The NYS Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 has been finalized. Thank you all for your advocacy work this year! Without your help to combat against the Governor's proposed cut the news could have been far worse for libraries. Here is the budget breakdown:
State Library Aid: $94.1 million
The FY2021-22 enacted budget reversed, Governor Cuomo’s proposed $7 million cut to State Library Aid though it is not as high as the one budget bill that had funding back to $96.1 million. For perspective, here is the history of library aid chart from NYLA, as you can see, this year's appropriation is pushing back our funding levels not seen since 5-6 years ago.
State Public Library Construction Aid: $34 million
The investment in the Library Construction Aid program was substantial, resuming the 2019 funding of $34 million. This restoration, from $14 million, is an acknowledgment of the critical need for library infrastructure support.
Digital Inclusion Competitive Grants: $15 million
This newly established program “award(s) grants to eligible entities to establish and support digital inclusion programs. Such programs shall provide economically disadvantaged individuals and households in-person or remote supports including, but not limited to, access to affordable and robust broadband service, internet-enabled devices, training, and technical support. Eligible entities include local governments, not-for-profit organizations, municipal housing authorities, school districts, boards of cooperative education services, libraries and library systems, and other community-based organizations.” We will keep our eye out for application information for this program and pass it along as soon as possible.
Targeted (Bullet) Aid: $23 million
The budget includes $23 million ($5 Senate, $8 Assembly, $10 Governor) in targeted aid also known as “Bullet” aid, or special legislative grants, to school districts, public libraries, and not-for-profit institutions. In the past, member libraries have benefitted from these funds with appropriations for the Summer Reading Program, facility upgrades, and technology purchases. While the timing for these funds is unknown, and there is no formal application process, if you don't ask you won't be in the right spot at the right time when decisions are made about this funding.
Thank you for all your hard work to advocate against the Governor's proposed cuts. It was great to see the groundswell of support from legislators to combat that proposed cut and get us closer to where we were pre-pandemic, but as noted, there is still work to be done for next year so let's stay in contact with our legislators and keep them informed.
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Please join MHLS in welcoming Henry Barish to the Technology Operations Department! Henry joined the MHLS staff in the role of Tech Support Specialist on April 5th, working part-time in the afternoons. Henry has experience working in both public libraries as well as IT. |
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Dutchess County libraries coordinated to offer programming on and around Earth Day (April 1 st – May 1 st), gathering events from participating libraries into one handy flier to help patrons find out what’s happening all over the county. From pollinator gardens and virtual tree identification programs to seed distribution and STEAM kits, there’s something for nearly every library user to celebrate our planet and Earth Day.
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In recognition of Earth Day, Kingston Library, partnered with Neighborhood Forest to Give Trees to Kids! Community members could sign up their children through March to receive a free 6-12-inch-tall tree to plant. Kingston Library will distribute the trees on or around April 22nd, Earth Day. |
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The next two sessions in the online MHLS Reimagining Library Services Series are coming up!
Topic: eBooks | Friday, April 30 th | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Register
Online In the pandemic, eBooks took centerstage in collections as libraries met patrons' needs amid stay-at-home orders and the pandemic. Understanding patron expectations and habits around eBooks will be critical in building relevant, sustainable collections that serve the people in our communities at a reasonable cost. At this workshop, we'll review strategies for understanding eBook collection use at your library, eBook collection development, and budgeting to meet patron demand for electronic materials.
Topic: Online Programming Like a Pro | Tuesday, May 11 th | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Register
Online programming started as a stop-gap solution to connect with patrons safely during the pandemic, but many libraries have found it’s an effective way to reach people who might not be able to make it to the library building and plan to continue providing programming online even as the risk of COVID is reduced and social distancing restrictions are lifted. At this online workshop we'll review best practice and technique for creating engaging and secure experiences for your participants whether it's storytime or your board meeting.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Join Nina Acosta, MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor on Wednesday, May 5th at 2:00 pm for Sierra Data Entry: How brief is too brief? This webinar is intended for any staff responsible for entering brief bibliographic or item records into Sierra. It will focus on the information to include in each field, and how that information may differ depending on the type of material being cataloged. Register today through the MHLS calendar. |
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched a new Emergency Broadband Benefit resource. The tool allows partners and consumers to view by state or territory the providers that will be participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Each listing includes the type of service offered, whether it’s “fixed” or “mobile”, and whether the provider offers connected devices as part of the program. Please note, the list will be updated daily to include newly approved participating providers. For the most up to date list of providers please visit https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers
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The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) is partnering with Little Free Library for the first ever Little Free Library Week to be held May 3rd-7th, 2021! Send in a photo of your Little Free Library, along with a bit of information to be featured on ABOS social media accounts that week. The deadline to submit photos is April 23 rd, and entries can be submitted through the Little Free Library Week submission form. |
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CORRECTION: The MHLS Trustee Education Core Values sessions have new times. The Tuesday, May 25 th event will be held at 5:30 pm and the Thursday, May 27 th event will be at 10:00 am. All current registrants have been notified of the change. The time change has been adjusted on the MHLS Calendar as well as the registration form. |
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Administration & Management |
The Construction Needs Update & Intent to Apply for State Aid for Library Construction Action Memo was sent to the MHLS-Notice list on April 5th. This will be the first step to apply in the next funding round and assists MHLS with tracking information about member libraries’ construction needs. All directors are asked to please fill out the survey by May 24th. If you are planning on applying for the next cycle of construction funding, please register for the Introduction to the State Aid for Library Construction Program webinar on Wednesday, April 28 th at 10:00 am. Questions regarding the Action Memo or Library Construction Aid can be directed to Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, cconlin@midhudson.org. |
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Part-time Circulation Clerk, Desmond-Fish Public Library (Garrison)
The Desmond-Fish Public Library is a full-service library located in the small town of Garrison, NY. Our Board of Trustees and staff are committed to the Library’s role as a sustainable, tech-savvy, and community-oriented resource for our patrons.
We are looking for a friendly, energetic, detail-oriented people person to run the library’s circulation desk, provide reference and technical assistance to patrons, perform routine collection maintenance, and help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our patrons.
Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for public service, collaborative spirit, and sense of humor
- Ease with computers and technology
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
- Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and with others
Preferred, but not required:
- Prior experience working in a public library
- Knowledge of Sierra Integrated Library System
- Fluency in Spanish or another language
This job is part time, 3-4 days per week including evening hours and weekend days, at a rate of $15/hour.
If you love helping people and want to work in a friendly, collaborative environment, please send your résumé and cover letter to director@desmondfishlibrary.org by April 18 th.
MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community.
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