Incarcerated Individual Reference Request Procedure: A reminder to all MHLS member libraries that should you receive - by mail - a reference request directly from an incarcerated individual in a correctional facility you should not respond to them. 

Please send the letter including the envelope to MHLS, ATTN: Kerstin Cruger, to forward to the senior librarian at their correctional facility. This will legitimize and facilitate their access to information as the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has a mechanism and procedure for information sent to the incarcerated, and it must involve the facility library. Keep in mind that there is seemingly innocent information that certain incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have, due to their history of criminal actions, and when the requests come to you unmediated by a facility librarian it is not possible to determine what those specific parameters are. 

The best way to serve this patron, if they contact your library directly, is to send the request to Kerstin Cruger, Outreach & EDI Specialist at MHLS through the delivery. 

Howland Public Library sponsored a Backpack Drive for Asylum Seekers from July 24 - August 5.

To help support migrants and asylum seekers in the Hudson Valley the library had a drop-off box to collect new or gently used backpacks and carry-on luggage, so asylum seekers have something to carry their belongings in. This event was organized by youth activist, Mandy Zhang, and WeLead2Change with support from Reunite Migrant Families.

It is almost time for The Great Give Back (TGGB) 2023! This year, TGGB will take place on Saturday, October 21st. Please use this form to tell us your library’s program plans so we can populate the statewide site and help promote this incredible event!  

Adult and Technology Services Librarian (Librarian I), Howland Public Library (Beacon, NY)

The Howland Public Library in Beacon, New York is currently seeking to fill a full-time librarian I position for the Adult and Technology Services Librarian. This position is responsible for providing high-quality information, collections, and services for library users with a focus on patrons ages 18 and up. As head of Adult Services, the librarian will develop, lead, and promote a robust schedule of programs focused on educational and entertaining topics tailored to the library community. This is a public-facing position. The Adult and Technology Services Librarian reports directly to the Assistant Director. 

We seek an enthusiastic, organized, imaginative, team-orientated, and tech-savvy individual who can join our staff in providing outstanding service to the vibrant and diverse patrons of the Beacon City School District. The successful candidate should be passionate about learning and sharing ideas with patrons, staff, and library colleagues. Adaptability and critical thinking are vital to this position. The Adult and Technology Services Librarian must have exceptional communication skills and a sincere passion for working with adults from 18 and up. Our ideal candidate will excel at serving a diverse community with a wide variety of needs. 

Position Duties

Adult Programs

• Develop, promote, facilitate, present, and evaluate innovative programs inside and outside the library to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s adult population.
• Conduct two Library of Local programs per quarter
• Provide reference and reader advisory services and instruction to library users
• Prepare statistical and/or narrative reports, memoranda, and correspondence

Collection Development 

• Perform collection development (purchase, procurement, weeding) for adult materials including fiction, DVDs, audiobooks, music, magazines and e-books. Ensure it is diverse, current, relevant and meets the needs of the community
• Coordinate all museum passes (purchasing, contracts, selection of passes, requesting funding from Friends etc.) 

Digital Literacy and Technology

• Encourage digital literacy and provide technology instruction workshops
• Assist with technology operations including assisting staff members with tech issues, conducting equipment inventories, and minor troubleshooting.
• In absence of Assistant Director, liaison between Mid-Hudson Library System IT staff and Howland Library

Publicity 

• Design and create engaging and relevant book displays on the main floor
• Create new content for YouTube channel periodically 
• Create all flyers and promotional materials for department 
• Submit newsletter content weekly 
• Create promotional items, such as graphics and flyers

General Librarian Duties 

• Keep informed of professional developments through participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, continuing education courses and reading professional materials
• Participate in professional committees (staff, community, professional library organizations). Chairs the Library of Things staff committee
• Supervise the work of clerical, paraprofessional and volunteer personnel in assigned tasks
• Fill in at circulation desk when needed
• Perform additional duties as required

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 12:00-8:00pm, and participating in a rotating Saturday schedule, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Salary : $50,000 annually, paid bi-weekly. 

Benefits: Paid vacation, sick, holiday, personal, bereavement, and Employee Assistance Program. Medical and dental benefits are available for full-time staff. Individual dental and vision coverage premiums paid fully by the library. Howland Public Library participates in the New York State and Local Retirement System. 

