The NYS Library Trustee Association's Trustee Institute is being held in Tarrytown, NY (Westchester County) this year!

"Challenging the Past to Create the Future"
Westchester Marriot; Tarrytown, NY; May 2 & 3

Hosted by the Mid-Hudson Library System, Ramapo Catskill Library System, and the Westchester Library System.

Please join trustees and directors from around the state to explore challenging questions for Trustees, Directors and staff, as we look to the future of libraries. Sessions for all levels of experience will provide opportunities to gain valuable information on the role and responsibility of library trustees.

Renee Hobbs

Conference Highlights:

Friday:

• Tour of the Greenburgh Library
• Features and Future Fair
• Awards Dinner - Presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Trustee and Outstanding Friend of the Library Awards

Saturday:

Challenging Conversations Using the World Café Model, choose workshop A, B or C: 

A. Rethinking the Budget with Gerald Nichols, Director of the Palmer Institute for Public Library Organization and Management    

B. Responding to Emerging Technologies with Norman Jacknis, Senior Fellow - Intelligent Community Forum, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Gotham Innovation Greenhouse, member of the Regent's Advisory Council of New York State   

C. Rediscovering Your Community with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability   

General Session: Trustee Responsibility for Intellectual Freedom. Panelists include: Chris Hansen, retired ACLU Staff Attorney, Scott Jarzombek, Director, North Castle Public Library.

Keynote Address: Saturday, following the luncheon

The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Saturday, March 22 in the MHLS Auditorium and:

• Approved the Incentives Committee's recommendations for the Public Library Construction Grant Program funding criteria and definition of "an economically disadvantaged community";
• Approved written fiscal procedures for System Budget Adjustments, Check Signing, and Credit Cards;
• Approved the MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program including parameters for review of yearly claims; a 75% System match; and a 25% Member Library match; and, reviewed the recommended procedures for submission of claims. More information about this program can be found at http://da.midhudson.org/;
• Accepted certification that the Central Library expended its 2013 Book Aid Funds, as mandated;
• Approved the following revisions to its 2014 Meeting Schedule:
  • May 7 meeting will begin at 3:30pm at the Cairo Public Library; and
  • A regular Board Meeting will follow the Annual Membership Meeting, October 24.
• Reviewed highlights of the System's Library Sustainability Services, presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich.

Following the Board meeting, a System Trustee Orientation was conducted.

The next meeting of the MHLS Board of Trustees is Wednesday, May 7, @ 3:30 p.m. @ the Cairo Public Library. Regional Meet & Greet with Assembly member, Peter Lopez, 5-6 p.m. @ the Cairo Public Library.

NYS has supplied every member library with two posters to help promote the 2014 Summer Reading Program!

Fizz Boom Read for All Ages

Fizz Boom Read for Kids -English/Spanish

Posters will be available to pick up during MHLS workshops and meetings throughout April. If you are not attending an MHLS event in April no worries! Posters that are not picked up will be sent through the delivery in May.

Job Openings

Chatham Public Library Director: Immediate full-time position for a very active library in a vibrant community. MLS from an ALA-accredited school, Public Librarian Certification, plus 3 years of library management experience required. If interested, please submit letter outlining qualifications, resume and 3 reference letters, no later than April 9, 2014 to Cheryl Nuciforo, Superintendent, Chatham Central School District, 50 Woodbridge Avenue, Chatham, NY 12037. For more information about Chatham Public Library, please visit http://chatham.lib.ny.us/ 

Part-time Clerk: The Saugerties Public Library is looking for a friendly, customer service orientated individual to work the circulation desks at our busy library. Approximately 15-20 hours per week, including nights and Saturdays.  Library or customer service experience preferred. Basic computer skills are required. High School diploma or equivalent required. Please send resume with cover letter to the attention of Frank Rees, Director, Saugerties Public Library, 91 Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY  12477, fax: 845.246.0858, or e-mail director@saugertiespubliclibrary.org.