After 22 years of service at the Mid-Hudson Library System Joan Kay has retired! The MHLS Board of Trustees passed a resolution to honor Joan on her retirement and the entire MHLS staff gathered to celebrate all things Joan before her last day. With her persistently warm demeanor and tenacious drive to help, Joan has supported countless library stakeholders in sorting out all manner of fiduciary questions in her role at MHLS. Joan’s work at MHLS has also been critical in supporting operations behind the scenes that connect MHLS libraries to State Aid for Library Construction funding, ensuring MHLS’s financial transparency and integrity, and increasing the sustainability of MHLS operations through thoughtful and deliberate purchasing choices that reflect the organization’s commitment to a creating healthy natural environment. |
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Top, l-r: Resolution from the MHLS BOT; Joan Kay and Linda Vittone. Linda who retired as the MHLS Financial Manager in 2021 surprised Joan at her retirement party. Bottom: Gifts and upcycled decorations from the MHLS staff.
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We are excited to announce Lisa Massarelli began the position of MHLS Financial Assistant on Monday May 9th. Lisa was hired to fill the position of the departing Joan Kay. The two worked together until May 27th, Joan’s last day to create a smooth transition of duties.
Lisa has over 15 years of experience in bookkeeping and payroll and is a graduate of Mercy College with a bachelor’s in accounting. She has experience in various accounting software including a certificate in QuickBooks. She is also a Public Notary.
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Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator has announced that he is moving on to take on a new challenge in a new field. Casey’s last day will be June 10th. A search has been opened to fill this position. View the job description and how to apply.
After June 10th, in the interim until a new person is hired, if you need support in areas led by Casey, please use this list to contact the MHLS staff person best able to assist your library:
- Annual Reports to the State: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250
- MHLS Bulletin (weekly newsletter): Alexa Stroh, MHLS Library Sustainability Associate (astroh@midhudson.org, x253)
- Charter Issues: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- State Aid for Library Construction Program: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Digital Navigator Program: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250
- The Great Give Back: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250)
- The Library of Local Project: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Support for New(er) Directors: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- NYLA Scholarship Applications: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250)
- Sustainable Library Certification Program Support: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Trustee Education Series/Trustee Handbook Book Club: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)Turning Outward Program: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250 or Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Vote Support: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
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The Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club has selected 13 MHLS member libraries to receive funding for Outreach Programs that facilitate library patrons learning about and appreciating nature and the environment. These programs will provide opportunities for families and people of all ages to enjoy, learn about, and appreciate the joys and benefits of the natural world including its creatures, plants, and recreational opportunities. Programs funded this year include resources and programs to encourage camping, support pollinators and native insects, build StoryWalks®, and combat invasive plants. Award recipients include Cairo Library, East Fishkill Community Library, Grinnell Public Library, Kingston Library, LaGrange Association Library, Livingston Free Library, Millbrook Library, Morton Library (Pine Hill), North-East Millerton Library, Olive Free Library, Pawling Free Library, Patterson Library, and the Roeliff Jansen Community Library. |
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
There still time to register for Circulation 101 on June 9th at noon. In this brief lunchtime webinar, MHLS staff will cover the essentials for working at the circulation desk of any member library. This workshop is designed for new member library staff, but all are welcome. |
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The American Library Association (ALA) is collaborating with the Ukrainian Library Association to collect donations for the Ukrainian library community as they face the challenges of war. Throughout Ukraine, dozens of libraries have been severely damaged or destroyed. Despite this, Ukrainian librarians have kept their libraries open for as long as possible and are continuing to bring services to people.
Donations to the ALA Ukraine Library Relief Fund will help purchase computers, software, and other equipment, as well as materials and resources to help overcome stress for children and adults. Funds will help immediate repair needs to keep libraries open, such as glazing windows and repairing roofs damaged by Russian bombing. The Ukrainian Library Association also provides small amounts of support for librarians and library workers who are in harm's way, wounded, or displaced and in need of financial support.
Funds raised will be sent at the end of each month to the Ukrainian Library Association. Donations are tax deductible. Read ALA’s full press release for more information on the courageous efforts of the Ukrainian library community and how these gifts can support their efforts. |
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Reserve your seat for The Great Give Back: Creating Community Connections on June 7th at 1:30 pm. The Great Give Back is a day for public libraries to shine as a community hub by inviting community members to participate in meaningful service-oriented experiences. This program offers a way to showcase the good work many libraries are already doing in connecting people willing to help with needs in their community and to highlight the public library’s evolving role. |
The Big Library Read from OverDrive is excited to announce their next selection: The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake.
"An exquisitely detailed journey through the harrowing field of medicine in mid-19th century London.” - Tracey Enerson Wood, USA Today bestselling author of The Engineer's Wife and The War Nurse.
Get your community excited about Big Library Read by downloading their marketing materials to help get the word out. The Big Library Read kicks off June 13th. Readers can use #biglibraryread on social media and a reading guide to encourage conversation about The Girl in His Shadow. Visit https://biglibraryread.com/current-title/ to stay tuned for more information about a live author interview, a giveaway for readers and more. |
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Administration & Management |
The Committee on Open Government, the oversight body for the NYS Open Meetings Law (OML), issued an updated document with answers to frequently asked questions about the recent adjustments to OML as well as model language for a board resolution to allow for remote participation by individual trustees in "extraordinary circumstances," as well a model policy a board could use as the basis for adopting procedures related for the allowance for member videoconferencing pursuant to Public Officers Law. This law goes into effect June 8th, however, the state of emergency due to COVID-19, which allows for fully remote meetings/individual participation without any in-person requirement for the public, is currently in play until June 14th. This means that if a board is currently meeting in person, but one or two trustees want to participate remotely this is permissible until June 14th. Once the state of emergency for COVID-19 is lifted, without the resolution (passed at a public hearing) and adoption of the procedures, those trustees participating remotely would not count towards the quorum unless the conditions under which your board approved remote participation under extraordinary circumstances, as outlined in the FAQ document and law, are met. |
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Library Sustainability Coordinator, Mid-Hudson Library System
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) seeks a dynamic library leader to join our team as our Library Sustainability Coordinator. This position assists the 66 member libraries of the Mid-Hudson Library System in several critical areas, including sustainable funding, construction, director and trustee development, and community-based planning. Candidates that are well suited for this position will have at least five or more years of related experience; strong project management skills; and an innovative spirit. The ideal candidate will have public speaking experience, enjoy working in a team environment, and be a strong advocate for public libraries.
MHLS is a cooperative public library system chartered by the New York State Board of Regents serving the libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster counties. Governed by a 15-member board of trustees, our organization places great emphasis on working with our member libraries in a collaborative and responsive manner to ensure we are providing relevant services that enhance our member libraries.
The person in this position will lead a team that administers several state aid programs including the State Aid for Library Construction Program; produces our weekly newsletter; and works closely with the executive director on advocacy, trustee education, and special projects devoted to sustainability.
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.
Starting salary will be between $75,000-$80,000 depending on experience. 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, and medical insurance.
A master’s degree (MLS or MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution is required for this position.
To apply:
The position is open until filled with the first evaluation of applicants starting on Monday, June 13th.
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