Programming

Library programs are a critical part of connecting patrons with each other and essential library services. Programs inform, inspire and provide lifelong learning opportunities for your community members and establish the library as a trusted institution in the community.

View sample policies and resources that focus on your library’s public space.

• Programming Librarian a part of the American Library Association has articles, webinars and a program database for all your programming questions.
• Program Grants & Exhibitions from the American Library Association. Learn about current grant and exhibit opportunities available from ALA’s Public Programs Office.
• Community Outreach – MHLS has resources to support accessibility, belonging, civic engagement, community services, and special populations.

• The Real Difference Between Marketing and Promotion and Why It Matters for Your Library’s Success | #LibraryMarketingShow, episode 325
• How Libraries Can Use Storytelling to Build Community Support (4 Practical Tips) | Angela Hursh

• Outcome Measurement for Public Libraries – Measuring outcomes helps libraries answer the question, “What good did we do?” and helps demonstrate your effectiveness beyond patron attendance and anecdotal success stories. A program from the Public Library Association.

• Summer Reading at New York Libraries – Access to information, resources, research, downloadable materials and online registration tools brought to you by the NYS Library Division of Library Development.
• Collaborative Summer Library Program – Access the manual, clip art, and order incentives through the CSLP site. Please create an account, it’s free to access all of these components provided to you by NYS. Contact Kerstin Cruger for the access code. The code changes annually.
• READsquared Online Reading Program – READsquared is an online registration tool provided by the NYS Library for free to public libraries to support Summer Reading Programs statewide. This product can be adapted to use for year round programming.
• Summer Reading Program Final Report – Every member library is required to submit an online Summer Reading Program Final Report. This information is sent to the NYS Library Division of Library Development and assists your library with needed statistics for the Member Library Annual Report.

The Great Give Back provides a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Learn more about this statewide program by visiting The Great Give Back website or contacting Kerstin Cruger.

Access free computer science resources for the Mid-Hudson Library System community with Girls Who Code! You can bring fun, hands-on coding to your students by starting a free Girls Who Code Club. Clubs are flexible for 3rd–12th graders, include ready-to-go curriculum and training, and can even integrate into an existing CS class, robotics program, or STEM club. Sign up at girlswhocode.com/clubsapply. Be sure to affiliate with the Mid-Hudson Library System Community Partnership to unlock exclusive benefits and swag.

Battle of the Books is an engaging summer long reading and trivia competition between the Mid Hudson Libraries. This program supports literacy throughout the summer months, helps build up attendance for regular year round programming, creates a safe competitive space for children and teens who are not interested in other types of competition and allows them to meet new people and build relationships throughout the system. This program is organized by member library staff. Visit the Mid-Hudson Battle of the Books website for more information or to contact the coordinators.

Digital Navigators train with staff from National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and staff from Southeastern NY Library Resources Council, Ramapo Catskill Library System, Mid-Hudson Library System, and Westchester Library System. The trainings focus on the digital inclusion ecosystem and the fundamentals of providing technical assistance to clients. Updates on current programs, services, and resources are shared to support a robust Digital Navigator program within your organization. Once trained, Navigators meet with clients and provide data on those interactions via intake and exit forms. The group meets twice a month and maintains an active listserv. Training cohorts are available on a rolling basis. For questions visit the website or contact Kerstin Cruger.

Programmers from across the Mid-Hudson Library System meet multiple times a year to share programming ideas and experiences. Dates are available through the MHLS Calendar.

The monthly Youth Services Rendezvous is open to all Mid-Hudson Library System member library youth services staff who work with birth to teen. Find out what others are doing for programming, outreach, collection development, ask questions of your peers and share things that have worked for you. These events are organized by member library staff. For more information please email Christine Pacuk, cpacuk@saugertiespubliclibrary.org or call 845-246-4317 ext. 5. Dates will be posted on the MHLS Calendar as they are made available.