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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Governor Cuomo unveiled his FY2020-2021 Executive Budget proposal on Tuesday, January 21st and once again it was not good news for Library Aid.
Proposed State Library Aid: $91.6 million
The Governor's suggested funding is $5 million less than what was in last year's enacted state budget. This proposed cut fails to acknowledge the crucial role libraries serve in our communities, and the contributions they make to our state's education system.
Proposed Library Construction Aid: $14 million
Library Construction Aid received a $20 million increase in last year's enacted budget - Governor Cuomo has proposed eliminating that additional funding. The State Division of Library Development estimates that library renovation and construction needs are $1.5 billion statewide. Over half of public libraries in NYS are 60+ years old and an additional 30% are 30+ years old. Investment in the Library Construction Aid program must be increased to address aging infrastructure, energy inefficient buildings and the evolving roles of libraries in serving their communities.
This is the fourth year of proposed cuts to library funding!
It's going to be important that we have a strong state-wide voice in support of library funding this year.
The New York Library Association (NYLA), our lead advocate in Albany, has provided customizable letters
that can be sent to your representatives in Albany and to the Governor through their Online Advocacy Center
:
http://bit.ly/1LwV3Ex
Sending your letters of support is just the start. Here are a few things you can do to help with this year's advocacy effort:
- Help more NY library supporters get enrolled in the NYLA Online Advocacy Center, numbers matter. The more people we can activate when the time is right, the bigger impact we can have with the legislature. Drive as much traffic as you can to this sign up form: http://bit.do/NYLAsignup
- Register for the MHLS Advocacy Day Briefing Webinar on Thursday, February 13th at 10:00am. This event is designed for all library advocates - library directors, staff, trustees, Friends Groups, volunteers and patrons - who are interested in speaking up for libraries during the New York budget negotiation season. Between now and April 1st library advocates have the opportunity to influence a number of key issues. Please register through the MHLS calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org
- Help us tell the story with photos and numbers! Participate in the Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign at your library. If your library would like to participate in this campaign you can learn more at http://midhudson.org/real-people-real-dollars/
- Join us, and encourage others to join us, in Albany for Library Advocacy day on Tuesday, February 25th. MHLS makes the day easy by scheduling meetings with each Assemblymember and Senator that represents our region and through arranging transportation. Thanks to the generosity of area Friends Groups the ticket to ride the bus is just $5! To register and learn more please visit: http://midhudson.org/library-advocacy-day/
MHLS will continue to provide information on how you can help mobilize advocates and our legislators to
support libraries in this year's State budget. Your voice matters!
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MHLS Announcements
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 Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the MHLS staff, Joris
(pronounced "your-us") Lemmens! Joris will be working in the MHLS Technology Operations Department as a Tech Support Specialist along with IT Operations Supervisor Gerry Formby and Tech Support Specialist Isaac Barbee. Joris will provide support to our members with technology and Sierra installations. Joris comes to MHLS with a strong background in IT and extensive experience in web design, particularly with WordPress. Joris was enthusiastically endorsed by two of our Ulster County Directors, Liz Potter and Katie Scott-Childress. We couldn't agree more!
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 The Marlboro Free Library has created Reminiscence Kits that can be checked out at their library. The kits contain materials related to a theme and are a great way for seniors to share memories with friends, families, and caregivers. Kit topics were chosen by the Marlboro/ Milton Senior Association and are: Baking in the 1950s; Popular Department Stores of the 1950s, 60s & 70s; Music of the 60s & 70s; and Popular Movies & TV Shows of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The project was funded by an outreach mini-grant from the Mid-Hudson Library System.
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Professional Development
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The MHLS New Directors Forum will take place on Wednesday, February 19th
in the MHLS Auditorium after the DA meeting. Join us for this panel discussion on Networking in the Community. We will discuss best practices for making the right connections in your community. From strategic partnerships to relationship building to raising the profile of the library in the community, your ability as a newer director to connect with opinion leaders and allies can greatly amplify the effectiveness of your tenure at your library.
Director Panel:
- Emily Chameides, Director, Hudson Area Library
- Jen McCreery, Director, Desmond- Fish Public Library (Garrison)
- Margie Menard, Director, Kingston Library
This event is designed for MHLS library directors who have been in their position for three (3) years or less.
Please register for this workshop through the MHLS calendar
http://calendar.midhudson.org
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In advance of
Digital Learning Day, the American Library Association (ALA) is opening a call for applications for $700 mini-grants
to school, tribal, public, and academic libraries to design and implement programs using Google's Applied Digital Skills resources.
Applications are due February 14th
. Eligible libraries will be selected to deliver at least 4 sessions throughout the programming they develop that prepares learners of all ages to use technology tools.
Digital Learning Day, to be held February 27, 2020,
is an annual event that promotes the effective use of technology tools to enhance learning experiences for youth. For more info please visit
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Administration & Management
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Stewart's Shops
matches individual donations made at their stores between Thanksgiving and Christmas then distributes funds to local nonprofit agencies. Organizations that benefit children, including libraries, are eligible to apply for these funds. An application can be downloaded at the Stewart's Shops website,
https://www.stewartsshops.com/holiday-match/
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