Recently, Mid-Hudson Library System issued an alert to contact our legislative representatives about the proposed New York State budget allocations for libraries. It is important and necessary for all of us to take our role as advocates seriously, with enthusiasm, and contact our representatives now and often.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made us fully aware of the importance of libraries in providing information, support, and resources to our communities. But it is important to tell our legislators that our libraries have continued to function and support our communities during this time with less financial resources than has been recommended by the NYS Education Department for over twenty years. While the Governor’s budget calls for a budget of $96.1 million ($2 million more for libraries this year) this is well below the recommended allocation of $123.1 million which would meet the Education Department recommended target including inflation.

It is estimated that for every $1 in state aid invested in MHLS we produce more than $7 in service for local constituents. A decade of flat and reduced funding has left System finances vulnerable, shifting costs to member libraries and therefore local taxpayers. More than $125 million in State Library Aid has been withheld since 2007. We have seen our system and local libraries forced to make decisions about staffing and resources that should not be tolerated.

So, it is important that we all speak up. Each of us have a story and knowledge of how reduced funding has impacted our libraries and MHLS. These stories are important and impactful. Your personal stories provide our legislators the information to understand how they should be concerned about the NYS budget allocation and the impact on their constituency.

Get on the phone and email today to make our stories known!

The Putnam Valley Library is using their archive of photos in their newsletters and as a feature on their social media accounts called Flashback Friday! The library posts photos and any information they have about the pictures and encourage community members to reminisce by sharing any additional information they may have about the images. 

New York Library Association (NYLA) 2022 Conference Program Proposal Submission Form is now open. Generating the best possible content for the NYLA conference is a multi-step process that begins early with people like you submitting your ideas for conference programs. Submit your program proposal before March 7^th. Conference program sessions are 75 minutes in duration, with the anticipation of 60 minutes of content, and 10 minutes of Q&A. You can submit program proposals that are not completely formulated - revision to programs are built into the process. Presenters for programs that are accepted for presentation receive free registration for the conference on the day on which they are presenting exclusive of special event tickets. The 2022 NYLA Conference and Trade Show will take place in Saratoga Springs. For more information see the NYLA Proposal Review Guidelines and Review Process.

MHLS Data Operations Supervisor, Nina Acosta has put together a curated collection of eBooks and audiobooks on OverDrive for Black History Month. The collection is pinned to the front page of https://mhls.overdrive.com/ and will be up throughout February. 

American Library Association’s Programming Librarian has a list of resources to help your library celebrate Black History Month and throughout the year. The list of resources will inform and help librarians with programming ideas to teach and recognize the important achievements of Black Americans. This resource is kept up to date with favorite resources contributed by librarians across the country.

Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the next session in the Trustee Handbook Book Club series on Tuesday, February 22^nd at 5:00 pm. The chapter covered will be Facilities. Register for this session or visit https://midhudson.org/trusteebookclub/ to view upcoming sessions and past recordings. 

New York Paid Sick Leave (PSL), enacted in 2021 requires employers, including association libraries, to provide paid leave to employees relating to an employee’s or an employee’s family member’s medical needs, or for reasons relating to domestic violence and similar offenses. In adopting the final regulations, the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) published comments and responses addressing various parts of the regulations, including the requirement that employees be permitted carry over unused leave from year to year. Best practice may be to use a capped accrual system of providing PSL given the carry over requirements. Click here for a summary of the published comments from the DOL. 

The Hyde Park Library has an immediate, part-time opening (approx. 13 hours/week) for a friendly, patient, reliable, tech-savvy, flexible, detail-oriented and customer-service oriented person who is excited to work with patrons in a bustling community library.

Responsibilities include working with the public: assisting patrons, both in-person at the library and over the phone, with a wide variety of informational needs. Staff person will be responsible for sorting, shelving, and locating library materials; maintaining organization and general appearance of library; providing simple directional information to patrons; and basic assistance on the use of the online library catalog, library resources, computers, and other technology or software.

Computer and alphabetization skills as well as a high school diploma or equivalency required. A sense of humor is recommended. The library is located at 2 Main Street in Hyde Park. Please send responses or inquiries to the library director Jesse Chance at director@hydeparkfreelibrary. 

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The Library District seeks individuals to fill the role of Library Clerk. Primary responsibilities include public service at the Checkout Desks at both the Main Library and the branch (evening and weekend rotation applies) and off-desk duties in any of the following areas: acquisitions, cataloging and processing, and interlibrary loan.

Qualifications: Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications:

This is a Civil Service non-competitive appointment and the selected candidates will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months prior to permanent appointment.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics: In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:

Compensation: This is a Civil Service appointment represented by CSEA. Starting salary is $15.21 per hour for parttime appointment. The standard full-time work week will be 17.5 hours. Limited benefits may be elected. Standard leave package applies.

To Apply: Interest candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at tlawrence@poklib.org. All applications will kept confidential. References will be requested of finalists, only.

The Library District seeks an individual to join the Library District’s Adult Services department. Primary responsibilities is the development and implementation of public-facing technology classes and labs as well as support for staff technology training. Includes flexible evening and weekend classes and lab assignments.

Qualifications: Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications:

This is a Civil Service appointment. For permanent appointment, the selected candidate will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months and must be reachable on an appropriate Civil Service List of Eligibles once the examination is given and the List established.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics: In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:

Compensation: This is a Civil Service, represented appointment with the annual salary determined by collective bargaining. Current salary upon appointment will be between $43,508 (Step 1) and $48,088 (Step 5), depending on experience and qualifications. 35 hour work week. Standard benefit package applies including medical and NYS Retirement System pension plan. Other benefits may be elected. Standard leave package applies.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at tlawrence@poklib.org. All applications will kept confidential. References will be requested of finalists, only.

About the Poughkeepsie Public Library District: The Library District (www.poklib.org) is an independent special library district serving the residents and businesses of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie with a chartered population of 75,000 and an annual budget of $9.7 million. The Library District operates the Adriance Memorial Library and the Boardman Road Branch Library along with a bookmobile service. In March 2022, the Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Branch Library will open at the Family Partnership Center in the City of Poughkeepsie.