Circulate!
Outreach, Engagement & Other Splendid Stuff
Spring has launched a whirlwind of activity at the Southern Adirondack Library System. We were delighted to see two notable directors recognized for their outstanding work. Susan Rollings, director of the Indian Lake Public Library, was nominated by the teachers and students of her school district as one of the top ten librarians in the state. And in Schuylerville, director Caitlin Johnson was recognized as a Library Journal Mover & Shaker as a change agent.
But wait -- there's more good news! We send hearty congratulations to the Bolton Free Library and the Stillwater Library for securing a
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant to fund improvements to their buildings.
Meanwhile, the Rockwell Falls Public Library got lots of attention for its Drag Queen Story Hour, planned for mid-April. After an organized backlash (including a bomb threat), library trustees postponed the program. Despite the ongoing pressure, the library has clearly stated it will not ban books, and SALS is working with our member libraries to advocate for the freedom to read.
As the first of our member libraries to be on the front lines of the culture war, we see echoes of what we've heard from colleagues across the country.
Despite the dismal headlines and trauma inflicted on colleagues who are being targeted and threatened -- personally and professionally -- losing their jobs and having libraries defunded, those who believe free people read freely are fighting back. Some are pushing back on the narrative that LGBTQIA+ titles and people have no place in libraries; others are sharing information about the power of books to change people's lives and claim agency over our bodies. The state of Illinois is working on legislation to end book bans. School librarians are fighting back, organizing against the proposed legislation, and parents are stepping up to protect children's right to read freely. And this week, President Biden is taking action to address the ongoing challenges to materials in school libraries, and the Southern Poverty Law Center identified Moms for Liberty as an extremist organization.
We have a long way to go to secure a future where all people are valued. We can begin by speaking about the value of libraries, preparing ourselves for the battle ahead, and trusting that love and justice will prevail.
Book Burrow
Power of Print
New Imprint Launches
OATS
New Mice!
Large Print Keyboards!
Jack Scott Building Tech Kits!
- Argyle Free Library
- Caldwell Lake George Public Library
- Clifton Park - Halfmoon Public Library
- Crandall Public Library
- Indian Lake Public Library
- Mechanicville District Public Library
- Richards Library (Warrensburg)
- Town of Ballston Community Library
Participating libraries have staff trained in teaching seniors, have access to Senior Planet curriculum, and tech boxes with technology to support the classes.
Community-Focused Library
The Cambridge Public Library is working hard to ensure its community has everything it needs to meet the challenges its facing. Last fall, the library partnered with the Village and local organizations to apply for a NY Forward grant -- and was delighted when Cambridge was chosen to receive $2.25 million in funding. A significant portion of those funds will be used to support the library's building expansion & renovation project.
The library has been hard at work, installing a Narcan emergency kit in its Farm-2-Library corner, so people who would benefit from having life-saving Naloxone treatment can pick up kits. To support community health, the library is partnering with the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad to provide Narcan, Stop the Bleed, and Hands Free CPR training, as well as installing an AED kit for the staff and community.
And of course, anyone who would like to share food can enjoy both farm-fresh and shelf stable food from the Farm-2-Library project.
Notary Public Update
Does your library provide Notary Public services? If so, beginning January 25, 2023, all notaries, are required to keep a journal of all notarial acts performed which includes the type of identification provided, for ten years. Additionally, electronic notaries must maintain a journal of all notarial acts as well as an audio & video record of all electronic notarial acts performed.
Trustee Training
- Financial Planning & Budgeting (Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | 5:00-6:30pm) REGISTER
- Strategic Planning (Tuesday, August 15, 2023 | 5:00-6:30pm) REGISTER
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Access & Justice (Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 5:00-6:30pm) REGISTER
- Financing & Managing Construction Projects (Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 5:00-6:30pm) REGISTER
Those who attend a live session will receive a certificate of attendance, and everyone who registers for a session will have access to the recordings.
This series is brought to you thanks to a partnership facilitated through the Public Library System Directors Organization of New York State (PULISDO), the New York State Library, and the Library Trustees Association Section of the New York Library Association.
Friends of Libraries Meet-Up
The Friends of Libraries Section of the New York Library Association invites representatives of Friends of Libraries groups, library staff, and trustees to talk shop with the FLS Executive Board members when they gather in Cazenovia on Thursday, July 13.
