Monthly Archives: July 2016

Community Engagement Works!

community engagement Community Engagement Works! The live, online kick-off to the MHLS Engage! Webinar Series, presented by MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, is scheduled for Friday, August, 26th from 10:00 – 11:00am. This webinar is great for library directors, staff, Trustees & Friends who are interested in broadening the impact of the library on their local community while building their base of support. In this webinar we will address:

  • The current perception of public libraries
  • The importance of community engagement
  • Examples of effective community engagement strategies in MHLS member libraries

Please register online

Continue Reading →

Not just a library leader…

quotes1To become a library trustee is to become a community leader.” -Library Trustee Association of New York State

Continue Reading →

Save the Dates!

save-the-date

Continue Reading →

SEAL 2.0

SEAL_logoSouthEastern New York Library Resources Council (SENYLRC) has announced new software and interface for Southeastern Access to Libraries (SEAL) regional Interlibrary Loan (ILL) System (SEAL 2.0), making regional ILL easier.

Using SEAL, MHLS member libraries can borrow and loan materials among different library types – including college and university, school and public libraries within the Ramapo Catskill Library System throughout eight counties:

Training webinars and classes are offered this summer and fall to help library staff make the most of this resource for their patrons.

Whether you are already a SEAL ILL System participant or a library new to regional resource sharing, you are invited to participate.

Continue Reading →

Pokemon Go Craze Hits Member Libraries!

The LaGrange Library is hosting a Pokemon Go Hunt at Vassar College and the Phoenicia Library is posting pics on Facebook of Pokemon spotted in their library! What’s this all about? Read more here: Why Pokemon Go and The Library is a perfect partnership by Sarah Bean Thompson

phoenicia pokemon

Continue Reading →

Construction Grant Awards!

construction-money FY 2015-2016 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $525,545 have been announced and eleven MHLS Member Libraries, along with the Mid-Hudson Library System, have been awarded funds:

Reed Memorial Library (Carmel): $6,785
Convert to natural gas; install generator; insulation

Catskill Public Library: $35,002
HVAC and insulation upgrades

Claverack Library: $88,500
Building renovation project including asbestos removal, HVAC and fiber optic network

Desmond-Fish Library (Garrison): $36,986
Renovations to create a Computer Lab

Hudson Area Association Library: $3,206
ADA-accessible restrooms

Kinderhook Memorial Library: $68,356
450 square foot addition to existing building

Kingston Library: $179,936
Children’s room renovation

Morton Memorial Library & Community House (Rhinecliff): $17,096
Rehabilitate and weatherproof windows; energy efficient lighting
Olive Free Library: $4,794
Emergency generator; updated electrical panels and consolidation of electrical service; installation of transfer switches and utility pole

Putnam Valley Free Library: $33,288
Replace pedestrian bridge which provides access to the library

Mid-Hudson Library System: $51,596
ADA-compliant restrooms and improved safety of 1st floor lobby area and restroom access area in headquarters

Continue Reading →

Oath of Office Reminder

Oath-ImageThe Public Officer’s Law requires public library trustees to take and file an oath of office. This requirement is set forth in Public Officer’s Law §10, which provides, in part that “[e]very officer shall take and file the oath of office required by law…” The oath to which public officers must affirm is set forth in Section I of Article XIII of the New York State Constitution and provides:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of …………, according to the best of my ability;”

A trustee of a public library file his or her oath of office within 30 days of commencing the term of office for which he or she is chosen, in the case of an elective office, or in the case of an appointive office, within thirty days after notice of his or her appointment or within 30 days after the commencement of such term.

For more information: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/trustees/oath.htm

Continue Reading →

Upcoming Events