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Volume 18-28 | 7.10.18 
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Summer Reading Kicks Off
Member libraries around the System have launched their Summer Reading Programs! Parties and special events were to be found all over the Hudson Valley thanks to the hard work and planning of youth services staff and directors.
This year's summer reading program theme, Libraries Rock!, is being taken to a whole new level at area libraries! Libraries like the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library in Cold Spring, the Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison (shown above), and the Starr Library in Rhinebeck are treating kids to a thrilling time on a large scale climbing wall!

The New York State Education Department, overseen by the Board of Regents, does a big PR push for the statewide Summer Reading Program, amplifying local publicity efforts. In a recent press release both the head of the Regents and NYS Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia are quoted:

"For many families, a public library is the only community space available during the summer months where they can access free educational and cultural enrichment activities and programs," Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. "Our summer reading program puts books in children's hands and is offered free of charge at over 1,100 public libraries statewide. More than 2.2 million students participated in the program last year and I encourage more children to participate this year and experience the fun and adventure of reading."

"It's so important to  continue the great  work our teachers and students are doing during the school year by encouraging children to read during the summer," State Education Commissioner Elia said. "New York's libraries offer creative and exciting programs and services throughout the summer, as well as opening young minds to books, e-books, audio-books and other resources. Together, we can keep students reading and learning all summer long and help prevent summer slide."
MHLS Libraries

The Hunter Public Library opened their second Little Free Library on June 25th, located at the Lanesville Post Office. Pictured Above:  Acting Director Regina Johnson, Library Trustee Pat Merwin, Library Patron/Volunteer Marie VillaCheccia, Board President Dolores Chimato-Ruoff, Library Trustee Janet Reale.
Kingston Library is a site for free lunch for children and teens under 18 as part of the Summer Food Service Program.
Professional Development

2018 NYLA Conference Registration Open Now! The 2018 conference will be held November 7-10, 2018 in Rochester, NY.

This year's conference theme: "Making a Difference...Together" lends itself to a great line up of continuing education, keynote speakers and quality programs. Highlights include:
  • Keynote Address by Leah Esguerra, the nation's first full-time library social worker & Jennifer Keys, the Health and Safety Associate at the San Francisco Public Library

  • Program sessions run the gamut from showcasing adult programming and community engagement ideas to hot topics like helping patrons learn how to spot fake news, radically inclusive story times, Instagram, Nazis in the library, coding programs for girls, and many more.

  • CE workshops on data-driven decision making, mental health first aid, new web literacy resources from Mozilla and many more!

  • Miguel Figueroa, head of the American Library Association's Center for the Future of Libraries.
Early Bird Deadline to register is Friday, August 31. Be sure to take advantage of the discounted registration fee by the deadline! Learn more at http://www.nyla.org/conference
In the News
Job Openings
Children's/Youth Services and Programming Associate, Roeliff Jansen Community Library
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Copake, NY, is seeking an energetic and creative full-time Children's/Youth Services and Programming Associate to develop and oversee the Library's children's and young adult collections and programs and to help coordinate, with the director and board, the Library's adult programs. The Children's/Youth Services and Programming Associate, who reports to the Director of the Library, will also assist with circulation and reference duties, materials processing, and community outreach.
 
Specific responsibilities:
  • Work with the Youth Team to plan, promote, implement, and evaluate programs for children, young adults, and families
  • Maintain and develop the children's and young adult collections, selecting, ordering, processing, cataloging, and repairing materials
  • Work with Program Committee, as needed, to plan, promote, and implement adult programs
  • Work the circulation desk, with volunteers, and field reference questions
  • Assist patrons with computer questions
  • Maintain and expand the Library's social media presence
  • Recruit, train, and work with youth-oriented volunteers including, perhaps, a youth advisory team
  • Work with local schools and camps to introduce young people to the Library
  • Identify opportunities to secure grants for programs geared to children and young adults
  • Maintain statistics and develop reports
  • Take responsibility of the building in the absence of the Director
The candidate must have strong customer service skills and be able to work with people of all ages and temperaments, especially with children and young adults, be comfortable with computer and A/V technology and savvy with social media, and enjoy working as part of a team.
 
Must be able to work weekends and evenings as needed.
 
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree, MLS preferred
Salary mid-30,000s. Benefits include paid vacation and sick time and health insurance contribution.
 
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Please send résumé and letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position, along with the names and contact information for three professional references, to Tamara Gaskell, Director, at rjcl9091@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin July 30.
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Part-Time Clerk, Pawling Library
The Pawling Library is looking for a part-time clerk to join our team by working at the circulation desk.  This position will work every  Sunday  11:30 AM - 4 PM, every  Wednesday  6 PM - 8 PM, and alternating Tuesdays 5 PM - 8 PM. This job requires attention to detail, ability to work independently and with others, multi-tasking, and most importantly strong customer service skills.

The library clerk performs the following functions:
  • All circulation duties: included but not limited to checking items in and out, pulling holds, processing materials, registering patrons, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance.
  • Provides information to the public on library policies and procedures.
  • Performs routine searches and updates of computer records.
  • Contacts patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials.
  • Provides reference and readers advisory when needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the library director.
We are looking for a candidate with the following skills:
  • Interest in library materials (such as books, movies, and video games) and library events.
  • A large degree of comfort with technology.
  • Ability to answer questions about the library.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Position:  Part-Time: 16 hours per biweekly pay period

Pay:  $9 - 13/hr, depending on experience

Benefits:  After six months of employment, part-time employees accrue paid time off in proportion to their hours worked.

Instructions to Applicants:
Interested individuals should apply online. Visit  pawlingfreelibrary.org/jobs  to apply.

Deadline to apply SundayAugust 5th, 2018