Vol.24-02 | 1.9.24

The American Library Association (ALA) has called climate change the “greatest challenge of our generation.” In partnership with the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) and Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), Sustainable Hudson Valley has designed a program of action planning, training and support for libraries as living laboratories for climate resilience in their communities. This will help library leadership make their facilities energy-secure, safe, and comfortable in extreme weather, and position them to serve as community hubs for education and action projects to help their surrounding neighborhood deal with climate change.

This cohort program includes four sessions designed to facilitate participants’ understanding of climate resilience needs and opportunities at and around their locations, and the participatory approaches to working with local stakeholder partners to capture these opportunities.

Ideally, participants will attend all four sessions together. Teams from individual libraries are encouraged to attend.

Session 1: February 21 | 10:00 am | Online | REGISTER

Assessment and Engagement: A Place-based Framework for Assessing Vulnerability and Opportunity

This process begins with a review of climate trends and approaches to resilience, then moves into an assessment of the library facility and surrounding public spaces, to be done by staff, board members, Friends Groups and other supporters, in order to develop a thorough understanding of the physical characteristics of the place. 

Session 2: March 20 | 10:00 am | Online | REGISTER 

What to Do: Technologies and Strategies for Ensuring Resilience in a Changing Climate

Take a deeper dive into technology and funding opportunities to facilitate neighborhood-based climate resilience approaches. Examples of initiatives, programs, and tried-and-true projects undertaken by public institutions, city governments, private property owners, etc. designed to build climate adaptive and sustainable communities will be presented.

Session 3: April 15 | In-Person at Gardiner Library | REGISTER

133 Farmer's Turnpike, Gardiner NY 12525 view map.

How to Get it Done

More on Financing and Planning, with detailed case studies and discussion of technical assistance resources. Funding sources, requirements, and pitfalls; timing of funding opportunities; matching funds required, and opportunities by sector (electrification and building heating and cooling; landscaping for storm/ flood resilience, biodiversity and food production; transportation; communications and emergency response) will be covered.

Session 4: May 22 | 10:00 am -12:00 pm | In-Person at Howland Public Library | REGISTER

313 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508 (at the corner of Main St. & South Cedar St. view map)

Putting it all Together

Based on the outcomes of the place assessment, workshops, and input from community stakeholders and partners, each library identifies specific priority projects and a pathway to their implementation.

If you have questions about this program or registration for the sessions, contact Laura Crisci, Library Sustainability Coordinator at lcrisci@midhudson.org.

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting grant applications for two programs:

• The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant will provide two libraries with $2,000 to expand their community engagement efforts. Learn more and access the application. 

• The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant aims to help ease library budget challenges by awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort. Learn more and access the application. 

Applications for both grants close on February 1, 2024.

Library Clerk/Passport Acceptance Agent, Grinnell Library (Wappingers)

Grinnell Public Library District in Wappingers Falls seeks a positive, customer service-oriented, part-time Library Clerk/Passport Acceptance Agent. The position would include circulation desk duties and tasks associated with passport acceptance services. Regular shifts include 9 am-2 pm, Monday and Wednesday and two (2) 9 am -5 pm Saturday shifts per month starting at $16.00/hour with PTO. If interested, please email your resume and two professional references to director@grinnell-library.org. View the full job description.