Vol.22-34 | 8.23.22

NYLA Conference Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2022 New York Library Association (NYLA) conference! The 2022 NYLA Annual Conference will take place Wednesday, November 2nd through Saturday, November 5th at the Saratoga Hilton & City Center in Saratoga Springs. Early bird registration ends October 8th, 2022.

A message from NYLA President, Beth Merkle

It is an exciting time for our library association, and we are optimistic about NYLA’s future – and the future of our members and members’ libraries. The past two years have taught us that change is inevitable and humbling and that our strength is in coming together to rethink, rework, and reinvent what we have known.


Together we have weathered the storm. Together in Saratoga Springs, we will get back to something we used to do all the time – thinking about the future:

  • Thinking “what’s next?” with enthusiasm
  • Taking the lessons from the pandemic and the injustices and inequities it has laid bare and moving forward on a better path
  • Bringing many voices to the table – virtual or literal – and listening without judgment
  • Seeing the infinite possibilities instead of the inside of the boxes that we put ourselves and others in  


For registration information and a listing of programs please visit, https://www.nyla.org/conference.  

*Please note there are no walk-in registrations this year for either the Trade Show or the Conference.

The New York Library Association (NYLA) Conference Scholarship from the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) helps provide new library directors and new library staff with the opportunity to attend the annual NYLA Conference by matching funds provided by the library to underwrite conference attendance. MHLS is proud to announce the following library staff members have been selected as recipients for this award, which will help them discover new concepts in the library field and establish professional networks and relationships in the New York library community.

  • Gabrielle Esposito, Howland Public Library
  • Tessa DeBella, Marlboro Free Library
  • Allison Mikulewich, Rosendale Library
  • Corinne Carolan, Tivoli Free Library
  • Joshua Skou, Town of Ulster Public Library
MHLS Announcements

Laura Crisci, MLS, named new MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator. We are pleased to announce that Laura Crisci will be the new MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator! In this role, Laura will be assisting member libraries with the State Aid for Library Construction Program and Annual Reports to the State; designing continuing education and professional development opportunities that help libraries stay up to date to develop effective polices, services, programs, and partnerships; providing oversight for the Coordinated Outreach Aid Program; and supporting the work of the other members of the MHLS Library Sustainability Team: Kerstin Cruger, Outreach & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Specialist and Alexa Stroh, Library Sustainability Associate to help carry out MHLS’ Plan of Service. 


Laura has a decade of experience working at the Mahopac Public Library (MPL). In her various positions at MPL, Laura had the opportunity to work on projects involving information and technology literacy, library communications, staff continuing education, and policy and procedure development. She most recently served as the Head of Emerging Technologies. Passionate about privacy and equal access to reliable information for all, Laura believes in the power of libraries: “As some of the last truly public spaces we have, public libraries provide trusted places to access and exchange information freely and privately. In a library, imaginations get ignited, problems get solved, and community ties get shaped. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve the member libraries and support the important work they are doing for their communities.”


Laura will begin work at MHLS on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022.

MHLS welcomes Amy Kendel to the Technology Operation’s role of Interlibrary Loan/Cataloging Specialist! Amy has a BA in History from SUNY Purchase and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. In addition, she has hands on experience working in public libraries and enthusiastic about the profession. Amy brings an array of skills that will help her to meet the challenge. Amy began on August 15th and will be going through training for the next few months and is looking forward to working with our libraries. You can reach Amy at ext. 224 and akendel@midhudson.org.   

Save the Date for the MHLS Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, October 21st! Our keynote speaker will be Michele Stricker, Deputy State Librarian for Lifelong Learning, New Jersey State Library. Ms. Stricker will speak about disaster preparedness and how libraries can contribute to community resilience before and after natural disasters. Stay tuned for registration information in an upcoming MHLS Bulletin. 

MHLS Libraries

Beekman Library is the latest member library in MHLS to go fine free bringing the total to 41! 

Sustainable Libraries

National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is fast approaching! Sign up to be a partner organization for National Voter Registration Day on September 20th, 2022. Partners receive free stickers and posters, customized resources, and assistance in planning their celebration of the holiday. 

 

What does being a partner mean? “As a partner you agree to...

  • Be nonpartisan. We can only work with groups who do not represent a party or candidate.
  • Be inclusive. Anyone who requests a registration form should receive one, regardless of party, beliefs, or other factors. 
  • Be aware of your state's voter registration laws. This includes any training requirements and returning completed voter registration forms.
  • Be non-transactional. You cannot give items of value 'in exchange' for a voter registration. Likewise, you cannot restrict incentives to only those who register.
  • Have fun! National Voter Registration Day is a national holiday!

Lauren T. Moore, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian, is requesting comments from New York State’s library community and other stakeholders on proposed amendments to Commissioner’s Regulation 90.4 for the recently enacted Central Library Services Aid Program.

 

Please visit https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/clda/amendments.htm to learn more about the Central Library Services Aid Program and the proposed amendments. 

 

After reviewing the materials, please send all comments, improvement suggestions and any questions by email to NYSLRegComments@nysed.gov by September 2nd, 2022.

Reference & Collection Development

Last month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned over to an easy 3-digit number. As a part of the federal government’s commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in America, unprecedented federal resources have been invested to scale up crisis centers in support of 988.


What is 988? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 offers free and confidential support 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. 


