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Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a $3.5 million cut to library aid in her FY2024 Executive Budget Proposal. This cut puts us even further below full formula funding in Education Law, which is $106.2 million, and those formulas have not been adjusted to allow for inflation over the past several decades. The New York Library Association (NYLA) is calling for an investment in library aid at the level of $147.1 million.
For the third year in a row, the Executive Budget proposes a reduction to the State Library Construction Aid Program by $20 million to $14 million. This is the same pattern the former Governor used of rolling back the legislative add-on. We successfully advocated for this to be restored last year and we will work to do the same again this year. NYLA is calling for an investment in the State Aid for Library Construction Program at the level of $69.4 million.
So here we go again! Time to roll up our sleeves and contact our legislators to influence what they put into the one-house budget bills, we've got to convince them to at least get us back to where we were last year if not make up for lost ground and go further considering the chronic underfunding of library aid and the recent spike in inflation.
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Here's what you can do TODAY:
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Register for the MHLS Advocacy Day Briefing webinar scheduled for Tuesday, February 14th at 10:00 am. At this event we will review the budget and legislative priorities for the season and talk about strategy and tactics for effective advocacy this year. If you can't join us in Albany there are still many ways to help, and this webinar will help you with your plan for advocacy this year.
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Sign up to become a Library Advocate to receive e-mail alerts from NYLA when your action is needed to act on behalf of libraries.
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Find your local legislator’s contact information. The list of state legislators in the MHLS region has been updated on our website so if you aren't sure who your state Senator and Assemblyperson is since the redistricting effort took place, this is a good place to start.
- Plan to join us in Albany for Library Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February 28th!
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Register for Library Advocacy Day! Schedule of appointments will be emailed to you before Advocacy Day (You must register through the MHLS online calendar to receive this email)
- Make your transportation plan: Directions | Parking Please note: there will not be coordinated buses to Albany this year.
Stay up to date with the latest information at https://midhudson.org/library-advocacy-day/.
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REMINDER: The Annual Report software is now open, and libraries can begin working on their annual reports.
Each year, MHLS distributes a packet with information on your library’s circulation and holdings from the previous year to help in completing your annual report. Information for accessing this packet was emailed to library directors directly and via the MHLS Notice List. Please note: this year’s annual report packet will not be distributed through MHLS delivery as in previous years. You can download your library’s information packet from the provided URL and print it out if you prefer a hard copy of the information.
To help you answer the financial reporting questions, we’ve created an Annual Report Quick Reference Guide. View or print the guide or download it as an excel workbook. Additional information for completing the report is available at https://midhudson.org/annualreporttips/.
Each library is required to complete the annual report by February 17th, 2023, at 5:00 pm.
Libraries with questions can contact MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Laura Crisci.
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Rise to the Challenge! The Kingston Library has put together achievable challenges for each month of the year designed to get people thinking about the small steps they can take to lessen their impact, while doing a little good for our planet.
The science is overwhelming when it comes to the mounting environmental crisis facing our planet. Sometimes it feels like there is little one household can do, but the truth is that every little bit helps lead us all toward a sustainable future. Visit each monthly challenge to learn how these monthly challenges can make a big impact!
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WebJunction presents: Native Stories, Native Peoples: Opportunities for Library Engagement on Wednesday, February 15th at 3:00 pm. Presented by Naomi Bishop, Health Sciences Librarian, University of Arizona’s Phoenix Biomedical Campus, and Akimel O’odham (Pima) from the Gila River Indian Community.
The history and current experiences of Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations are complex, rich and diverse. Libraries can play an important role in counteracting damaging myths and narratives about Native peoples, as well as exploring contemporary struggles and joys. This one-hour webinar will highlight opportunities for libraries to connect their communities to accurate and respectful information, fostering understanding and support of Indigenous peoples past and present. Resources for learning about treaties, Tribal Nations and lands, as well as insights into the experiences of Native communities today will also be shared. With a better understanding of these distinctive histories and cultures, library staff can promote learning and knowledge, support engagement with Native issues and peoples, and better serve all individuals in their community.
Registration is required to attend.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra | |
There has been a good deal of discussion recently about the High Demand Hold reporting tool in Sierra. It has been a long time since we have discussed this feature, and so MHLS Tech Support put together a new updated page documenting the report and how it can be customized for each library. This expands significantly on the information that was provided on using the report in previous versions.
You can reach the page directly from this link. The documentation on this and other Holds elements are found in the Circulation area of the staff toolbox. Don’t forget, you can always use the Site Index available on the Knowledge base site to easily find topics.
Any additions or changes to the report thresholds can be requested by the library director by sending an email to techsupport@midhudson.org.
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The NYSB5 grant is offering an opportunity to apply for funding for local communities to implement new and innovative kindergarten transition activities for children entering kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. The funding amount is up to $10,000. Eligible organizations include School districts, Head Starts, Libraries and Community Based Organizations.
To be eligible to apply, you must watch the 9 short videos, complete the participant survey, and fill out the application. These are required.
Applications are due by the close of business on February 28th, 2023. Awards are expected to be made by March 10, 2023.
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The Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club is inviting MHLS libraries to submit grant proposals for Learning About and Appreciating Nature and the Environment. These programs should provide opportunities for families and children of all ages to enjoy, learn about, and appreciate the joys and benefits of the natural world including its creatures, plants, and recreational opportunities. Past proposals funded through this program include programs to help people of all ages connect with local natural resources, stargazer programs, STEAM and sensory activities, and resources to promote hiking and studying insects.
Proposals should be consistent with and in support of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s (ADK’s) mission: ADK works to protect New York’s wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. View the press release for information on how to apply.
Proposals and questions should be submitted to Carla Barrett, Program Chair, ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter. The due date for proposals is March 3rd, 2023.
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Librarians get ready – there are two Solar Eclipses coming to North America! Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) will support your eclipse efforts by providing eclipse glasses and training. Remember, whenever any part of the Sun’s surface is showing, you will need protective glasses or filters!
- Annular Eclipse, Saturday, October 14, 2023. Find out if your specific location is on the 2023 path using Eclipse Simulator.
- Total Eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024. Find out if your specific location is on the 2024 path using Eclipse Simulator.
The STAR Library Education Networks SEAL initiative (with major funding support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation) is distributing approximately 5 million solar eclipse viewing glasses to libraries in all 50 states and all US territories and protectorates. Register now to receive free eclipse glasses for your public library.
Visit the American Astronomical Society site about safe eclipse viewing for reliable information.
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Join co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the next session of Trustee Handbook Book Club! Open Meetings Law with Kirsten O’Neill, Committee on Open Government will take place on Tuesday, February 21st, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
Rebekkah will be joined by Kristin O’Neill, Esq., Assistant Director of the Committee on Open Government. Kristin O’Neill was appointed Assistant Director of the Committee on Open Government in 2015. As Assistant Director of the Committee, Ms. O’Neill provides legal advice regarding application of the New York State Freedom of Information, Open Meetings, and the Personal Privacy Protection Laws.
Trustees are encouraged to review the Library Board Meetings chapter of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State prior to this event.
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