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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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NYS Budget Deal Finalized
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Thanks to your efforts we have relatively good news from Albany via the New York Library Association (NYLA) about the fate of Library Aid in the upcoming NYS
Budget:
- The Library Aid program will be funded at $95.6 million reflecting a restoration of Governor Cuomo's proposed cut. While this is flat funding over last year, our efforts staved off a reduction.
- Library Construction Aid has been increased to $24 million. This not only reverses the Governor's proposed cut of $5 million, it also increases the Aid program by $5 million above where we were last year!
- There is also word that there will be $15 million in Senate "Bullet Aid" for Special Legislative Grants for education institutions, including public libraries. While this is less than last year, it is still a viable source of funds for your library. NYLA will have a sample letter you can use to request funds through your State Senator soon.
 MHLS thanks you for your efforts
to influence this outcome. We saw three times as many library advocates participate, statewide, over last year and had record setting attendance at Library Advocacy Day in Albany. MHLS member libraries inspired more than 70 Hudson Valley families to participation in the MHLS Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign. All of this adds up to making a positive impression on decision makers in Albany which is how we make the case for an increase to funds for library aid. Make no mistake, we were heard, and that is thanks to you
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MHLS Announcements
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MHLS Action Memo #17-01: Construction Needs Update / Construction Grant Intent has been sent to all member library directors. This memo should be completed by all member libraries. Why? 1) This is how need for Construction Aid is assessed for advocacy and consulting purposes; 2) This memo serves as the mandatory first step to applying for State Aid for Construction grant funds in the upcoming cycle (applications usually open in June). The memo is due May 19th.
 MHLS Marketing & Program Assistant Kerstin Cruger has authored a featured article for the latest edition of the New York Library Association's eBulletin!
Kerstin provides an engaging report of the MHLS Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign that caught the attention of Hudson Valley families, legislators and fellow library advocates from around the state! Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/2nL8nzq
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The Ulster County Library Association's
recent meeting included a review of and lively discussion on the proposed revisions to the New York State Minimum Public Library Standards. All member library directors are encouraged by the System Services Advisory Committee to provide feedback via the survey sent out through each county. The deadline for submission of the survey is Monday, May 8.
"I believe that local communities and individuals are not helpless in the face of health and climate change challenges and that national and international policy are not the ultimate arbiters. This idea of making a difference at a local level person by person is at the heart of American libraries."
-"Getting Your Beets and Books at the Library," Donna Williams, founder of Field Goods [http://bit.ly/2owGkra]
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Did you know that local business Field Goods has delivered about 10,000 bags of produce to over 1,300 customers at 62 libraries in the Hudson Valley?
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Member libraries are embracing Earth Day 2017, promoting services, program and partnerships that demonstrate a commitment to contributing to a more sustainable and resilient natural world!
From tree seedling distribution to guided hikes, seed swaps to recycling events, gardening classes to the Morton Memorial Library & Community House's "Rhinecliff Resilience and Sustainability Series - member libraries are brilliantly demonstrating their commitment to their community this month by spotlighting their stewardship of the natural world while continuing to co-create resilient local communities.
We applaud libraries who are embracing their role as sustainability leaders in their communities and thank them for their foresight as citizens of Planet Earth. We're all in this together!
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Administration & Management
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Certifiably Sustainable Webinar Recording Now Available:
Thanks to a collaboration between the New York Library Association and Westchester Green Business (WGB) any public library in New York State can work with the WGB program to achieve a reduction in energy waste, water, and transportation costs as well as land use and purchasing. The program, Green Business Certification, provides a turnkey system to successfully integrate sustainable practices into library operations. Library leaders will learn exactly where resources are being wasted and identify opportunities to increase efficiency and save money. Proprietary performance tools are used to calculate the economic and environmental impacts of energy, travel, waste, water, and refrigerants in a library, while staff surveys gauge behavioral impacts. Learn more through this recorded webinar that features Jill Davis, Director of the Hendrick Hudson Free Library - the first library in the state to become certified and Dani Glaser, Program Director of Westchester Green Business: http://bit.ly/2mUBLCY
 2017 NY GovBuy: A Statewide Government Buyers Event | May 3 & 4, 2017 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY. This event provides practical training that enables purchasing officials to stay informed about relevant procurement-related issues and more effectively meet fiscal challenges. The event is funded entirely through exhibitor fees. Visit exhibitors' booths to learn about the many goods, services and technologies they offer, as well as how they may help provide solutions to your library's needs. For more information and to register: https://govbuy.ogs.ny.gov/
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