We may have less than two weeks left to advocate for an increase in state library aid in the next budget – please participate and help others find their way to the New York Library Association’s Online Advocacy Center where it takes less than 2 minutes to send a message to your legislators in Albany to advocate for an increase to library aid!
Monthly Archives: February 2015
While public library usage is up overall statewide (by 10% according to the January 2015 Siena Poll) System wide circulation of library materials is on a downward trend. To combat decreasing circulation MHLS is launching initiatives to help member libraries increase circulation. The initiative consists of two parts: 1: A pilot “Increasing Circulation Incubator Project”
Orientation for New Programmers
Friday, March 6
10:00am-12:00pm
@MHLS
This program is designed for library staff and volunteers who are new to library programming, but open to all who would like to attend.
Presented by Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Assistant Director and Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Marketing & Program Assistant, this workshop provides baseline nuts-and-bolts information about making the most of programming at your library.
The workshop will cover:
• The importance of year-round (including summer) programming for all ages
• Best practices for program planning and scheduling
• Making community connections
• Resources available to your library
Please register online for this event
New Deadline for the 2014 Annual Report to New York State: February 26. Contacts for Annual Report support:
- General questions, user names & passwords, software functionality issues: Merribeth Advocate (x254)
- Sierra information provided by MHLS: techsupport@midhudson.org
- Financial information provided by MHLS Business Office: Joan Kay (x214)
- Summer Reading Report questions: Kerstin Cruger (x250)
- On the MHLS web site you will find tips and information to help making the process of completing your 2014 annual report easier.
The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation provides a 90-day plan to help your library “turn outward” to better understand your community; changing processes and thinking to make conversations more community-focused; being proactive to community issues; and putting community aspirations first.
Books for Kids: This national organization promotes early literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. Books for Kids donates books “to develop the critical early foundation and skills which young children need to be successful in life.” Locally, over 6,800 books were collected this year. If your library has a local project to put books in the hands of this target group, they can be picked up at the Circle of Courage building (160 Union St., Poughkeepsie):
- Wednesday, February 18 (snow date 2.20)
- Monday, February 23 (snow date 2.25)
- Tuesday, March 10 (snow date 3.11)
If you will be picking up books, RSVP to Ellen Rubin at ellenbr47@gmail.com with your pick-up date and your cell phone number. For more information about the Books for Kids program please visit http://www.booksforkids.org/.
Between now and April 1st library advocates have the chance to influence a number of key issues such as library aid and state aid for library construction. During this live webinar MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, will be joined by Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director of the New York Library Association to discuss the budget timeline and pressure points; budget and legislative priorities; effective talking points and how, when and where you can speak up for libraries! Register today for this live online event http://bit.ly/1Fal4ag
Join Automation Coordinator Thomas O’Connell on February 19th for a Sierra Questions Webinar. This lunchtime webinar will include a 20 minute presentation in which Thomas will cover running end of the month statistics in Web Management Reports and then the floor will be open to any Sierra questions you might have. Please register online for this live online event: http://bit.ly/1uf1cSt
New York Library Association’s Advocacy Day
Wednesday, February 25th, 2015
Each year library advocates, just like you, from across New York State converge on Albany to voice their support to State Legislators for funding and policies that benefit libraries. Our efforts have resulted in over $7 million in additional library aid since 2011!
LIBRARIES ARE EDUCATION
Our budgetary advocacy priorities for 2015:
1) Fully fund state library aid at $102.6 million as mandated in state Education Law. Currently funding sits at $85.6 million.
2) Increase library aid each year in proportion to the increase in general education funding. Total education spending in last year’s enacted budgeted increased 5.7%, but library aid increased only 1.2%.
Current library aid is at 1997 levels. Despite the stewardship and dedication of libraries across the state, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide 21st century library services with 20th century funding. Libraries and library systems are models of shared services and collaborative planning. According to the State Education Department, local communities realize $7 in services for every $1 allocated to state library aid. That’s a HUGE return on investment!
Do you think libraries are essential? Do you think the Mid-Hudson Library System’s services are critical to the success of your local library? If you answered with a hearty YES! then please plan to join us in Albany on Wednesday, February 25th.
Register online – How to register depends on how you plan to get to Albany on February 25th:
Driving to Albany on Your Own?
1. Register through MHLS: Details and the day’s schedule will be emailed to you.
2. Directions & Parking Information are available on NYLA’s web site
Taking the bus?
MHLS partners with our neighbor, the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), to provide bus transportation with multiple stops along the New York State Thruway on Advocacy Day. Briefings & Advocacy Day Tips will be provided on the way. Your bus will arrive in Albany in time for our first legislative appointments.
- Register through RCLS: Registration and Payment deadline is February 18.
- Complete the registration form at the link above and send a check for $12 payable to “RCLS” to Ruth Daubenspeck – RCLS – 619 Route 17M – Middletown, NY 10940-4395.
Bus Stops & Departure Times:
- Newburgh (Newburgh Mall): 7:30am
- New Paltz (Thruway Exit 18 Parking Lot): 7:45am
- Kingston (Quality Inn near Thruway Exit 19): 8:15am
- Catskill (Thruway Exit 21 Parking Lot): 8:40am
Bus leaves Albany at 3:30pm
