Public programs allow library staff to bring a variety of opportunities for learning, engaging, entertaining, and building connections across all age groups to the communities we serve. MHLS is pleased to announce a new workshop by Janie Hermann is coming to our region this fall!
Planning for Program Success
Presented by Janie Hermann, Public Programming Librarian, Princeton Pubic Library (NJ)
Tuesday, September 13th
10:00am – 12:30pm
Boardman Road Branch Library, Poughkeepsie
54 new titles have been added to the MHLS eMagazine collection! A BIG thank you to the Library Associations in Columbia, Putnam and Ulster Counties, who selected and funded these new titles, bringing the collection up to 145 titles for all member library patrons to choose from!
These complete digital magazines can easily be viewed on most Internet-enabled devices inside or outside of the library. Patrons can discover, checkout and read online in PC/mobile and offline on mobile apps. They can keep the title for as long as they want – no holds – no checkout periods: http://tinyurl.com/mhls-emag
Starting on September 1st all MHLS member libraries will be able to offer full access to ConsumerReports.org to their patrons!
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 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
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
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.
In support of MHLS Digital Collection Access efforts, which focus on access to shared digital collections for all member libraries, all MHLS library’s patrons are able to participate in the 10th worldwide OverDrive Big Library Read!
From June 23rd to July 7th, ‘A Murder in Time’ by Julie McElwain will be available for every patron that wishes to read it—no holds, no wait lists. By participating in the Big Library Read, we are joining a global movement of passionate readers and library patrons who support the availability of eBooks at libraries, and it’s a great way to increase circulation. The title will be available for unlimited access on the MHLS Digital Download page between midday June 23rd and midday July 7th for the duration of the lending period. There will also be a promotional spotlight at the top of that page.
Additional advertising resources include:
Five MHLS Board Seats to be Filled by Annual Election: The election of MHLS trustees will be an item of business at the Mid-Hudson Library System’s Annual Membership Meeting, Friday, October 14, 2016.
MHLS is governed by a fifteen-member board, three trustees from each of the five counties served. Nominations are due prior to July 1, 2016.
Greene County – Two Seats Open: Send name(s) and contact information of nominee(s) to Sue Ray, Chair of the Greene County Library Directors Association: 518.943.4230 or director@catskillpubliclibrary.org
Putnam County – One Seat Open: Send name(s) and contact information of nominee(s) to Michelle Capozzella, Chair of the Putnam County Directors Association: 845.628.2009 or mcapozzella@mahopaclibrary.org
Ulster County – Two Seats Open: Send name(s) and contact information of nominee(s) to Julie Kelsall, Chair of the Ulster County Directors Association: 845.691.2275 or jkelsall@highlandlibrary.org
