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Volume 19-20| 5.14.19 
Summer Reading Is On The Way! 
Summer Reading is right around the corner and libraries are gearing up for the busiest time of the year! The theme this summer is A Universe of Stories and we have some useful tools to help your library create the best program ever.

Themed Posters
The New York State Library has sent two free posters for each of our member libraries. Each poster has the Summer Reading at New York Libraries brand. Posters that were not picked up at the last DA Workshop will be sent through the delivery this week.


 
ReadSquared
Funded through the New York State Library and offered at no cost to public libraries, this online reading program registration tool offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs, as well as readers' advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. For more information visit, http://www.summerreadingnys.org/readsquared/
 
myON®
As part of Summer Reading at New York Libraries, the State Education Department and myON®, by Renaissance®, are partnering to bring thousands of  authentic, enhanced digital books to children from birth through 12th grade and their families all around the state. Unlimited, 24/7 access to the myON® digital library will be available through a free, single shared account from May 1st through September 30th. Children and families can read online using any web-enabled device and offline using free mobile apps. To learn more about myON® and how to access the service please visit, http://www.summerreadingnys.org/myon/
 
Teen Video Challenge
In this annual video contest, teens are challenged to create a public service announcement-type video that shows their unique interpretation of the 2019 theme, A Universe of Stories. Videos should promote libraries and reading and be no longer than 60 seconds. Five national winners will be chosen and will receive: a $200 cash prize, and $50 worth of summer reading materials for their library! The contest is open to all teens (librarian and teacher support is encouraged). Videos will be accepted June 1st through August 2nd. To learn how to participate please visit, http://bit.ly/2Jb5HKr
 
To learn how you can evaluate your Summer Reading Program using Project Outcome and to keep up with all things Summer Reading visit https://midhudson.org/summer-reading-program/
or contact Courtney Wimmers, MHLS Outreach & Engagement Specialist, cwimmers@midhudson.org.
MHLS Announcements
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 in the Community Room of the Kinderhook Memorial Library and:
  • Received a report from Executive Director Aldrich that included updates/information on: The NYS 2019-2020 budget allotment for library and construction aid, and the System's goal to create a new strategy to reach out to legislators and the Governor to advocate on behalf of increased funding for libraries; The status of the transition to our new Delivery Services provider, Valley Courier; The negotiation of a 3-year financial plan to cover increased costs related to delivery services with the Delivery Services Funding Task Force; The migration to Office 365 for MHLS staff; System staff's report on the completion of the Green Business Partnership's portion of the NYLA Sustainable Library Certification Program; Plans to begin negotiations for a new contract with the town of Union Vale for provision of library services.
  • Reviewed and approved the Central Library's 2018 Certificate of Expenditure of CLDA/CBA funds and 2019 proposed Central Library Development Aid/ Central Book Aid Budget;
  • Were asked to submit nominations (including self-nominations) for all board officer positions to the Chair of the Nominations & Elections Committee, by May 15th.
  • Discussed and reviewed the Trustee Services Committee's recommendation for provision and completion of the first year of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for MHLS Trustees;
  • Approved the Facilities Committee's recommendation that System staff develop a NYS Construction Grant Application for an HVAC unit replacement for the 2nd floor office building.
  • Were presented a brief overview of Columbia County libraries by Executive Director Aldrich and AnnaLee Dragon, Director Kinderhook Memorial Library/Chair of the Columbia County Director's Association that included information on: the service areas, demographics, types of libraries, services usage statistics, and cohesive effort by the county's directors to advocate for county funding and pool funds for the purchase of library materials and programming initiatives.
All MHLS Board documents available at http://board.midhudson.org
 
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 at 10:00am in the MHLS Auditorium.
MHLS Libraries
Senator Sue Serino (left) celebrated with the Pleasant Valley Library as they were presented with a $15,000 check from JP Morgan Chase. The donation will go towards their rebuilding efforts after a fire destroyed their historic location in November 2018.  
Professional Development
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) has four different scholarship opportunities for their sold-out conference being held in Burlington, VT September 4th - 7th. The recipients are guaranteed a spot at the conference regardless of general registration. Scholarships are available for first-time attendees who are members of the ARSL and fit into one of the following categories: current student, early career library professional (1-5 years), library professionals with 6-10 years or a currently employed small or rural librarian. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm Central Time on May 24th, 2019. To view the criteria for each of these scholarships and to apply please visit https://arsl.info/2019-conference-news/arsl-scholarships/
Job Openings
Part-Time Clerk, Kent Public Library
Kent Public Library in Putnam County seeks a Part-Time Library Clerk, 12 to 17  hours a week, $11.50 to $12.50 per hour, Tuesdays through Fridays.  Must have high school degree, be experienced with computers, courteous, service oriented and able to work with the public at a busy  circulation desk.  Previous library experience preferred. Send résumé to cdonick@kentlibrary.org , and mention  "clerk" in subject line. 
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