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Vol.24-42 | 10.15.24

NYS Construction Awards Announced

The FY 2023-2024 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $1,407,025.00 have been announced and ten Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Member Libraries and the MHLS have been awarded funds. 

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Libraries are essential hubs of knowledge, technology, and community engagement. By investing in our public libraries, we’re not just enhancing physical spaces, we’re unlocking the potential of every New Yorker. These funds ensure our libraries remain accessible and equipped to offer essential resources and services, thereby fostering lifelong learning and supporting communities—especially those in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Our state’s libraries are an integral part of our communities that promote knowledge, growth, and connection for all ages and backgrounds. They provide essential services such as access to information and digital literacy training and are safe environments for collaboration and learning. This funding is critical to enable libraries to adapt to modern needs, meet energy efficiency standards, and ensure accessibility, particularly for those in isolated or underserved areas. By enhancing library infrastructure, we are investing directly in the future prosperity and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

Assembly member Matt Slater said: “This funding is a critical investment in our local libraries, ensuring they can continue to serve our communities effectively,” said Slater. “By enhancing the Patterson Library Association’s adult collection area, we are not only improving the functionality of these spaces but also enriching the experience for all patrons. Libraries are the heart of our communities, and I am proud to support their growth and modernization.”

Assembly member Chris Tague said: “Your local library continues to be the best one-stop shop for education opportunities and a wealth of free knowledge,” Tague said in the press release. “Doing anything I can to ensure they continue to offer their essential services is something I consider a pleasure.”

2024 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System

D.R. Evarts Library District: $132,754.00 

New water services and fire suppression system, and upgrades to existing mechanical and basement waterproofing systems.


Hyde Park Library District: $94,562.00 

Two-story elevator lobby addition.


Kingston Library: $414,803.00 

Converting its existing gas boiler and freon AC HVAC system to a geothermal HVAC system.


Marlboro Free Library: $342,456.00 

Energy efficient upgrades to the existing plumbing, mechanical and electrical building systems.


New Lebanon Library: $22,695.00 

Installations of energy-efficient lighting fixtures and new exterior doors at the front entrance to the library.


Patterson Library Association: $138,663.00 

Adult collection area reading niche additions.


Plattekill Library: $19,993.00 

Installation of electronic outdoor sign with digital display-color digital section: 3ft X 5ft -Display - 6MIL Resolution.


Red Hook Public Library: $103,262.00 

The project will renovate the exterior of our historic 158-year-old building to improve access, safety, and long-term sustainability.


Roeliff Jansen Community Library: $17,750.00 

Replacement of a broken accordion partition between its program space and main library with a manually operated folding partition.


Stone Ridge Library District: $16,683.00 

Installation of 4 Mitsubishi High Efficiency Heating, Cooling, Dehumidification, and Air Purification systems in the public areas of the library.


Mid-Hudson Library System: $103,404.00 

Roof system replacement (including the gutters & downspouts) and installation of solar energy electrical generation system on the MHLS office building.

Pictured left to right: NYS Senator Rob Rolison, MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Facilities Manager & Assistant Delivery Operations Manager Chris Herron, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Laura Crisci.

MHLS Libraries

Scene from the first monthly “Have No Fear Ukulele Jam” at the Pine Hill Library!

Resource Sharing & Sierra

Introduction to Sierra Circulation | December 11 | 11 AM – 12 PM | Online | REGISTER


Get the basics of circulation in Sierra – great for new staff or as a refresher. This webinar will cover the fundamental knowledge and procedures for working at the circ desk of any MHLS library, including resource sharing among libraries, creating new accounts, managing holds, dealing with fines and fees, and more. Attendees should leave with the confidence to handle the majority of their day-to-day circulation tasks.


Introduction to Sierra Circulation is designed with new staff in mind, but all are welcome. The webinar will be recorded.

Sustainable Libraries

Libraries Without Borders US is seeking to partner with public libraries across the country to enhance access and usage for underserved youth and families through the creation of library access points within local schools. Five selected partners will receive technical assistance spanning data collection and analysis, strategy and partnership development, project implementation and sustainability as well as supplies and materials up to $5,000 to support the direct costs of establishing and enhancing outreach and access within their local school system.


Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2024. Read more and apply here.

The New York State Library is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the New York State Library Digital Equity Academy. 


The Digital Equity Academy offers a unique learning experience to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a real impact. This class is free, and you don’t need any previous digital equity experience - just the desire to improve digital equity in your community! 


Over the course of seven months, delve into the essential aspects of digital equity, from understanding its importance to developing and implementing effective strategies. Subjects include:

  • Visioning and assessment
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Digital equity planning 
  • design and implementation of those plans
  • Funding opportunities
  • Promotion and programmatic sustainability


Each month, you'll receive a pre-recorded lesson, no longer than an hour, to study at your own pace. Then, the group will come together for a live online class to discuss your insights, share strategies, and build a supportive community. Your expected time commitment is about four hours per month.


The goal is to create a diverse cohort representing libraries of all sizes and geographic locations throughout New York. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, there's a place for you in the Academy. Seeking individuals who are motivated, passionate, and have the support of their library leadership.


To register please contact Lauren Cardinal at Lauren.Cardinal@nysed.gov


There is not currently a formal registration deadline, but the academy is slated to start in early December, with the bulk of the course taking place from January - June 2025.

Programming

Youth Services Staff Meet Up | December 9 | 12 – 1 PM | Pawling Free Library, 11 Broad Street, Pawling


Topic: 2024 Wrap-up & 2025 Goals

The monthly Youth Services Rendezvous is open to all MHLS member library youth services staff who work with birth to teens. Find out what others are doing for programming, outreach, collection development, ask questions of your peers and share things that have worked for you.


For more information about this event please email Christine Pacuk, cpacuk@saugertiespubliclibrary.org or call 845-246-4317 ext. 5. This event is organized by member library staff.

Trustee Resources

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Boards (MHLS Trustee Education Series) | December 12 | 5:30 – 7 PM | Heermance Memorial Library, 1 Ely Street, Coxsackie | REGISTER


This advanced-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. It is recommended that trustees have already attended the Trustee Essentials workshop prior to this event. Attendees will be able to recognize the habits of effective boards and appreciate the importance of putting the best interests of the library and community at the heart of decision making. Trustees interested in contributing to a dynamic, high performing board experience will enjoy this workshop. Presenter: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MLS, LEED AP.


This trustee education workshop was organized in partnership with the Greene County Library Association. Attendance at this event can be applied toward the NYS Trustee Education Requirements.

Administration & Management

 A reminder from the MHLS Delivery Department: Please factor in MHLS holidays when forward sorting materials to expedite delivery of materials on route. Always forward sort for your next MHLS scheduled delivery day after a holiday. We will send a reminder to the MHLS-Notice List prior to any holiday. View delivery routes by day and library. 


For questions regarding MHLS delivery operations please contact Tom Finnigan, Delivery Operations Manager. 

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