MHLS will be closed on Monday, January 16th, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored. 

Patterson Library received an additional $25,000 in state aid from the State Education Department’s bullet aid program in November of 2022. These funds will be used upgrade aging technology; introduce new tech such as  an easy-to-use touchscreen patron catalog to find materials more easily in the library; add additional Wi-Fi hotspots their Library of Things; new laptops for weekly teen programming; and hands-on computer classes as well support for programming on technology-related topics.

Funds were facilitated by former Assemblymember Kevin Byrne. He represented the 94th Assembly District for the last six years and is now the Putnam County Executive. 

WebJunction presents: Native Stories, Native Peoples: Opportunities for Library Engagement.

This webinar will highlight opportunities for library communities to foster understanding and support of Indigenous peoples, past and present. 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 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. The webinar will take place Wednesday, February 15th, from 3:00pm-4:00pm. Registration is required.

The deadline for applications is January 25th for the 2023-2024 National Endowment for the Arts Big Read granting cycle for activities occurring between September 1st, 2023 and June 30th, 2024. This program awards matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations to help bring communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing the same book. 

In addition to funding for purchasing the books themselves, each grant recipient is provided with resources to help them succeed. That includes outreach materials to gather people from all walks of life and training on how to work with local partners, how to develop public relations strategies, and how to lead meaningful book discussions.

NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book, including panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.

Learn more about the NEA Big Read program or access the portal to submit your Intent to Apply and application. The Intent to Apply is due by Wednesday, January 18, 2023 and completed application forms are due by Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 11:59pm Central Time.

Library Director I, Red Hook Public Library

The Board of Trustees of the Red Hook Public Library in Red Hook, NY is seeking a dynamic library leader with a passion for exceptional library service and the ability to lead a talented team to enhance the Library’s role in a world that continues to change. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of sound public library management principles, innovative approaches, and current professional practices. Our new director should be able to thrive on constructive and compassionate interactions with others, communicate effectively and positively with staff, patrons, and community groups, and be a forward thinker in both operational planning for the Library and public relations. The successful candidate will be familiar with our Hudson Valley community and with small communities in general. They will be involved and familiar with the Mid-Hudson Library System and the library community at large, maintain and continue to foster close relations with the area schools, and be able to lead and inspire the staff with creative new ideas for growing the use of and support for library services among the public and strategic partners. 

Typical Work Activities:

The following is indicative of the level and types of activities performed by incumbents in this title. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not preclude a supervisor from assigning activities not listed which could reasonably be expected to be performed by an employee in this title.

• Develops and implements programs and policies with approval of the Board of Trustees;
• Develops and administers the library budget, including the obtaining and administering of grants;
• Plans and supervises the work of library employees;
• Prepares state, local, and other statistical or narrative reports as requested or as required;
• Performs collection development by choosing and administering the purchase of library materials that best meet the needs of clientele;
• Provides reference and readers' advisory services and instruction to library users;
• Performs original cataloging and classification and record editing;
• Performs on-line database searches and search training;
• Designs and produces public relations and library instruction material;
• Represents the library before governmental agencies and community groups in seeking financial resources for the library;
• Supervises the maintenance of library property and recommends repairs, alterations, and new construction;
• Keeps informed of professional developments through participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, continuing education, and reading professional material.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Librarianship or a closely related degree from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the N.Y.S. Education Department as following acceptable education practices and one (1) year of professional library experience.
• Eligibility for a New York State public librarian's professional certificate at the time of application. Possession of certificate at time of appointment.

Salary: Range is $60,000-$69,000. 

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references no later than January 19th, 2023, to: don.trustee@redhooklibrary.org. In the subject line, please include “Director Position”. 

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Library Director, Livingston Free Library

Position Overview:

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the activities at library.
• Oversees circulation staff including setting hours.
• Assists library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment.
• Interprets library policies for patrons.
• Coordinates activities for Program 
• Markets programs on library website, newsletter, and other social media.
• Works with Library Board on facilities maintenance and upgrades.
• Participates in library special projects as needed.
• Prepares monthly reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Provides training for new library clerks, and conducts periodic evaluation of library clerks.

This position may require working during any of the hours that the library is open, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications Profile:

• Degree in Library Science preferred or at least 3 years library experience
• Previous library experience and knowledge of Sierra required.
• Comfortable working with computers and software, and able to instruct other staff and the public on computer usage.
• Ability to supervise and delegate tasks successfully.
• Outstanding customer service skills in order to relate courteously and effectively with library patrons and co-workers.
• Ability to work independently.

Hours: 15 hours/week (days, evenings, some Saturdays required)

Salary: Depending on qualifications 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Livingstonlibrary105@gmail.com

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

• Something Amazing is Vanishing from the Beacon Library | WRRV | 1.5.23

• Roeliff Jansen Library Director Tamara Gaskeel receives New York Library Association Award | Hudson Valley 360 | 1.4.23

• Director of Reed Library Retiring | Carmel's Hamlet Hub | 1.2.23

• Assemblyman secures funding to expand library WiFi project in city parks | Midhudson News | 12.21.22

National

• Riverside Library pushes back on request to ban book | Riverside-Brookfield Landmark | 1.3.23

• This super cool, futuristic library is opening in the Bronx by 2025 | Timeout | 1.3.23

MHLS Calendar