To become a library trustee is to become a community leader.” -Library Trustee Association of New York State
Blog Archives
SouthEastern 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.
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
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
The 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
Beginning on Friday, July 1, 2016, MHLS will implement a new five day a week, Monday-Friday, delivery schedule. No deliveries will be made on Saturdays.
MHLS Daily Delivery Services Routes, by library and by day
If you have any questions please contact Tom Finnigan, MHLS Shipping & Receiving Manager, at 845.471.6060 x244 or tfinnigan@midhudson.org
July 15 is the first 2016 deadline to take advantage of the MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program. Reimbursement is contingent on member libraries providing their staff reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel to attend training or to participate in meetings sponsored by and located at MHLS headquarters in Poughkeepsie. For more information and to access the claim form directors should visit https://da.midhudson.org/
Two New Webinars for Trustees Now Available On Demand:
• Building for Your Future: Public Library Renovation and Construction from Dream to Dedication
• What’s New in the Trustee Handbook?
Access these webinars and the handouts at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/trustees/webinars.htm
September presents a number of great opportunities for libraries to raise their profile through nationally coordinated efforts.
What is Library Card Sign-up Month? It starts by letting people know what your library has to offer. Keep it simple:
1. Get out into the community
2. Have fun
3. Get the word out that your library is cooler than cool… oh and get a few new card holders
Set a goal for your library, how many new library card registrations can you gather in September? Maybe challenge a neighboring library to see who will win! Don’t forget a library card is the smartest back to school supply a kid could have!
The American Library Association’s toolkit provides lots of support for making the most of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, PR help and event ideas.
More than a dozen opportunities are offered this summer for member library input on the draft plan of service and its related components, the Free Direct Access Plan and the Central Library Plan. The drafts of the Plan of Service are available at https://midhudson.org/about-mhls/mhls-plan-of-service/. Member library directors are encouraged to sign up for one of the many focus groups being offered to bring their library’s input to the table for consideration in the planning documents. A full listing of focus group opportunities is available through the MHLS online calendar at http://calendar.midhudson.org.
