The FY2013 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards were announced and eleven MHLS Member Libraries have been awarded funds. These libraries started this process a year ago and have patiently waited for this announcement! Area legislators made the announcements last week and had this to say about the importance of libraries and state construction funds for libraries through their press releases:

"Our libraries are hubs for countless activities and are vital to our communities, especially in these tough economic times. Libraries are also some of the most historic landmarks we have and are in need of repairs and upgrades to ensure their future viability and accessibility. Electronic lending has skyrocketed and many people utilize the Internet at their local library to job search or catch up on news from around the globe. Technology upgrades are imperative to help libraries keep up with changing needs." -Senator James Seward

"Our public libraries are cornerstones of our communities.This grant money will revitalize our libraries and make them more energy efficient while saving tax dollars and creating good, local jobs." -Senator Terry Gipson

"I couldn't be happier to announce these grants for libraries across my district. This will help many of these libraries make much needed upgrades and provide the best possible service and technology to the residents they serve. I will continue to fight for our libraries and education system to bring as much of our tax money back from Albany, home where it belongs." - Senator Greg Ball

"Libraries have been asked to serve more patrons' mounting needs, with fewer resources than ever before. These community centers play a crucial role in local life and will put their new funding to excellent use." -Assemblyman Kevin Cahill  

"This is exactly the kind of use that our state funds should go towards. [Libraries] throughout the Hudson Valley provide limitless benefits to our children's education and adult services." -Assemblyman Frank Skartados

2013 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System:

D.R. Evarts Library District: $5,700
Historic preservation and energy efficiency work on the exterior of the building - repointing and rehabilitation of brick exterior; restoration of corbels and dentils.

Howland Public Library: $15,122
Façade work to connect two areas of existing building. Will result in 80 square feet of additional space while addressing NYSERDA identified energy conservation measures for the building envelope.

Claverack Free Library: $80,500
Secondary phase of a large adaptive re-use project to address building envelope issues; electrical system; and creation of a handicapped accessible entry way. Increase in usable public space once the entire project is complete: 342%.

Haines Falls Free Library: $130,095
Later phase of a significant renovation project to install Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, handicapped accessible restrooms and other handicapped accessible aspects of the facility. Increase in usable public space once the entire project is complete: 466%.

Kinderhook Memorial Library: $2,555
The project optimizes the entry by replacing the old porch and circulation desk to improve access, staff efficiency and security of library materials.

Mid-Hudson Library System: $22,828

Rehabilitate 2,000 sq. ft. of space in the MHLS Auditorium basement by removing cracked and broken asbestos flooring. This will result in more available storage space which will free-up space for small-group meetings and training in the main MHLS Office Building.

Patterson Library Association: $21,106

Phoenicia Library: $177,714

Morton Memorial Library: $4,194

Stone Ridge Library: $51,531

Woodstock Public Library District: $14,200

The State Library is pleased to announce that the recording of the "What Every Library Trustee Should Know" webinar is now available on the State Library's website, http://bit.ly/11CQGkd,along with a copy of the PowerPoint slides. "Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State" author Jerry Nichols covers the following topics:

• Your role as a Trustee;
• Effective Board Meetings;
• Legal and Fiduciary Responsibilities; and
• Working with your fellow Trustees and Library Director.

LaGrange Library in Poughkeepsie, NY, seeks a dynamic, innovative, customer service oriented Library Director to lead the Library into the future.   LaGrange Library serves the nearly 16,000 residents of the Town of LaGrange and is the 4th highest circulating library in the five county Mid-Hudson Library System. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in budget development and management; hiring, evaluating and supervising staff and volunteers; strategic planning and implementation; publicity and outreach; grant seeking, writing and administration; familiarity with technology, both current and emerging. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem solving, and project management skills are also essential. Minimum Qualifications: ALA accredited MLS degree, with five 5 years of supervisory experience. Have or be eligible for the New York State Public Librarian Professional Certificate. Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000. Send letter of application, resume and 3 references to Karl Loatman, Chair, Personnel Committee at kloatman@aol.com. Applications accepted through July 8.

Beekman Library seeks Library Assistant / Adult Programmer: The primary responsibility of this position is to plan, promote and implement programs for adults. Candidate must possess excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, mobile devices and eReaders as well as the ability to teach basic computer skills to adults. Bachelor's degree preferred. Part-time (20 hours per week) 
Vacation and personal time. Starting Pay: $12- $14 an hour depending upon related experience. Please send resume to: Carol Rodriguez, Director, Beekman Library, P.O. Box 697, Poughquag, N.Y. 12570; 845.724.3414; crodriguez@beekmanlibrary.org