June 6th through October 18th, we are inviting everyone to visit as many MHLS Member Library locations as they can – learn about the different programs and services each library offers & earn souvenirs along the way!
Check out the details and how to participate.
Staff information is available here.
The 66th Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Friday, October 24th at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, New York.
During the business meeting we will report to the membership on the health of the organization, conduct board elections, consider amendments to the MHLS Bylaws, hear from MHLS’ Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, and present Outstanding Accomplishment Awards to our member libraries.
Following the business meeting we will hear from our keynote speaker, Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association (ALA). Helmick will be presenting on the topic of “Libraries at the Crossroads: Storytelling, Sustainability, and the Courage to Lead”.
The annual meeting will also feature the debut of the Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Collection exhibit, a collection of 130 wall hangings that depict climate data for the Hudson Valley created by knitters across the Hudson Valley thanks to our member libraries.
After the annual meeting, attendees are invited to tour the museum. Pick up a museum button when you check-in on the day.
AGENDA
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Questions about this event can be directed to elevy@midhudson.org. Please include MHLS Annual Membership Meeting in the subject line.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide unite to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. This year’s theme is “One Card, Endless Possibilities.” ALA provides a variety of free tools and ideas for promoting Library Card Sign-up Month in your local community:
Visit the ALA website for more info!
To send what your library has planned for Library Card Sign-up Month to ALA, contact them at campaign@ala.org. In addition, New York Library Association (NYLA) members are welcome and encouraged to share their setups and events planned for September through their Google Form, which will be posted throughout the month.
MHLS Trustee Education Series – Trustee Essentials | September 24 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Online | REGISTER
Particularly for new board members, but open to all in the Mid-Hudson Library System. Library board members looking for essential, basic information to increase their effectiveness in serving on a library board will benefit from attending this session.
Learning Objectives
Attendees will develop a working knowledge of library funding and organization in New York State; receive a clear overview of stakeholder roles and responsibilities and receive an introduction to Open Meetings Law and best practices for effective board meetings. This webinar provides a foundation of knowledge that other workshops in the MHLS Trustee Education Series will build on.
Attendance at this event can be applied toward the NYS Trustee Education Requirements.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Boards | September 16 | 6 – 8 PM | Mahopac Library, 688 Route 6, Mahopac | REGISTER
This advanced-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. It is recommended that trustees have already attended the Trustee Essentials workshop prior to this event.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to recognize the habits of effective boards and appreciate the importance of putting the best interests of the library and community at the heart of decision making. Trustees interested in contributing to a dynamic, high performing board experience will enjoy this workshop.
Dinner will be provided.
This trustee education workshop was organized in partnership with the Putnam County Library Association. Attendance at this event can be applied toward the NYS Trustee Education Requirements.
