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Volume 17-49 | 12.5.17
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Early Literacy Project
MHLS Early Literacy efforts focus on training for member library staff in support of making their library a vital community partner and early literacy hub in their community. Based on the successful model of the current Phase I MHLS Early Literacy Cohort Program we are pleased to announce a second cohort will be formed!
 
In the MHLS region essential early literacy skills are needed. The Kids' Well-being Indicators Clearinghouse reports that for 2016/17 in the MHLS region, 52%-67.5% of students in Grade 3 are not proficient in the English Language Arts learning standards (i.e. not demonstrating an understanding of the content expected in the subject at that grade level).

The MHLS Early Literacy Project is a great opportunity if your library would like to focus on building long-term capacity to provide early literacy services in your community based on the best practices of this parent education initiative.
 
Participants will receive additional support and resources to implement early literacy related services in their library and incorporate research based methods into enhanced early literacy story times.
 
Cohort Project Applications are due February 2: Limited to 12 libraries, Cohort II will run from January 2018-June 2019. During that time participating libraries will receive:
  • Training: There will be 6 mandatory meetings/trainings that will cover the full curriculum of the Ready to Read at New York Libraries: Early Childhood Public Library Staff Development Program
    •    Early Literacy Community Asset Analysis
    •    Strengthening Young Families through Early Literacy Practices
    •    Strategies for Successful Partnerships and Outreach to Families with Young Children
    •    Early Learning Spaces
    •    Everyone Serves Families with Young Children
  • Support:
    • From MHLS Staff to:
        • Develop and implement an early literacy action plan for your community
        • Develop local partnerships with childhood organizations
        • Implement early literacy related services in your library
    • From member library peers in the cohort, all working to enhance their library's ability to achieve the goal of educating children and parents/caregivers through early literacy programs
    • Over $500 of early literacy professional support books to help build your in-house professional collection
       
  • Funds to the library:
    • $800 for early literacy materials for the provision of early literacy programs in your library
    • $50 stipend for each of the required 6 meetings/trainings
Information & applications are now available for the MHLS Early Literacy Cohort II Program at https://tinyurl.com/MHLSEarlyLitCohort2, and are due February 2, 2018.  
MHLS Announcements
MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor Nina Acosta led the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council's recent Cataloging Special Interest Group meeting held at The Culinary Institute of America! Nina shared projects and tools that have helped her automate some repetitive tasks and improve workflows.
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State Librarian Seeks Feedback on Proposed Changes to Commissioner's Regulation 90.2 Minimum Standards for Public and Association Libraries: Members of the New York Library Community are invited to provide feedback via an online survey by Monday, December 18, 2017 : http://bit.ly/2k935Sc
MHLS Libraries
Staff from MHLS member libraries designed and lead two of the interactive discussion groups at the Fall Into Books Conference held in October.

Pictured above: Allison Hague from the Putnam Valley Free Library leads a discussion on the topic of Picture Books (top) and Kristin Charles-Scaringi from the Kingston Library co-leads (with her regional High School librarian) on the topic of Teen Books.

Twenty-six staff from MHLS member libraries attended the conference. Held annually in October for nineteen years, this Children's and Teen Literature Conference brings together school and public librarians from eight counties within the Hudson Valley for a day of interactive discussion groups, literacy, networking and insight. This collaborative event is sponsored by MHLS, the Ramapo Catskill Library System, the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council, and the following BOCES School Library Systems: Dutchess, Orange-Ulster, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster.
 
The Hurley Library Board of Trustees is happy to welcome Lynne "Asha" Golliher to the Hurley community as the new director of the library. Ms. Golliher comes to the library from her previous position as Outreach Librarian at Ellenville Public Library & Museum, where she worked for 10 years. 
Administration & Management
How to File for E-rate Funding: With funding from the Universal Service Fund, E-rate provides discounts for telecommunications, Internet access and internal connections to eligible libraries. The NYS Library will offer a webinar presented by Winston Himsworth of E-Rate Central on Thursday, December 7th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Please register online for this event at http://bit.ly/2Afozmb
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