Claverack Free Library is a location for Hidden Life Radio an ongoing public art project from artist Skooby Laposky that aims to increase the general awareness of trees and their importance to the future of humanity through long-form biodata sonification and deep listening practices. Hidden Life Radio’s “broadcast” is a musical composition unfolding in real-time and running twenty-four hours a day from leaf out in early summer until leaf drop in late autumn, July through November. Weather, climate and other environmental conditions directly affect how the composition is shaped. 

Learn more about the project and listen to Claverack Free Library’s Red Oak Tree livestream. 

Join MHLS staff to learn all about Requesting items – System Holds, SEAL & OCLC on September 13th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. 

Your patrons have access to material beyond the library’s own collection. In this training MHLS staff will discuss the resources available.

• System Holds and consortial access: There are over 2 million items in our library system collection, and your patrons have access to them all. Learn more about accessing the resources within the Mid-Hudson Library System.
• Southeastern New York Library Resources Council (SENYLRC) connects our library system to the libraries in our region through their SEAL (Southeastern Access to Libraries) catalog. Kelsey Milner will provide information on using this resource to expand access to resources available in the academic, special, public, and school library community of our region.
• Interlibrary Loan through MHLS expands access to the collections of over 10,000 libraries in 50 countries. MHLS staff will discuss when to choose this option and review the process for requesting.

REMINDER: Access to Mango Languages ended on July 31st. Transparent Language Online, our newest language learning program is live so please make sure your website is up to date with information and access for your patrons. Marketing materials, trainings and library specific URLs are available on the MHLS Knowledge Base. 

OverDrive has recently updated their Social and Emotional Learning collection as part of the Everyone Reads program. This selection of always-available titles is intended to increase access to digital books at no additional cost for libraries. The collection is now featured on our OverDrive kids page. Marketing materials are available in the OverDrive Resource Center.

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation invite public libraries to apply for a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit, a collection of expertly vetted programming resources to help libraries offer financial education for children ages 3 to 12, both in the library and in children’s homes.

All public libraries, including tribal and state libraries, in the U.S. and U.S. territories are encouraged to apply. The brief application can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Visit the project guidelines and apply online by September 8, 2023. Approximately 200 public libraries will be selected.

Trustee Tip of the Month: All libraries should engage the services of a Certified Public Accountant to provide third-party oversight of the library’s finances and internal financial controls. For more information visit: https://midhudson.org/topics/trustees/audits/. Trustee responsibilities are small in number but broad in scope. This monthly Bulletin feature is designed to remind, reinforce or introduce tips that are helpful to member library trustees. 

Youth Programmer (part-time), Hurley Library 

The Hurley Library in Hurley, NY is seeking an energetic and creative Part-Time Youth Programmer. The Part-Time Youth Programmer, who reports to the Director of the Library, will plan, promote and execute two weekly storytimes plus 1-2 monthly family programs, as well as participate in planning and implementing the library’s Summer Reading Program and fostering community connections and outreach. The position averages 8-10 hours per week. Strong initiative and flexibility are essential. Must be able to work weekends and evenings as needed. 

Pay: $18.75 per hour. 

Responsibilities: 

• Presents storytimes using a variety of methods, such as books, story crafts, and songs; 
• Plans storytimes with attention to age appropriateness; 
• Plans for a monthly special family program or event; 
• Creates flyers for promoting events; 
• Contributes to a lively social media presence; 
• Assists in the planning and promotion of Summer Reading Programs; 
• Recommends books and materials for purchase; 
• Communicates and partners with local schools and school librarians; 
• Cleans and straightens areas used. 

Qualifications: 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of children's literature and learning process, the ability to tell stories and related presentations to children; ability to relate well and keep the interest of children; empathy with children. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma; OR 
• One year of paid or volunteer experience leading a group of children in recreational or educational activities. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Either: 

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor's degree; OR 
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate's degree and two (2) years of experience, in a library setting, performing duties related to library functions and programming. 

About the Hurley Library: The staff is friendly, the environment is pleasant and the community is supportive of its library. If you would like to join our team, please send a resume along with three references and a letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position to hurleydirector@gmail.com. The Hurley Library is a Special District Library and therefore abides by Civil Service hiring practices and is an equal opportunity employer.

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Library Assistant (part-time), Kent Public Library 

Kent Public Library in Putnam County seeks a creative, enthusiastic library assistant to coordinate and publicize programs for adults. Must have a bachelor's degree. This is a part-time position with a salary range of $17.00 to $19.00 per hour. Paid vacation, personal time and sick leave included. Participation in the New York Retirement System is optional. First consideration will be given to resumes received by August 15. Resumes and cover letters may be sent to cdonick@kentlibrary.org. Please mention "Library Assistant" in the subject line. This is a Putnam County Civil Service 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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