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Vol. 13-21                                                                                                                      5.21.13 
Parents, Children, Libraries & Reading 

The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently released a report that will be of interest to all of us. "Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading" explores the relationship that parents of minor children have with public libraries.

 

Among the findings:

  • 94% of parents say libraries are important for their children
    and 79% describe libraries as "very important."
     
  • 84% of these parents who say libraries are important say a major reason they want their children to have access to libraries is that libraries help inculcate their children's love of reading and books.
     
  • 81% say a major reason libraries are important is that libraries provide their children with information and resources not available at home.

According to the report:

  • Parents are considerably more likely than other adults to use library services.
     
  • Parents are more likely to be interested in expanding library services and adding future tech-related services.
     
  • Lower income parents are more likely to view library services as very important.

For a more detailed summary of findings, and a link to the entire report, in PDF format: http://bit.ly/10TOLgl  

MHLS Announcements
MHLS will be closed on Monday May 27th. There will be no deliveries.
MHLS Libraries

The Patterson Library Park now boasts a Community Tool Shed!

As seen on the library's Facebook page: "Thanks to the United Way of Westchester & Putnam and the Tractor Supply store, you will be able to borrow garden tools starting May 16th. With a small refundable deposit and your library card, you can borrow rakes, shovels, cultivators, planters, leaf blowers and other basic tools to help you with your home gardening projects!" The Patterson Library has made great use of their outdoor space, creating a park that includes a gazebo, picnic tables and a community garden. In 2010 the library was featured on Rachel Ray's Yum-O! website for their Story Time Garden Club!

 

Rosalie Burgher, the former director of the Olive Free Library Association in West Shokan was named a New York State Woman of Distinction and was honored by the State Senate in Albany earlier this month!  

 

"Rosalie Burgher has been a driving force in the Olive community for the past six decades and shows no signs of slowing down," said Senator James Seward who presented Rosalie with the award, "Rosalie has been a fixture with a number of community organizations. Her greatest contribution was helping found the Olive Free Library.  From the time of its inception to present day, Mrs. Burgher has been vital in the library's operation and growth. She has helped collect book donations to fill the shelves at the original library, raise funds for construction of a new building, and held virtually every library position including director. Even today, after stepping down as library director, she has stayed on in a staff position at the age of 86. When I called to congratulate Rosalie on her selection as a 'Woman of Distinction' she wasn't home.  Instead, she was at the library hard at work - a typical day for her."

 

The senate's "Woman of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.  

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding

Summer Reading at New York Libraries "Dig into Reading" PSA is now available for download and viewing at the Summer Reading at New York Libraries website http://bit.ly/J4U6D7 

 

The "Dig into Reading" 30 second PSA is available in both Spanish and English as audio and video files.

 

Please download the audio for use at your library and to share with radio stations. The video file can be viewed from their website, linked or downloaded for use in your library, and embedded in your library's website.

Job Openings

Highland Public Library is looking for a Library Assistant PT: Paraprofessional job. Work Activities include: Develop programs for teens and adults. Prepare publicity for programs. Coordinate with Assistant Library Director. Work with school district personnel to promote library services and programs. Attend meetings, conferences and workshops as requested. Keep up to date on trends in YA literature and services. Update YA page on website and Facebook page. Able to establish relationships with young adults. Social media and video gaming experience preferred. Ability to help patrons with basic computer skills. Approx. 16-20 hours per week. Bachelor's Degree or comparable library experience required. Applications can be picked up at the library.

 

The Saugerties Public Library is looking to hire a Part-Time Library Clerk to perform routine circulation desk duties and other tasks to support the functions of the library. Friendly, patient, reliable, flexible, detail and customer-service-oriented, hours may include evenings and some Saturdays. 10-15 hours per week with possible additional hours. This is a summer position with potential for continued work. Sierra proficiency a must. Starting pay $10 per hour. Please send letter of interest and resume to: Tiffany Lydecker, [email protected].

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.

 

Member Libraries are welcome to submit items of interest and job openings to the MHLS Bulletin: [email protected]

The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.