Photo: Poklib.org

Supported by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), PPLD has partnered with Children's Media Project and IBM in developing this Teen Media Lab. Pilot workshops over the past 18 months offered local teens the opportunity to explore animation, graphic design software, motion picture filming and editing, creative still photography, computer illustration and more!

The Role of Public Libraries in Enabling Open Government: In early May 2014 MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, was invited to attend the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG) summit on the role of public libraries in enabling open government in Washington, DC., representing the New York Library Association.

From CTG's project web site: "State and local governments are exploring new ways to open their governments using technology to engage citizens, increase transparency and accountability. Such efforts provide new opportunities and challenges for public libraries as citizens turn to them for both access to and assistance in their interactions with government ... An open government initiative will impact and can be facilitated or impeded by a community's information ecosystem. Libraries can have a critical influence on an ecosystem and the success of such an initiative."

Discussion at the event centered on the varying roles public libraries play to assist in "open government," from providing tax forms to assisting patrons in accessing government programs to public forums, all the way up to data crunching and visualization (one library had a year-long resident from Code for America !) - and the clear burden open government efforts have put on local public library infrastructure (staffing technology, connectivity, physical space).

There is widespread acknowledgement that in efforts by all levels of government to streamline processes and costs, there has been a direct impact on libraries as more people turn to us for help.  

The efforts of those in attendance will result in a "framework" to assist libraries in responding to the rising need to assist patrons with open government services, from a resource and advocacy perspective. IMLS representatives at the summit made it clear they are interested in funding projects related to these issues.

For more information, see CTG's website. They have also posted a concept paper. Participate in the discussion about libraries and open government. 

Time to start planning! Banned Books Week 2014 (September 21-27) will shine a spotlight on comics and graphic novels. Will you be participating? Banned Books Week celebrates the Freedom to Read by encouraging readouts, displays, and community activities designed to raise awareness of the ongoing threats of censorship that continue to occur. Bannedbooksweek.org is a hub for information about how individuals and institutions can become involved in celebrating this important event. The website also includes resources and activities provided by event sponsors. CBLDF.org offers a broad range of resources about banned and challenged comics, as well as tools that libraries, retailers and individuals can use to develop their own Banned Books Week celebrations.    

This summer children, parents and even a few grandparents from the Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill (Ulster County) will be playing "Where in the Mid-Hudson Library System Am I???" It's a game that involves visiting a minimum of one (no maximum) library other than their home library, checking out a book, choosing their favorite things about each library they've visited and of course the "hook" a huge pizza party at the end. The kit each person receives includes a notebook that they will be required to have signed or stamped by an employee of each library. Pine Hill Library Director Molly Slater extends her thanks in advance to area libraries that welcome her patrons to their libraries, "The children are soooo excited," said Molly, "I can't wait to hear all the great things they have to say about our libraries!"

RCS Community Library (Ravena, NY) Director:

The Board of Trustees of the RCS Community Library seeks an energetic, passionate and experienced leader to continue its commitment to quality public library service for the vibrant communities of Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk in southern Albany County, NY. A School District Public Library serving a user population of 14,000, the RCS Community Library is governed by a seven-member elected board of trustees and has a total annual operating budget of $500,000. The Library recently relocated to a newly renovated 9,100 sf facility and is currently engaged in the planning and fundraising process to update the furniture and fixtures for the library. The library's circulation, library visits, and program attendance have all significantly increased since the library opened in its new location. The Board is looking for a Director to continue this upward trajectory and to help lead the library into a new era of community connection. Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in library science or equivalent from a school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department; possess or be eligible for a NYS Public Librarian Certification; and have a minimum of five years of professional library experience, including three years of library administration or supervisory experience. Please note that appointment is provisional, and permanent appointment is contingent upon passing the Albany County Civil Service Exam, Library Director II.  Applicants may be eligible for permanent appointment if they have a current or previous permanent civil service appointment as a Library Director II or higher from a certified list within New York State. This is a full-time position with a competitive benefits package and a starting salary of $60,000. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Marie Sturges, Search Committee, RCS Community Library, 95 Main Street, Ravena, NY 12143-1702. Application deadline: June 20, 2014.