Vol.24-45 | 11.5.24

On October 25th, the 65th Annual Membership Meeting of the Mid-Hudson Library System was convened at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, NY. More than 130 library directors, trustees, staff and special guests attended. This well-attended meeting was a testament to the dedicated staff and trustees’ system-wide and the collaboration of our shared goals for Hudson Valley patrons. The business portion of the event included: 

• A report from MHLS Board President, Barry Ramage (pictured right) provided an overview of the board’s five goals for 2024: Financial Stability; Member Outreach; Board Education; and continued work to “live our values out loud” in the areas of intellectual freedom/defending the right to read; equity, diversity, and inclusion; and sustainability. President Ramage thanked the members present for their partnership to create the new Memo of Understanding between member libraries and the Mid-Hudson Library System and the Path to System Membership Procedures.

• A report from MHLS Board Treasurer, Stuart Auchincloss provided a report on the fiscal standing of the organization and reported that despite initial, conservative budget estimates that may have required use of reserve funds, that MHLS will close out its fiscal year with a balanced budget due to increased state aid, careful monitoring of expenses, contract renegotiations, and grants. Auchincloss thanked James Coyle, MHLS Finance Manager & Personnel Officer and Elizabeth Garcia, MHLS Finance Assistant for their diligent work to ensure MHLS’ finances are in good order.

• The election of six trustees to the MHLS Board: 
• Columbia County: Jenny Post, first five-year term
• Dutchess County: Mark Williams, first five-year term
• Greene County: Charles Kutcher, first five-year term
• Greene County: Barbara Swanson, remainder of vacated term ending 2025
• Putnam County: Kevin Finnegan, remainder of vacated term ending 2027
• Ulster County: Leslie Gerber, remainder of vacated term ending 2027

• Introduction of four new staff members who have joined the MHLS team in the past year:
• Amy Battaglia, Tech Support Operations Specialist
• Raymond Dangerfield, Materials Handler
• Elizabeth Garcia, Finance Assistant
• Stephanie Werskey, Library Sustainability Associate & Communications Specialist

• One MHLS staff member was recognized for their service milestone: 

Isaac Barbee, IT Support Engineer (15 years)

• The MHLS Technology Operations Team was awarded an appreciation award in recognition of their excellent work in producing a new online library catalog:
• Laurie Shedrick, Assistant Director / Technology Operations Manager
• Gerry Formby, IT Operations Supervisor
• Nina Acosta, Data Operations Supervisor
• BJ Vickery, Cataloging Specialist
• Rebecca Hagan, Interlibrary Loan & Cataloging Specialist
• Isaac Barbee, IT Support Engineer
• Kathryn Brew, ILS and Technology Operations Specialist
• Amy Battaglia, Tech Support Operations Specialist

Outstanding Accomplishment Awards were given to staff members from around the system for completion of the Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration (pictured left to right):

• Donna Perolli, Director, Reed Memorial Library
• Kristen Campbell, Director, Grinnell Public Library District
• Lindsay Jankowitz, Assistant Director, Marlboro Free Library
• Laura Crisci, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator
• Kristen Salierno, Director, East Fishkill Community Library 
• and Johanna Reinhardt, Director, Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (not pictured)

Outstanding Accomplishment Awards were given to four member libraries for their effort and success:

Hudson Area Library – Sustainable Funding Vote (414)

Pine Plains Free Library – Sustainable Funding Vote (414)

Phoenicia Library – 1st Passive House Certified Library in the U.S.

Kinderhook Memorial Library – Sustainable Library Certification Program Completion

After the close of the business meeting, Keynote Speaker Lisa Varga presented historical reference points and case studies regarding book challenges and attempts at censorship over the last few years. Her message ended with a reminder for us to fight back against these ideas “with access and equity and a commitment to intellectual freedom, privacy, the public good, and sustainability.”

Lisa Varga is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association and Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year. After her speech titled, “Opening Minds, Closing Doors: The Threat of Censorship in Libraries​,” Lisa Varga thoughtfully answered questions from directors, trustees, and library staff.

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced up to $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Capital Projects Fund. The expansion is supported by a $13.25 million investment from NYSCA, Empire State Development as recommended by the Mid Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This opportunity is open to libraries that have 501(c)(3) status.

The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA's website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is January 14, 2025. All eligible New York State nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA's Capital Projects Fund. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 14, 2025, deadline.

Librarian 1 / Children’s Programmer I / Children’s Librarian – Saugerties Public Library

The Saugerties Library is seeking a full time (37.5 hours a week) Children’s Librarian or Children’s Programmer to create programming, engage in collection development, and provide a welcoming environment for the community. The focus of this position would be for youth aged 1-12 years old. With a robust collection, a community room and backyard, the opportunity for creativity and exploration is great. This is a Civil Service Competitive position and will be filled on a provisional basis pending the results of a Civil Service examination. Salary: $45,000-$48,000. Robust benefits package. Interviews have begun. Please email your resume, cover letter and three professional references to Library Director, Jennifer Russell, at director@saugertiespubliclibrary.org. See the full job description.

Children's/Youth Services and Programming Associate – Roeliff Jansen Community Library (Copake)

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Copake is seeking an energetic and creative Children’s/Youth Services and Programming Associate to develop and oversee the Library’s children’s and young adult collections and programs. The Associate, who reports to the Director of the Library, also assists with adult programs, circulation and reference duties, materials processing, and community outreach. The Associate must have strong customer service skills and be able to work with people of all ages and temperaments, especially with children and young adults, be comfortable with computer and A/V technology and savvy with social media and enjoy working as part of a team. This full-time position works 36.5-37.5 hours per week. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Hourly rate will be $23-$25/per hour, depending upon qualifications and experience. Please send resume and letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position, along with the names and contact information for three professional references, to Tamara Gaskell, Director, at director@roejanlibrary.org. Review of applications will begin November 25. See the full job description.

Part-time Library Clerk – Millbrook Library

The Millbrook Library is hiring a friendly, detail-oriented Library Clerk to provide excellent customer service and assist with a range of circulation and clerical duties. Responsibilities include checking in/out materials, helping with technology, maintaining library records, and supporting library programs. 21 - 28 hours per week on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays, with a starting rate of $16/hour and benefits. If you're passionate about libraries and enjoy working with the public, we encourage you to apply! If interested please email your resume to Courtney Tsahalis, Director at director@millbrooklibrary.org. See the full job description.

MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community.