of Censorship in Libraries.

AGENDA
• 8:30 am: Registration & Breakfast Buffet  
• 9:00 am: Business Meeting & Awards 
• 10:45 am: Keynote Speaker

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
• Registration Fee: $37
• Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 16th at 5:00 PM
• Register Here

Questions about this event can be directed to ateal@midhudson.org. Please include MHLS Annual Membership Meeting in the subject line.

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.

The Access to Library Services chapter was completely overhauled to help trustees view their governance work through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. It provides clear examples including facility, service development, and board recruitment considerations.
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.