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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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The libraries of the Mid-Hudson Library System have demonstrated unprecedented leadership
in deciding to close their doors to help with the call to "flatten the curve" to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Thursday, March 19th 100% of our member libraries had made the tough decision to shut down access to their facilities. March 19th also marked another historic moment in our system's history as the MHLS Delivery Service was temporarily suspended.
At the very same time something wonderful to behold is happening: we - the directors, staff, and trustees of our member libraries and the staff and board of the Mid-Hudson Library System are demonstrating true grit, creativity and innovation to meet the needs of those we serve.
I challenge us all to leverage that creativity and innovative spirit to maximum advantage in the face of this unprecedented public health and economic crisis.
Our communities need us to connect them with factual, up-to-date, and sometimes, hyper-local information; to address early, family and digital literacy needs; and to find non-traditional ways to connect with others as a community. Social/physical distancing should not mean social isolation. Libraries can and should play a key role to help people both feel a sense of community and connection with place - connecting with.
Things are about to get even more challenging, but I believe in us. We are good people doing our best and our best is going to make a difference. Be well.
Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System
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MHLS Announcements
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 MHLS staff unveiled a new toolbar on the front of the shared catalog
to help centralize promotion of shared online resources as well as connect patrons to the unique online resources offered by their local library. Laurie Shedrick, MHLS Assistant Director/Technology Operations Manager coordinated this project, synthesizing information from all 66 member libraries and ensuring we are promoting how to get a library card so we have one central landing page to point residents to
The MHLS COVID-19 Resources Page
[
https://midhudson.org/covid19/
] has been greatly enhanced with curated content. You will now see MANY new resources related to marketing online resources such as the graphic shown above.
MHLS Ticket System
: Please continue to use the ticket system (
techsupport@midhudson.org
) for your requests for assistance with Sierra. Your subject line should contain your library's name and the purpose of the ticket. Please note: all batch updates need to come from the library director.
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Member libraries have demonstrated positive energy, creativity and heart through their work to connect with their communities over the past two weeks. Online programs, breaking local news, and community art projects are cropping up across the five counties. We thought you might like to see just a snippet of what is going on out there:
Thea Schoep, Director of the Claverack Free Library and Tobi Farley, Director of the Philmont Public Library teamed up to record "Story Time with Ms. Thea and Ms. Tobi" using Facebook as their delivery platform.
 The Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison
is continuing to help their patrons with their computers or other electronic devices remotely. Patrons can book appointments by email, telephone and video chat to get help troubleshooting devices, email, and to connect with online resources.
 The Red Hook Public Library launched a community-wide craft project!
MHLS staff has compiled a list of ways to engage with your patrons online
. This includes information on virtual
storytime
and copyright, online learning, live cameras and events, virtual visits, and ideas for online interactive programs. You can view the list at
https://midhudson.org/covid19/
This resource page will be updated regularly.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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Thomas O'Connell, MHLS ILP Operations Supervisor will be offering Sierra Lunchtime Webinars
beginning
at 12:00pm all this week
. Each day will cover a different topic:
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CENSUS UPDATE:
COVID-19 has delayed field operations for the Census, but libraries' key role in a complete count, to let people know about the importance of completing the questionnaire, is unchanged. The Census can be completed online and by phone whether you have received your Census ID number or not. Libraries can find electronic promotional materials and information on the Census at
midhudson.org/Census
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Open Meeting Law Adjustments
: In response to efforts to increase social distancing to "flatten the curve" of COVID-19 the Governor, through an Executive Order, has suspended the requirement for library boards to hold "in-person meetings." Both videoconferencing and conference calls are allowable as long as:
- the public has the ability to view or listen
- the meeting is recorded and transcribed
Public notice measures, quorum requirements, minutes, executive session rules all remain unchanged.
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