Please welcome James Coyle, the new MHLS Financial Assistant! James is joining us with over three years of experience in payroll and accounting, acquired while working in local Government and school districts. He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

You can reach James at jcoyle@midhudson.org | ext. 214.

The Ulster County Library Association in partnership with the Ulster County Executive and legislature bring residents of Ulster county Transparent Language Online. This online resource provides a fun, effective, and engaging experience for learners of all levels looking to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language. Combining robust courses, supplemental vocabulary, and grammar resources, Transparent Language Online is a complete language-learning system. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, available via web browser and mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.

Expanded access in OverDrive is live! Patrons now have the option to move between collections to search for and checkout titles from the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), Mohawk Valley Library System (MVLS), Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) and the Southern Adirondak Library System (SALS). Through the Reciprocal Lending Agreement (RLA), each system has agreed to share items that are currently available for checkout and without standing requests. The access expands the unique titles that are available to patrons and provides potential for access to titles that have local demand but are available in the other systems. Items with metered access or cost per click will not be available or visible to “visiting” patrons. Visiting patrons cannot place holds or request purchases. 

MHLS Data Operations Supervisor, Nina Acosta, has put together a curated collection of eBooks and audiobooks on OverDrive to celebrate the culture, heritage, and achievements of Arab Americans. The collection is pinned to the front page of https://mhls.overdrive.com/ and will be up throughout April for Arab American Heritage Month.

Looking for last-minute ideas for National Library Week? Visit the American Library Association’s National Library Week web page for social media posts and celebration ideas. National Library Week is a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

On Tuesday, April 19th at 2:00 pm, join MHLS Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for an information session on Applying for Funds Through the State Aid for Library Construction Program. This webinar is designed for Mid-Hudson Library System member library directors and trustees who would like an introduction to the New York State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program and an orientation for how to take the first step to apply in the new grant cycle – the submission of the MHLS Action Memo reporting a library’s construction needs and intent to apply for a grant.  

Internship, Grinnell Public Library

Hands-on paid internship program for junior or senior college students interested in library careers. 

We seek committed and enthusiastic individuals ready to learn, work, and help others. Candidates must live or study in Dutchess County, be a junior or senior in college, and be interested in library careers. 

The intern will assist with a variety of library programs, and events, and provide reference services to our patrons. During our Summer Reading Program, the internship will be scheduled from July 11th to August 11th and will be completed in 50 hours with a $750 stipend.

Grinnell Public Library, serving over 28,000 residents of the Town of Wappingers, is a trusted resource for the community, providing free access to diverse and innovative programs and a wide variety of informational materials.

Applications will be available until May 15th, 2023. Students can contact Nancy Wendel at events@grinnell-library.org to apply.

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Library Clerk, West Hurley Library

The West Hurley Library is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service/detail oriented individual to join our team as a part time Library Clerk. Responsibilities will include:  

• checking patron materials in and out at the front desk  
• assisting library users with information requests and locating materials  
• answering the phone and directing calls appropriately  
• explaining and enforcing all library policies and procedures with patrons as needed  
• shelving/shelf maintenance as needed  
• small projects as assigned  

This position is 8 hours per week: Tuesdays 2pm-6pm, Fridays 2pm-6pm, plus at least one Saturday per month from 9:30am-3pm and the opportunity to cover other shifts as needed. Salary is $15 per hour.

Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, strong customer service skills, computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Must enjoy working with the public, have a good sense of humor, have an interest in books and movies, be able to function independently and as part of a busy library team, and maintain confidentiality of patron information. Prior library experience is a plus.   

Please email a cover letter, résumé, and 2 references to director@westhurleylibrary.org , and indicate "Clerk" in the subject line. Paper submissions will also be accepted at the circulation desk.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.   

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. 

Local

• One Poem a Day Won’t Kill You! | The Highlands Current | 4.7.23

• Author Visit - Jacqueline Woodson to visit the Brewster Public Library | Hamlet Hub | 4.7.23

National

• ALA Launches Policy Corps Cadre for Proactive Advocacy on Book Banning | ALA | 4.7.23

MHLS Calendar