Circulation of OverDrive downloadable audiobooks and eBooks has increased 55% compared to the same time last year.

To help meet the increased patron demand for materials and insure area libraries remain relevant to digital users, several libraries have stepped up and contributed additional funds to the MHLS Digital Download collection of OverDrive downloadable audiobooks and eBooks which is accessible by all member library patrons. We would like to thank Kingston Library, Beekman Library, Highland Public Library & the libraries of Columbia County for investing extra funds in the shared digital collection.

If your library would like to contribute additional funds towards the Digital Download collection there are several ways to do so:  

• Contact Joan Kay in the MHLS Business Office at jkay@midhudson.org
  and ask her to invoice your library for the amount.
   
• Send a check to MHLS attention Joan Kay. Mark 'OverDrive donation' on the check.
   
• Purchase OverDrive digital materials thorough your own account and OverDrive will bill you directly. Contact Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Assistant Director at madvocate@midhudson.org to set this up.
   
• Individuals can make a donation for adding digital materials to the MHLS Digital Download collection by sending a tax-deductible check made out to the Foundation for Hudson Valley Libraries, and mailed to Foundation for Hudson Valley Libraries, c/o MHLS, 103 Market St, Poughkeepsie NY 12601. Mark 'OverDrive donation' on the check.

It is not too early for libraries to be preparing for the Annual Report to New York State! All annual reports are due to be fully submitted by February 19th.

MHLS has planned hands-on training for directors who are new to submitting the report online with the Bibliostat software, but any director looking for a refresher is welcome as well! You will actually be entering your library's data, so bring all data to be entered.

This workshop will cover:
*        Logging onto the system
*        Entering your data
*        Dealing with edit checks
*        Writing State and Federal notes
*        Submitting your report   

Register for one of the following sessions:

• Thursday, January 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm in the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium or     
• Wednesday, January 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm in the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium

(Snow Date: January 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm at MHLS)

Seating is limited. Registration is required and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Register online through the MHLS calendar at http://calendar.midhudson.org/ 

Questions about the Annual Report to the state or about the training can be directed to Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Assistant Director: madvocate@midhudson.org or x254.

A Message From MHLS Executive Director, Tom Sloan: All Politics is Local - While attending a meeting of the Putnam County Library Directors, I was reminded of the  quote by former Speaker of the U.S. House Tip O'Neill that all politics is local. The directors' discussion on political efforts was based on assisting elected and appointed officials to better understand library issues. Speaker O'Neill acknowledged that successful politicians must address the everyday concerns of their constituents. For voters, local issues such as library services often outweigh abstract political philosophies. The Putnam County Library Directors are using their upcoming annual meeting to engage with local officials, share the successes of libraries and ensure legislators understand the impact of libraries to the people they represent.

Another opportunity to meet with elected officials will be NYLA's Library Advocacy Day planned for Thursday, February 27, 2014. NYLA's advocacy message includes highlighting libraries as:

• Educational institutions providing learning opportunities at every stage of life;
• Essential portals to the world of digital information; and
• Serving as workforce development, career training and job placement centers.

We have a great story to tell local officials about libraries providing essential community services to meet the everyday needs of their constituents.

E-Rate Webinar This Friday: Presented by Win Himsworth of E-Rate Central this webinar will benefit any library that wants to develop a better understanding of the benefits and process involved in obtaining E-Rate discounts. The E-Rate program has changed substantially over the years. The application process is now less cumbersome and not all E-rate services eligible for reimbursement require filtering. This information session will cover the most current information on the application process. Consider the place E-Rate may have with new developments in your library - E-Rate may be a way to help fund sustainable library technology expansion and significantly increase broadband connectivity.

The Alice Desmond and Hamilton Fish Library in Garrison (NY) is seeking a dynamic, creative, energetic and experienced individual to fill the position of Library Director. The Director will report to and work closely with the Library's active and engaged Board of Trustees to implement the vision, mission and long range plan for the library and to assist in securing funding required to achieve the agreed upon goals and objectives. The minimum qualifications for the position include:

• A Master's Degree in Library Science, or equivalent, from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, and candidates should hold, or be eligible for, the New York State Public Librarian Certification.
• Five years of professional public library experience.
• Direct experience with the integration and expansion of emerging technologies and digital resources and services in the traditional library environment.
• The successful candidate will have excellent communications and interpersonal skills, proven human resource management skills, leadership ability in promoting use of information technology, and a demonstrated ability to work in harmony with staff and the public.
• It will be important for the Library Director to engage well with the community, discern the community's values and priorities and position the library as a partner in these objectives.
• Experience with budget preparation and management, fundraising (including events management, grant writing for public and private sources and donor solicitation), and management of the physical plant.

Compensation: Starting salary $55,000 per annum, includes medical and 401K benefits, plus paid vacation. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and list of references via email to: Rich Syrek, Treasurer, at  rwsyrek@mentormanagementllc.com.