MHLS is offering 20 mini-grants of $400 each to MHLS member libraries to incentivize long term incorporation of early literacy components into their story times. This is a MHLS Connecting, Collaborating and Contributing Mini-Grant funded by New York State 2013 Coordinated Outreach Categorical Aid to the Mid-Hudson Library System.

All grant recipients must:

• Attend a MHLS 'Early Literacy Story Time' workshop which will be held in multiple locations within the System in February/March 2014. Workshops will cover how to incorporate early literacy skills, and also tips to share with parents. 

• Use TumbleBooks online collection of animated, talking picture books as part of story time for ages 0-5,along with introducing parents/caregivers to TumbleBooks. All MHLS member libraries have access to TumbleBooks through their county HOMEACCESS page. In a recent article in School Library Journal children using TumbleBooks were 23% ahead of their peers.     

• Include community outreach into their program to reach parents/caregivers of children 0-5 years old who are not typical library users, and attract them to the library. According to a recent Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) analysis, only 36% of children with the lowest socioeconomic status visited libraries in their kindergarten year, compared to 66% of children in the highest.
     
• Share experiences with their peers during the mini-grant time period by posting to a discussion forum on the MHLS website. During the grant period participants will be prompted to post comments on approximately 8 topics relevant to early literacy programs.

A brief application is required and is available at http://midhudson.org/literacy/. Preference will be given to libraries in areas where poverty estimates are above 9%. All applications will not necessarily be funded. Applications are due to MHLS by November 4, 2013. Libraries will be notified by November 15, 2013. The grant project period ends April 23, 2014.    

Read more about Building Early Literacy Through Public Libraries through resources curated by MHLS Assistant Director Merribeth Advocate at http://www.scoop.it/t/early-literacy-for-library-staff. 

MHLS welcomes Michele Capozella as the new director of the Mahopac Library. Ms. Capozella was formerly the director of the Danbury Public Library in Connecticut.

Frank Rees has been named as the new director of the Saugerties Public Library. Frank was formerly the director of the Kent Public Library in Putnam County.

As of November 1st the MHLS Book Club in a Bag program will institute $1/day fine. The fine will not exceed $5 per book or $50 for the kit. The measure was voted on and approved at the September Directors Association (DA) meeting. Book Club in a Bag kits have a 6 week loan period and can be reserved through http://midhudson.org/bcb/.

Register now for the workshop Children's Readers' Advisory for Frontline Staff, presented by Catherine Brenner, Youth Services Librarian at Bethlehem Public Library. When & Where: Friday, November 15 from 10:00am-12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium, Poughkeepsie. This program is designed to help all staff that work with patrons feel more comfortable when helping parents and children who are looking for assistance with selecting children's materials. It will help you develop your ability to assist them, simplify finding engaging books for the reader, and help you provide quality children's readers' advisory to your patrons. The workshop will cover:

• Questions to ask to help know what they are looking for to make a good match, whether reading for fun or for a school assignment;
• How to optimize conversation when the interaction is with the child, or the parent, or both;
• How to answer questions about children's fiction and series;
• A suggested list of go-to books, categorized by the 'type of reader'

Please register online for this event at http://calendar.midhudson.org  

The Pawling Library is seeking a creative, energetic and experienced individual to fill the position of Library Director for the Pawling community. The Library, an association library, serves both the Town and Village of Pawling. The Library has an experienced staff and a supportive public. The Director will work closely with the Pawling Library's Board of Trustees to achieve a consensus on the overall vision, mission and long range plan for the library and to assist in securing funding required to achieve the goals and objectives of the Library. The Director must possess a Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution. The ideal candidate will have: Five years of professional public library (or equivalent) experience; Experienced ability in digital literacy; Excellent communication, human resource and interpersonal skills, leadership ability in promoting use of information technology, and an enthusiasm to work in harmony with Board, staff and the public; Experience in budget preparation and management, grant writing and project management. Starting salary $55,000 with medical benefits and vacation. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter by email to: pldirectorsearch@yahoo.com 

The Kent Public Library in Putnam County, NY is seeking a public library professional to serve as its library director. The director will have overall charge of the library and will be expected to take an active part in the provision of professional library services. The Town of Kent is a community of some 14,000 residents. Kent is approximately 110 miles south of Albany and 60 miles north of New York City. The mission of the library is to provide both enjoyment and knowledge to people of all ages, and to meet local needs. The library provides the community with educational and popular collections, as well as access to computers, and both Wi-Fi and the Internet. We provide individuals and families a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment to meet, work and learn. Required Education and Experience: Consistent with New York State Librarian Director II Classification, a Master's degree in Library Science from a college or university program accredited by the American Library Association, or otherwise meeting the requirements of NYCRR Title 8, §90.7 in qualifying graduates for New York State librarian certification, and five (5) years post graduate professional library experience in a library of recognized standing, one (1) year of which must be supervisory or administrative. Compensation: A starting salary range of $60,000-$65,000 (with benefits). Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: martygc@hotmail.com. Application deadline: November 9, 2013. All Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations apply.

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library located in Copake, NY is seeking a full time Library Assistant / Programmer Planner. Candidate must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including Friday, Saturday and alternate Sundays. Responsibilities include working at the circulation desk, materials processing, data entry, assisting patrons, planning and presenting children's and teen programs, supervising volunteer program facilitators, as well as other duties related to the operation of the library. The ideal candidate must be reliable, detail oriented, have strong computer skills, enjoy working with people of all ages and abilities, customer service oriented and have the ability to multitask. Previous office or library experience and youth programming is desirable. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Mail letter of interest and resume to Roeliff Jansen Community Library, P. O. Box 669, Hillsdale, NY 12529.