Vol.22-47 | 11.22.22

Mid-Hudson Library System is Certified Sustainable!

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative recognizes the Mid-Hudson Library System as a leader in sustainability.

Mid-Hudson Library System is the first public library system to be certified sustainable through the sustainable Libraries Initiative’s award-winning Sustainable Libraries Certification Program. This program guided MHLS through an in-depth look at our policies and practices in providing support for our 66 member libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, and Ulster Counties.


“The Mid-Hudson Library System continues to be a leader in applying the triple-bottom line to serving their members,” said Sustainable Libraries Initiative co-founder, Matthew Bollerman. “Evidenced in their submission is a strong commitment to raising all served libraries, library staff, trustees, and communities' ability to confront and survive climate adversity.”


MHLS has provided leadership in the three pillars of triple bottom line sustainability through our role of providing support to our member libraries. Our Library of Local project, created in partnership with Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley, exemplifies how a library system can help their members connect with the community to help promote local resilience. This program offers participating libraries collections of books, audio-visual materials, tools, seeds, and programming to foster deeper connections to one another while organizing around climate adaptation work. This project is an example of how preparation for the effects of climate change can be effectively addressed on a local level with community-driven solutions led by libraries.


“Our team is proud of our work on topics large and small, from how we clean our facility, source local products, and conserve energy to our board’s impressive work on topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, financial planning, and ensuring our staff is paid a living wage,” said Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director, “One of the many strengths of this program is how it has helped to change our organizational culture. We make better decisions for our workers, the planet, and our member libraries thanks to this experience.”

This award, presented to Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director, at the New York Library Association Conference in Saratoga Springs, is made from recycled wood and steel.

The path to certification through the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program is designed to be flexible for libraries of different types, sizes, and budgets and guided by the communities they serve. The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is now enrolling public libraries throughout the United States. Each library that completes the program will select the benchmarks that best fit the needs of their library and community, resulting in a uniquely sustainable organization. Find out more information through their website (https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/).


You can view MHLS’s presentation about our Sustainability Initiative here. If you have any questions, please contact Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director, at rsmith@midhudson.org

MHLS Announcements

REMINDER: MHLS will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of Thanksgiving Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored.

A message from MHLS Board President, Ric Swierat.

“As trustees, we spend a great deal of time dealing with issues to support the work of our libraries. Of course, that is what we do! However, do we ever think about the role of a trustee in the wider sense? What is a trustee for a library?

I view my role as a library trustee as a voice of the community and a protector of access to information. Our work as community representatives is important to make sure all members of our community are represented and supported in the work of a library.  



In doing this work, I believe a trustee should:

  1. Be aware of all the work of the library. This means that we, as trustees, are required to be knowledgeable about the annual plan of service of our local library and how it impacts the community we serve. It should be clear that our work is for the entire community we serve.
  2. Understand the resources required to provide library services. It is not required that we are accountants. However, we should be aware of the financial requirements to run a library to be effective. We need to be aware of how resources are acquired and where we need to develop additional sources.  
  3. Advocate to market our message. We as trustees should know how to articulate the importance of libraries in our community. This message needs to be at the forefront of all our communications with community members, leaders, and political representatives. 
  4. Protect the work of our library professionals. As trustees, we are responsible to know and implement the mission of the library. This work is being done through the daily activities of our library staff. They need our support through good policies, commitment to reasonable compensation and appropriate recognition for their service. 

These four aspects are key to success as we, trustees, continue to attend our meetings, perform our board duties and represent our community institutions.”

MHLS Libraries

This year, the Poughkeepsie Public Library District’s National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read centered on short stories with genres like gothic horror, science fiction, and fantasy—precisely the kind of stories that turn many children into readers.

The 2022 Big Read flagship title was Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link, a prolific short story writer and founding co-publisher of Small Beer Press. Kelly Link presented an author talk at Boardman Road Branch Library on Saturday, November 12th.


Leading up to Link’s talk, the Big Read comprised a festival of events designed to enhance readers’ understanding and enjoyment of the book. Big Read events included a concert of horror movie music, a mini festival of scary short films, graveyard tours, and lectures on influential figures from Edgar Allan Poe to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Professional Development

Facing threats to our basic safety can often be traumatic and isolating. The Public Library Association (PLA)—in collaboration with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)—invites all library workers to join a free virtual event Safety on Spotlight: Addressing Threats in Public Libraries taking place Wednesday, November 30th, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.