How can I help spread the word about 988? There is a need to speak with one voice to ensure there is a clear understanding about what 988 is and how it will work. We encourage you to use these communication outreach materials and build upon them with your community coalitions to meet the needs of your specific audiences. Please visit their website to view social media toolkits, FAQs, and other valuable resources.

Programming

Access new and improved digital literacy courses at DigitalLearn.org! Every day, community members access their local public libraries hoping to complete life tasks but lack the basic computer knowledge and skills to do so. The Public Library Association (PLA) has partnered with AT&T to expand their work helping libraries and their communities close the digital divide. With support from AT&T, PLA has added and improved courses on their digital literacy training site, DigitalLearn.org. The online courses are freely available to everyone and teach basic skills such as: tips for getting started with email, navigating websites and commonly used apps, navigating websites, avoiding online scams, and more. Visit https://www.digitallearn.org/ for more information.

Trustee Resources

The Governor recently signed Executive Order 11.9, “Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York,” which allows for the extension of online board meetings through September 12th, 2022.

Administration & Management

Register now for the online session of an Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for Library Facilities on September 23rd at 10:00 am.


Join Jennifer Perry, Access Specialist at the Northeast ADA Center for an Overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) including the definition of “person with a disability” and the 5 Titles of the ADA and how they are enforced. This session will focus on the learning objectives below and provide time for questions and answers.


Learning Objectives:

  • Understand ADA Title II obligations for state/local government entities – including public libraries
  • Self-evaluation
  • Transition Planning
  • Review of Title II “Program Accessibility” requirements
  • Discussion of ADA Priorities for physical accessibility
Job Openings

Head of Youth Services, Kent Library

The Kent Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, creative full-time (35-hours per week) Head of Youth Services to develop and oversee the Library’s children’s and young adult collections and programs. The successful candidate will lead a team including a children's programming specialist, already on staff.   

  • Leader of the Youth Services Team, planning, promoting, implementing, and evaluating programs for children, young adults, and families. Should be a collaborative colleague who is self-motivated and enjoys working with a team.  
  • Collection Development: Maintain and develop the children’s and young adult collections, selecting and ordering materials. The Kent Library has a generous materials budget. 

 

Minimum qualifications: MLS or MLIS, New York State Public Librarian's Professional Certificate, and at least 1 year of experience working with children or young adults.  


The salary is between $49,000 and $53,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, NY state retirement program and health insurance. This is a competitive Putnam County Civil Service position. 

 

If you are interested, please send resume and cover letter to cdonick@Kentlibrary.org. and mention "Head of Youth Services" in the title. First consideration will be given to applicants who respond by September 12th.  

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Youth Services Coordinator, NorthEast-Millerton Library

The NorthEast-Millerton Library is looking for a creative, energetic, and adventurous person to be their new Youth Services Coordinator. The Youth Service Coordinator plans, promotes, and runs in-person and virtual programs for ages birth to 19. Additional responsibilities include but not limited to: circulation, community outreach, and assisting with collection development.


Preferred skills: Library experience or experience working with children, Spanish language skills.


Required skills: tech literate, ability to work with people of varying age and diverse backgrounds.

Schedule: Full-time, 33 hours per week, Saturdays required, occasional evenings.


Salary Range: Starting at $16-$17, dependent on experience and qualifications. Paid vacation, sick and personal days, and some paid holidays.


To apply: send your resume and at least two professional references to rleo@nemillertonlibrary.org.

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Youth Services Assistant, Putnam Valley Library

We are currently seeking a part-time Youth Services Assistant to provide excellent service to children and/or caregivers when they visit the library. The position includes assisting with the development and promotion of programs and resources, answering reference and information questions; checking materials in and out; answering the telephone; shelving, shelf reading, and setting book displays.


Qualifications, Desired Knowledge, and Skills:

  • Experience working with children
  • Strong interest in youth literature, child development, and early literacy
  • Ability to use technology/strong computer skills
  • Ability to represent the library in a professional manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods, lift, crouch, and stoop.
  • Enthusiastic and creative


Requirements: Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. Some college is preferred. 

Early childhood/elementary teaching experience a plus. Previous library experience is a plus.


Hours: Wednesday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am –

4:00 pm. 

Wage: $ 14.00/hour.

Please email a letter of application with your resume to Director Katherine Reilly at 

director@putnamvalleylibrary.org with the subject heading "Library Clerk Position."


Library Clerk, Putnam Valley Library 

We are seeking a part-time Library clerk to work at our circulation desk. They will be responsible for sorting, shelving, and locating library materials; maintaining organization and the general appearance of the Library; providing simple directional information to patrons; and assisting with the use of the online library catalog, library resources, computers, and other technology or software. Primary responsibilities would include checking items in and out at the circulation desk, working with the public: assist patrons, both in-person at the Library and over the phone, with a wide variety of informational needs. 


Qualifications, Desired Knowledge, Skills:

  • Strong customer service 
  • Ability to work well with others and independently.
  • Comfort with using technology.
  • Ability to represent the Library in a professional manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods, lift, crouch, and stoop.
  • General interest in libraries and reading.
  • Requirements: Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. Some college is preferred. 
  • Previous library experience is a plus.


Hours: Wednesday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Saturday 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. 

Wage: $ 13.20/hour 

Please email a letter of application with your resume to Director Katherine Reilly at director@putnamvalleylibrary.org with the subject heading "Library Clerk Position.


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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