The Federal Communications Center (FCC ) announced a third application window in the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to help schools and libraries in the upcoming school year. The third application window will open on April 28th and close on May 13th. ECF is a $7.17 billion program that will help schools and libraries provide the
Monthly Archives: April 2022
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) will soon be accepting letters of intent from community organizations, including rural and Tribal libraries, who wish to expand digital services in their communities. NDIA will work with the selected organizations to provide funding, training, outreach and support in launching digital navigator programs. Digital navigation services include ongoing assistance
Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the next session in the Trustee Handbook Book Club series on Tuesday, May 3rd at 5:00 pm. The chapter covered will be Planning and Evaluation. Register for this session or visit https://midhudson.org/trusteebookclub/ to view upcoming
Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the next session in the Trustee Handbook Book Club series on Tuesday, May 3rd at 5:00 pm. The chapter covered will be Planning and Evaluation. Register for this session or visit https://midhudson.org/trusteebookclub/ to view upcoming
Unite Against Book Bans! American Library Association (ALA) has launched a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together against censorship. Unite Against Book Bans will engage with other state, local, and national efforts to build a strong and vibrant network of individuals and organizations working together to fight censorship. Please raise your voice
The New York Library Association presents, Spring On The Hill, an in-person advocacy event on Tuesday, May 17th at Hilton Albany. Spring on the Hill will provide a full day of educational programs, a celebratory reception, and opportunities to meet with your elected representatives at the Capitol. For a complete list of programs, access
The Committee on Open Government (COOG) issued the following statement regarding Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 relating to the New York State budget for the 2022-2023 state fiscal year. “Included in the bill is Part WW, an amendment to the Open Meetings Law to make permanent (until July 1st, 2024) the expanded use
On Tuesday April 26th at 1:00 pm Empire State Library Network will host, Libraries and First Amendment Audits: Ask the Lawyer Webinar with Stephanie Cole Adams. Public libraries across the country are experiencing an increase in encounters of patrons conducting “First Amendment audits”. The asserted purpose of these “audits” is to record alleged civil rights
Trustee Tip of the Month: Policies should be reviewed no less than every five years, or sooner if required by law, as per Education Commissioner’s Regulations. A handy spreadsheet to help libraries keep track of their policy review and development is available on MHLS’ web site: Download the MHLS Essential Documents Inventory Workbook (Excel) Updated 2021
The MHLS Trustee Education Series Spring Sessions begins in May! This spring, MHLS will be offering both in-person and online events for trustee education. For complete program descriptions and to register for any of these online workshops please visit the MHLS calendar. All trustees attending the events live will receive a certificate of attendance.