Public libraries are increasingly responding to violent and inflammatory speech and targeted attacks on their buildings, workers, and patrons. Over the last two weeks of September, libraries in five cities faced bomb or shooting threats that resulted in canceled events and closures. These incidents also come directly on the heels of widespread intimidation related to censorship in the past year. Thankfully, no one was hurt in these recent threats, but the stress and disruption of service take a toll on library workers and the communities they serve. Panelists will participate in a facilitated conversation that explores effective policies and practices to improve safety and security for library staff and patrons, and invites questions and resources to be shared among all attendees. Click here to register.

Sustainable Libraries

ALA invites applications from small and rural libraries for the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant. This opportunity is open to libraries serving small and rural communities. Library workers may apply online for grant funding from November 1st, 2022, to February 28th, 2023.



Up to 300 libraries will receive $10,000 or $20,000 to support costs related to their community engagement project; virtual training to assist project directors in developing their community engagement, facilitation, and disability service skills; a suite of online resources developed to support local programs; and technical and project support from the ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3fCCSZb

Trustee Resources

Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director & Co-Author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is a monthly installment where Rebekkah will answer your questions! Feel free to submit your question here or to contact Rebekkah at rsmith@midhudson.org with the subject line: AMA Trustee Question.


Q. What does “digital equity” mean?

A. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines digital equity as “... a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”

Administration & Management

The Southeastern NY Library Resources Council (SENYLRC) is hosting an online Facilities Management Special Interest Group (SIG), on Wednesday, December 14th at 10:00 am. This SIG is a new forum for support staff, managers, and library workers to exchange best practices, anecdotes, and problems, and to seek help with specific needs related to facility upkeep, improvements, and unexpected issues. Please register or this event at https://www.senylrc.org/facilitiesSIG.

Job Openings

Bookkeeper – Part-time (24hrs / week), Mid-Hudson Library System

Salary: $28 – $30 / hour 

MHLS seeks an experienced and well-organized professional for the position for the Part-time Bookkeeper. Essential duties and responsibilities of this position include the following and other duties may be assigned. Detailed job description is available on request.


The Bookkeeper:

Provides support and assistance to and acts in the absence of the Finance Manager through all stages of the accounting cycle, along with overall budget support.

Applies principles of accounting in compiling, preparing, and processing financial data.

Prepares and processes bi-weekly payroll.

Processes purchases and ensure that invoices are accurate for payment.

Provides support to MHLS staff, Correctional Facility Librarians, and Member Library staff.

Performs general office and other duties.


Requirement: At a minimum, an Associate degree in accounting or related field and at least two years of accounting and payroll experience

  • Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
  • Be able to work independently
  • Be detailed oriented
  • Knowledge of municipal accounting.


In addition, the ideal candidate must have the following:

  • Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Nvision Accounting software; Microsoft Excel and Word Processing software.
  • Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources.
  • Customer Service: Responds promptly to staff and member libraries’ needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
  • Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, and other complicated calculations.
  • Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
  • Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.


MHLS offers a strong benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, 403B plan, professional development opportunities, access to the NYS Local Retirement System and an Employee Assistance Program.


MHLS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


MHLS offers a strong benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, 403B plan, professional development opportunities, access to the NYS Local Retirement System and an Employee Assistance Program.


To apply: Please email your résumé and a cover letter specific to the position you are applying for to the MHLS Finance Manager & Personnel Officer, Saran Camara, at jobs@midhudson.org.


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Library Clerk and Passport Agent (Part-Time), LaGrange Association Library

LaGrange Association Library is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service oriented individual to join our team as a part-time Library Clerk and Passport Agent.

Responsibilities include:

  • checking materials in and out for patrons at the front desk
  • assisting library users in person and via telephone with information requests and reader’s advisory
  • assisting library users with basic computer usage, printing, faxing, and copying
  • answering the phone and directing calls appropriately
  • preparing new materials for checkout
  • explaining and enforcing library policies and procedures with patrons as needed
  • shelving/shelf maintenance as needed
  • other projects as assigned


Online training to become a Passport Agent will be provided and those duties include processing new passports, carefully checking personal documents, and taking passport photos.


Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED or higher, United States Citizenship (mandatory for Passport Agents), excellent customer service and communication skills, basic computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the physical ability to bend, stretch, kneel, and lift up to 40 pounds. The ideal candidate should enjoy working with the public, have a good sense of humor, have an interest in reading and movies, be able to function independently and as part of a busy library team, and maintain the confidentiality of patron information. Prior library experience is a plus.


18 hours per week, including an evening shift, plus 2 Saturdays per month. $13.50 per hour with three (3) flex days upon hiring; sick, vacation, and personal days upon one (1) year anniversary. To apply: Contact Mary M. De Bellis, Director, at mdebellis@laglib.org.


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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