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Volume 17-30 | 7.25.17 
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MHLS Board Meets
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, July 12, in the MHLS Auditorium and:
  • Reviewed and approved the MHLS' 2016 Audit, performed by RBT CPA's, LLP, as adjusted;

  • Were apprised of the status of the review process for the Draft Report on Action Plan Activities for Phase I and Phase II System's services, as prioritized in the 2017-2021 Plan of Service;

  • Were introduced to Laurie Shedrick MHLS' new Technology Operations Manager;

  • Reviewed the DA approved Cost Share chart for E-Resources;

  • Reviewed statistics provided by the Central Library/PPLD on the progress of the MHLS' 2017 Weeding Project, as of June 14;

  • Were given an update on plans for the System's 58th Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, October 27, at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum;

  • Reviewed the status of the 2016 and 2017 MHLS facility projects;

  • As recommended by the Facilities Committee: (1) approved development of two MHLS project applications for the New York Public Library Construction Grant Program, and (2) approved the development of three MHLS contingency projects based the determination the projects are eligible for Construction Grant funds and funds awarded to MHLS are available after fully funding all requests by members;

  • As recommended by the Personnel and Planning Committee, approved the MHLS Cellular Phone Policy; and

  • were presented an overview of the geographical area, governance structure, usage statistics and new and ongoing community programs of Greene County libraries, including a presentation by Sue Ray, Director of the Catskill Public Library.
The next meeting MHLS Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 @10:00 am, at the Kingston Library.
MHLS Announcements
My How Time Flies and Library Materials Too!
MHLS has wrapped up the first full successful year with delivery vendor ALD Services. Despite the major change of discontinuing Saturday delivery, a couple of flat tires, and some feisty weather, we all made it through.

A big THANK YOU to the ALD drivers, member libraries, and MHLS material handlers all who literally had a hand in keeping the 4,125,780 individual items moving smoothly to our patrons and back home again. As we all know, none of this is possible without the generous sharing of items that takes place between our Member Libraries. We are stronger together.
MHLS Libraries
Chrissy Lawlor, Director of the Olive Free Library picking up the van.
The MHLS van has found a new purpose as the Olive Free Library's bookmobile! Congratulations to the Olive Free Library for being the first library in the system to implement an official bookmobile.
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The Preservation League of NYS recently awarded a Technical Assistance Grant to the Reed Memorial Library in Carmel to conduct a window conservation assessment. The assessment was conducted by Walter Sedovic Architects, a firm with experience in the areas of historic preservation, planning and sustainable design. Learn more about this grant program here: http://bit.ly/2vr0VhR
Sustainable Libraries
Are you ready for September? September presents a number of great opportunities for libraries to raise their profile:
Start planning now to make the most of these national opportunities. At each link above you will find tips, resources and samples to help you get noticed in your community! 
Trustee Resources
Tax Cap Announcement : Property tax levy growth for libraries that a) have had a public vote on their tax levy and b) have a January - December fiscal year will be capped at 1.84% for fiscal year 2018. For libraries with a June-July fiscal year, the figure will be released in mid-September. Tax Cap Reminders:
  • Any library that has ever had a successful public vote on their budget must file the online tax cap form annually: http://bit.ly/20ZEEiZ
  • Any library planning to exceed the cap with their next vote, or who is unsure because they do not have the tax levy growth number in time, must pass a board resolution noting the intent to override the cap prior to the adoption of the budget for the year they plan to override: Sample override resolution language: http://bit.ly/2tqFqAF
Need an introduction to the NYS Property Tax Cap and how your library stays in compliance? Check out this introductory webinar, provided by MHLS: http://bit.ly/2ceMNlO
Job Openings
The D.R. Evarts Library in Athens has an opening for a circulation clerk.  Duties include checking library materials in and out, helping patrons locate materials and providing computer assistance, and other duties as assigned.  Candidates must be willing to work Monday and Wednesday evenings (3:30-8pm) and every third Saturday (10am-2pm), with flexibility to cover other shifts as needed. Must have a positive attitude and technological skills, and the ability to multitask. Previous library experience preferred, but not necessary.  Starting salary $10-$12 per hour depending on experience. Please send résumé to Janet Dymond at [email protected] with Clerk Position in the subject line.  This is a substitute position for August and September with the potential for additional hours and permanent appointment.
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