Civil Service Minimum Qualifications

“A Masters degree in Librarianship from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian's Professional Certificate at the time of application for appointment; possession of the Certificate at the time of appointment.”

Special Notice: The Librarian I position is a civil service provisional appointment pending future examination. Applicants must meet all Dutchess County Civil Service minimum qualifications for the position and be reachable upon exam for permanent appointment. 

Applicants can send a letter of interest and resume to Interim Director Kristen Salierno via email (subject heading: Adult Services Librarian) at director@beaconlibrary.org by September 11th.

Library Director, East Fishkill Community Library

The Board of Trustees of the East Fishkill Community Public Library District (EFCPLD) is seeking its next Library Director–a proven, visionary leader with a passion for community collaboration who is able to skillfully lead and manage library staff (14.06 FTE, 7 of whom are full-time), effectively communicate and partner with a nine-member library board, volunteers, school districts, civic groups, and local businesses, and manage an annual budget in excess of $1MM. The East Fishkill Community Library is the forward-facing name that the library district retained after the successful effort to convert from an association library to a district library in 2006. 

The successful candidate will have the ability to expand and strengthen library services to meet the needs of the community’s residents; will have the experience to manage the maintenance of the library’s building and grounds as well as related capital projects; will have the capacity to responsibly advocate for and manage the budgeting needs of the East Fishkill Public Library District (EFPLD), will successfully implement short and long-range strategic planning goals. 

Our Library

The mission of the East Fishkill Community Library is to provide residents of East Fishkill access to information and knowledge nourished by ever-improving collections, technology, and programming and a helpful, knowledgeable staff in order to enhance the cultural, social and economic vitality of the community. Organized in 1938, the library is now in its third location in the town. In 2006 the community voted to approve the formation of the East Fishkill Public Library District creating a stable funding platform to ensure the Library’s future.

The East Fishkill Public Library District is a district library chartered to service a population of 29,707 and is a member of the five-county Mid-Hudson Library System. 

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, a New York State Librarian professional certificate, as well as five years of professional experience with demonstrated management expertise is required. Essential competencies include, but are not limited to, strong people management and communication skills, the ability to build dynamic relationships and promote collaborative partnerships and the talent to develop new and innovative library services to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Compensation and Benefits 

Competitive salary from $75,000 – $100,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications). A competitive benefits package is offered, including medical, vision, and dental with library paying 80% of premiums regardless of the level of the coverage and an MVP Gold co-pay plan (no deductible). Retirement is a 401 (b) defined contribution plan with TIAA with up to 8% matching by employer.  

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (references will not be contacted without approval) to careers@eflibrary.org. Subject heading should say “Library Director Position”. Review of applications will be ongoing until further notice. 

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Library Clerks, East Fishkill Community Library

The East Fishkill Community Library is looking for multiple Library Clerks to join their customer service oriented team. Primary responsibilities include library service transactions (checking in/out materials, locating resources, providing technical help with computers and printing, issuing library cards, etc.) and routine clerical duties to maintain the library’s efficient flow of materials. A strong desire to interact with the public, and a willingness to learn and assist others in learning about the library’s digital and technological offerings, are key.

Qualifications, Desired Knowledge, Skills:

• Excellent customer service skills and an ability to work well with others as well as independently.
• Knowledge of basic computer functions with willingness and ability to stay up to date as technology changes.
• Enthusiastic, inquisitive, tactful, with strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to represent the library in a professional and courteous manner.
• Perform routine circulation duties, including handling patron payments, using the copier, fax machine, printer, and scanner.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift, kneel, crouch, and stoop.
• Attend job related training and meetings.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Previous library experience is a plus.

Hours: Hours subject to change and candidates must take part in Saturday and Sunday rotation.

(Shift 1) Monday 9am–2pm, Tuesday 1pm-8pm, Friday 12pm–6pm.

(Shift 2) Monday 1pm-8pm, Wednesday 11am-3pm, Thursday 9am-4pm.

(Shift 3) Wednesday 1pm-8pm, Thursday 9am-3pm, Friday 12:30pm-6pm.

Wage: $15.00/hr

To Apply: Interested individuals should email a cover letter, resume, and references if possible to Kaitlyn Stroud at stroud@eflibrary.org with “Clerk” in the subject line.

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