Voters Approve Woodstock Public Library District Bond |
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On Tuesday, May 10th, Woodstock voters lined up at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center to support a bond for the purchase and renovation of the building at 10 Dixon Avenue. In a vote of 845 “yes” votes to 500 “no” votes, the community approved a bond for $3.95 million, which will be used to purchase the Dixon Avenue property and update the building to create an all-season community hub, a place where folks can meet with, bump into, and engage with neighbors, visitors, and creative folks. The new space will host programming for all ages in a presentation space that won’t disturb other Library activities, patrons, and collections; support and celebrate the rich history of Woodstock by having exhibit space for special collections, art, a local history collection; and support businesses, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and job seekers to uplift economic activity in Woodstock. With 12,000 square feet of space, 44 off-street parking spaces, pre-existing solar panels and on-site generator, fiber optic internet connection, outside covered seating, and a new elevator, the library’s new facility will provide safe space and infrastructure for 21st century library services. |
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Pictured above: Property and existing structure at 10 Dixon Avenue
The Board of Trustees is committed to seeing that the new library building remains accessible for all and is exploring options to connect the new library site to the hamlet of town via public transportation, jitney shuttle, volunteer drivers, and other means. Library patrons and community members will benefit from this new facility for generations thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Woodstock Public Library District trustees and staff whose perseverance helped make this dream a reality.
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After just over three years with the Mid-Hudson Library System, Casey Conlin, our Library Sustainability Coordinator, is moving on to take on a new challenge in a new field. Casey has been a true asset to the MHLS team, from developing the Reimaging Library Services webinar series, launching The Library of Local Project, and providing unprecedented support to member libraries during the pandemic. Casey was the lead author of the reopening plan template shared with member libraries in mid-2020 as libraries grappled with how to reopen their facilities safely once the stay-at-home order was lifted for libraries by New York State.
Casey’s last day will be June 10th. A search will be conducted to fill this position immediately (see job posting below).
After June 10th, in the interim until a new person is hired, if you need support in areas led by Casey, please use this list to contact the MHLS staff person best able to assist your library:
- Annual Reports to the State: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250
- MHLS Bulletin (weekly newsletter): Alexa Stroh, MHLS Library Sustainability Associate (astroh@midhudson.org, x253)
- Charter Issues: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- State Aid for Library Construction Program: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Digital Navigator Program: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250
- The Great Give Back: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250)
- The Library of Local Project: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Support for New(er) Directors: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- NYLA Scholarship Applications: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250)
- Sustainable Library Certification Program Support: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Trustee Education Series/Trustee Handbook Book Club: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Turning Outward Program: Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist (kcruger@midhudson.org, x250 or Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
- Vote Support: Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director (rsmith@midhudson.org, x239)
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The Board of the Mid-Hudson Library System met on Thursday, May 12th and:
- Passed a resolution to honor MHLS Joan Kay on the eve of her retirement after 22 years of excellent service: “…the Board of the Mid-Hudson Library System hereby expresses its profound gratitude to Ms. Kay for her service to the organization, for her sound advice and positive attitude, all of which has enhanced our workplace and ensured our organization is fiscally sound.”; and
- Approved a temporary adjustment to the mileage reimbursement for staff in recognition of the record price of gasoline; and
- Reviewed the impact of recent amendments to the New York State Open Meetings Law on MHLS Board meetings; and
- Amended language in the system’s capital plan to prioritize the purchase of ENERGY STAR equipment and, when fiscally feasible, the use of locally available, renewable, or reclaimed resources; and
- Received an orientation on the topic of Gender Pronouns from members of the MHLS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the MHLS Board is on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 am.
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REMINDER: MHLS will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored. |
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Town of Ulster Public Library patrons of all ages gathered at a series of programs for flower making, using their crafting skills to turn tissue paper and tea tins into amazing floral displays. Library staff delivered the beautiful spring centerpieces, with more than 165 flowers, to the Northeast Center for Rehabilitation and Brain Injury in Lake Katrine. |
Pictures Courtesy of Town Ulster Public Library |
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New York Library Association – Youth Services Section (NYLA/YSS) is accepting applications for the Ann Gibson Scholarship Award. This scholarship is given annually to provide financial assistance to a person who has chosen to pursue graduate studies that will lead to New York State certification as a youth specialist in a public library or school media center. For more information and to access the application visit Ann Gibson Scholarship. The deadline for applications is May 31st, 2022.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Reserve your spot for Introduction to OverDrive Marketplace on June 13th at 2:00 pm. Presented by MHLS OverDrive Coordinator, Nina Acosta, this webinar will provide an orientation to the OverDrive Marketplace for library staff who are cultivating collections. Nina will review basic reports and features that are available and provide an overview of where to find policies, statistics, and additional support and training materials. |
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The Public Library Association (PLA), in partnership with AT&T, has announced a new grant opportunity to support public libraries in providing digital literacy workshops. Along with the grant program, PLA has developed a collection of free online courses and training materials for libraries to use as part of their digital literacy training programs.
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For questions about the New York State Library’s Digital Inclusion programs, please contact Lauren Cardinal ( Lauren.Cardinal@nysed.gov), Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development, New York State Library. |
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Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) wants to hear from you to help wordsmith possible Summer Reading Program slogans for 2025. The committee has complied all the responses in a Google document to share and review. Add your response by May 31st to be considered in the final list to be voted on in August at the Annual CSLP Meeting! The slides from the wordsmithing session with theme and slogan suggestions is available for your reference. Questions should be directed to Theme/Slogan Committee Chair Laura Kelly. |
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There is still time to register for the next online session in the MHLS Trustee Education Series, Core Values & Ethics on June 2nd at 10:00 am.
Trustees have enormous influence in creating libraries that are relevant and responsive to community needs. From policymaking and fiduciary responsibility to strategic planning and advocacy work, the board needs a strong sense of the core values of librarianship and a commitment to ethical governance to support patrons’ rights to access to information and resources while creating a viable, vital and visible library that their community is proud of.
Attendees will develop a working knowledge of the Core Values of Librarianship and how those values translate to the work of the board, particularly in the area of policy making. This webinar will also review board ethics and use case studies to illustrate “values and ethics in action.”
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Library Sustainability Coordinator, Mid-Hudson Library System
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) seeks a dynamic library leader to join our team as our Library Sustainability Coordinator. This position assists the 66 member libraries of the Mid-Hudson Library System in several critical areas, including sustainable funding, construction, director and trustee development, and community-based planning. Candidates that are well suited for this position will have at least five or more years of related experience; strong project management skills; and an innovative spirit. The ideal candidate will have public speaking experience, enjoy working in a team environment, and be a strong advocate for public libraries.
MHLS is a cooperative public library system chartered by the New York State Board of Regents serving the libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam and Ulster counties. Governed by a 15-member board of trustees, our organization places great emphasis on working with our member libraries in a collaborative and responsive manner to ensure we are providing relevant services that enhance our member libraries.
The person in this position will lead a team that administers several state aid programs including the State Aid for Library Construction Program; produces our weekly newsletter; and works closely with the executive director on advocacy, trustee education, and special projects devoted to sustainability.
MHLS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Starting salary will be between $75,000-$80,000 depending on experience. MHLS offers a strong benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, 403B plan, professional development opportunities, access to the NYS Local Retirement System and an Employee Assistance Program, and medical insurance.
A master’s degree (MLS or MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution is required for this position.
To apply:
The position is open until filled with the first evaluation of applicants starting on Monday, June 13th.
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