The Board of the Mid-Hudson Library System met at the Pleasant Valley Library on Wednesday, May 17th and:

• Reported on efforts to advocate for the legislation to reduce the number of petition signatures necessary for libraries to use the municipal ballot (“414) option (S3594 / A5266);
• Received a report on the development of a new memo of understanding with member libraries;
• Approved the Central Library Services Program budget for fiscal year 2023;
• Voted to hold the MHLS Annual Membership Meeting in-person on Friday, October 27th at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum;
• Voted on proposed amendments to their bylaws that would be voted on at the membership at the Annual Membership Meeting;
• Approved a Donations Policy and amended their Equipment Control Policy;
• Approved variance requests for five member libraries;
• Appointed James Coyle as the interim Financial Manager & Personnel Officer while a search is conducted to fill this position; and
• Were provided with a presentation from Rajene Hardeman, co-chair of the MHLS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group about the current environment in which libraries are operating as it relates to EDI, including the significant rise in book challenges across the country.

The next meeting of the MHLS Board of Trustees is Wednesday July 12th in the MHLS Auditorium. All documents related to MHLS Board meetings can be found at https://board.midhudson.org.

Stone Ridge Library Foundation was ranked 1st in Ulster County for raising the most money, $21,000, during the Hudson Valley Gives annual fund drive event. They also placed second in Ulster County for having the most donors, 118.

JobNow is undergoing some rebranding and updating. You may have noticed that OptimalResume is no longer listed on the homepage. It has been rebranded and revised to become SkillsFirst, which includes the popular resume building tool. JobNow has updated the layout and additional tools specifically designed with ATS (applicant tracking system) in mind. There is a complete set of career preparation tools to help your community members navigate the hiring funnel and land a job. For an overview of all that is offered within SkillsFirst, you can watch an overview here.

Spread the word to your patrons with the following social media text and image supplied by JobNow:

Did you know registered nonprofits (501(c)3 designation only) with a mission consistent with a public or community benefit are qualified for Canva’s Nonprofits Program. The Canva for Nonprofits program gives you access to Canva’s premium features for free. Create social media posts, presentations, infographics, websites, reports, posters, flyers, and signage. View Canva’s eligibility requirements and information on how to apply.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) application process has been streamlined. The Federal Communication Commission recently launched these improvements in response to feedback from digital equity organizations and advocates across the country.  

Want to learn more? Check out LearnACP, a free enrollment certification course offered or this Updates Guide, both created by EducationSuperHighway, a national non-profit whose mission is to close the digital divide. The course covers important information for digital equity advocates including: 

• Step-by-step application instructions with screenshots of the National Verifier 
• How to assist special populations  
• Consumer rules and protections 
• How to connect with an internet service provider 
• The device discount program 
• Applicant recertification 
• Additional tools and downloadable resources. 

Youth Programming/Library Assistant (Part Time), East Fishkill Community Library

The Youth Programming Specialist supports the East Fishkill Community Library’s mission of being a community center for lifelong discovery by assisting with programming and outreach services. This is a Civil Service position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under direction from our Youth Services Librarian, plans and conducts programs and activities for teens and children
• Helps to maintain contacts with the general community, schools, other libraries, and local organizations
• Participates in publicity efforts
• Delivers and models excellent customer service. ·
• Covers service desks as needed
• Fosters child development by offering meaningful learning and socialization opportunities and experiences

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Creative, energetic, welcoming of children/teens of all ages/stages/abilities
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Positive attitude and ability to relate tactfully and courteously with the public and coworkers
• Strong written, verbal, and technological skills with willingness to learn new software and applications Physically able to set up and break down meeting spaces, bend, and lift /carry up to 20 lbs.
• Flexibility with work schedule in order to support programming and outreach events
• Willingness to expand on current knowledge and experience attendance/participation in continuing education and training events

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree (current students may be considered)
• Experience working with youth and their caregivers · Knowledge of children’s literature a plus
• Library experience a plus

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• 18 hours per week part-time, year-round, and does include at least one evening shift and participation in the weekend rotation
• Compensation is $20 per hour

TO APPLY:

Using Part Time Specialist in the subject line, email resume and cover letter to Cathy Nuding, Youth Librarian: Nuding@EFLibrary.org. REFERENCES WILL BE REQUIRED

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. 

MHLS Calendar