MHLS is pleased to announce we are one of three public library systems in the state to be chosen for the New York State Library Network Assessment Pilot Project. The aim of the project is to improve technology access for all libraries in the state, and to support improved access to broadband for all library patrons. The pilot process includes developing fun and effective basic technology training for libraries, and includes easy technology assessment techniques for all libraries, especially small, rural and others who may have a tough time keeping up with tech!

The Highland Public Library recently announced the permanent closure of their Clintondale Branch: “It is with much sadness that we announce the closing of our Clintondale Branch. We have valued our partnership with the Clintondale Friends Church and enjoyed the opportunity to have a physical presence in Clintondale. The Church is growing and needs the building for their own programs. We thank them for allowing us to utilize the building for over 30 years and wish them well.” 

The Branch will close to the public on July 31^st, 2021. Staff will remain in the building through August and possibly September to pack up. Beginning August 1^st, 2021, patrons are directed to pick up any outstanding holds and return any Clintondale items to Highland Public Library. Staff will transfer to Highland where they will continue the programs they started while at Clintondale.

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The Valatie and North Chatham Libraries have joined forces to help more residents get outside and use the rail trail in their area. The two libraries have organized a bike ride on the trail for “some exercise, fresh air and the opportunity to win some fun prizes from local businesses like Velo Domestique.”

The Library & Leadership Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association is seeking candidates for two scholarships to attend NYLA’s 2021 Conference in Syracuse for first time attendees. One award will be given to Directors/Branch Managers; the second is for Library Assistants/support staff. The awards are $800.00 each and will be sent to the selected candidates after registering for the NYLA conference. The stipends can be used to cover conference costs at the winners’ discretion.

All scholarship applicants must submit a letter from a professional reference and an application in the form of a letter which includes:

To apply for these scholarships, submit the application and letter of reference via email to Julie Dempsey at jkelsall@highlandlibrary.org by July 31^st, 2021. Scholarship winners must be LAMS members at time of award. The winners of these scholarships will be selected by August 15^th, 2021.

There are still grant funds available for member libraries through the Mid-Hudson Adirondack Mountain Club. The funds can be used to “…provide opportunities for families and children of all ages to enjoy, learn about and appreciate the joys and benefits of the natural world including its creatures, plants, resources and recreational opportunities. Possible approaches: Ideas are endless but could include a combination of books, equipment, human guides and outdoor activities which focus on one or more outdoor aspects including but not limited to flowers, birds, mammals, reptiles, plants, geology, weather, conservation, invasive species, nature recreation, etc.”

To apply please describe the following criteria in the form of a letter, no more than 3 pages in length:

Application details are available here.

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Dutchess County Libraries are invited to apply for the “Learn, Play, Create: Supporting Our Kids” Grant from Dutchess County. The County has earmarked $3 million for this program to address the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on youth-serving organizations. The intent of the grant funding is to enhance and empower opportunities for children to learn, play, and create, while filling an educational, financial, social, and/or emotional void as a result of the quarantine and stay-at-home orders necessitated by COVID-19. Libraries may request grants ranging from $5,000-$50,000. Application instructions have been provided directly to all Dutchess County directors.

MHLS Group Rate Discount for Movie Licensing USA (MLUSA). MHLS has again secured a group discount with MLUSA according to the terms below for libraries that wish to continue or join the MHLS group buy. Libraries that wish to purchase a new license or renew an existing license from MLUSA through the MHLS group discount should email Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin at cconlin@midhudson.org by August 20^th. MHLS will invoice your library for the cost of the license based on the rates provided by MLUSA, which are available on the MHLS website.

To screen movies at library programs and other library events in compliance with copyright regulations the library must secure the necessary public performance license. In some cases, more than one license may be required to secure the rights for all the movies and programs the library plans to screen. There are two companies commonly used by MHLS member libraries that provide this type of license, Movie Licensing USA (MLUSA) and Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC), and libraries should be sure that the licenses they’ve purchased secure the rights needed. Of note for libraries with current licenses with MLUSA is an addition to the current licensing agreement which provides rights for outdoor screenings for a number of movies without the purchase of an additional license normally required for public screenings outside the library building.

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Check the Summer Reading at New York Libraries home page for new items and updates including free resources available for public and school library staff, as well as for students and families. Recent additions include the New York State Library Personal History Initiative updated for 2021 with a wealth of new project and program ideas for Tails and Tales to recognize the strong connection between young people documenting their personal history during the pandemic period and now as the world moves forward. The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) also has an updated page for Summer Reading compiling a selection of book titles organized by reading level for titles available in braille or audio format.

The American Library Association needs your help to secure historic federal funding for libraries. In the coming weeks, Congress will prepare legislation to make massive investments in our nation's infrastructure and communities, and we must ensure that libraries aren't left out. The Build America's Libraries Act (S. 127 / H.R. 1581) includes $5 billion in funding for library construction and renovation. Library advocates must take action again to urge Congress to move forward with a package that includes these critical resources highlighted in the legislation.

Over 150 bipartisan Members of Congress are supporting the Build America's Libraries Act to upgrade our library facilities. But crucial negotiations are happening right now. We need to speak up to ensure that libraries aren't left out of the final infrastructure package. Please contact your legislators today and urge them to include funding for library infrastructure.

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) has published Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standards and Model Plans for use by private employers. The model plans and standards are now available on the DOL NYS HERO Act website.

Private employers in New York State including association libraries now have 30 days, or until August 5^th, 2021, to either adopt a model plan or develop an alternative plan that meets or exceeds the requirements in the Standard. Employers that choose to develop an alternative plan must adopt a plan pursuant to an agreement with the collective bargaining representative (if any), or where there is no collective bargaining representative, with meaningful participation of employees, for all aspects of the plan. The alternative plan must be tailored and specific to the hazards in the specific industry and worksites of the employer. Libraries with existing plans can review the newly published standards and make any necessary updates to ensure their plans meet all requirements.

Although employers are required to adopt a compliant airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, such plans only go into effect when the New York State Commissioner of Health designates an airborne infectious disease as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public.” The DOL’s website currently provides that currently, no such designation has been made, and therefore the airborne infectious disease prevention plans are not currently required to be in effect.