The meet-up will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Betsy Kennedy Community Room of the Cazenovia Public Library.
Special guests Lauren Moore, Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian, and Tor Loney of the Division of Library Development, will join us to discuss the Regents Advisory Council’s Vision 2022 Plan, which charts a course for public libraries in 2023 and beyond. Lauren and Tor will share an overview of the process and outcome of discussions with hundreds of librarians, library staff, and others and invite Friends to participate in interactive exercises to identify what their community groups are doing or planning to do to support Vision 2022.
This event is open at no charge to both FLS/NYLA members and non-members. However, advanced registration is required. No walk-ins, please. Send a message to FLSregister@yahoo.com indicating your intention to attend. Put Cazenovia in the subject line. In the body of the message, please provide names of those attending, Friends group/library affiliation, position (e.g., Friends officer, trustee, committee chair), and email addresses for all who plan to participate. If there is a specific topic you’d like to discuss with the Friends who are attending, please provide that information.
Registration closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5. This in-person session runs 2 hours and will not be archived. There will not be a way to attend this meeting remotely.
Meet-ups sponsored by the Friends of Libraries Section of the New York Library Association offer a chance for representatives of local Friends organizations to gather to discuss topics of interest, such as fundraising ideas, book sales, advocacy, membership, volunteer engagement, and programs and services that the Friends offer to their community.
Groups may wish to bring copies of membership brochures, program fliers, promotional pieces for their bookstore or book sales, and newsletters to share. FLS Board members will serve as mentors and moderators for this informal discussion, sharing advice from their experience with Friends organizations from all across New York State.
Join the Friends of Libraries Section of NYLA to create a network to connect and inspire Friends groups in all types of libraries to support the New York library community. Learn more at www.nyla.org/join.
2023 Velma K. Moore Award
The Velma K. Moore Award was established to honor the memory of Velma Moore, one of the charter members of the of The New York State Association of Library Boards (NYSALB), now the Library Trustees Association Section (LTAS) of New York Library Association (NYLA), and wife of former New York State Lt. Governor Frank C. Moore. She worked actively for the improvement of library service in New York State from 1947 until her death in 1961.
Mrs. Moore served two terms as president and was a member of the NYSALB Board from its establishment. For thirty-three years Mrs. Moore was also a Trustee of the Kenmore Public Library near Buffalo, New York.
The annual award was established in 1962 with a gift from the Moore family. The $1,500 cash prize will be announced and presented at the 2023 NYLA Conference.
Any individual or group of individual volunteers who have made exemplary contributions to the development of library services in New York State is eligible for nomination. Nominees may include trustees, a community member, library boards, or any volunteer individual or volunteer group who supports libraries. Nominations can be made by anyone in the library community.
Nominating Procedure
Nominations may be submitted by e-mail to: VKMAward.LTAS@gmail.com or by mail to:
LTAS Velma K. Moore Award Committee
% Suzanne Stockman
58 Clarkes Crossing
Fairport NY 14450
The letter of nomination should include:
- Name and address of nominee.
- Library affiliation.
- A statement of not more than 500 words on the reason for nomination.
- Name, address, contact information and library affiliation of the nominator.
The deadline is Friday, June 30, 2023.
Evaluation Criteria
- Measurable service to local, county, system or state libraries, advancing the effectiveness of these libraries.
- Service in areas of legislation or other support that advances library causes with local or state government.
- Promotional services through publishing, speaking or involvement in professional or lay library groups or organizations.
- Service to state or national library organizations, e.g. Library Trustee Association Section, United for Libraries, New York Library Association, American Library Association or service on State study committees.
NYLA Conference Scholarships
The Library & Leadership Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association is seeking candidates for three scholarships to attend NYLA’s 2023 Conference in Saratoga for first-time attendees. One award will be given to Library Administrators; the second is for Library Assistants/support staff. A third award will be given to a new Director, appointed in the past three years, attending conference for the first time as a Director.
The awards are $800 each and will be sent to the selected candidates after registering for the NYLA conference. The stipends can be used to cover conference costs at the winners’ discretion.
The 2023 NYLA Conference will take place from Wednesday, November 1 - Saturday, November 4 in Saratoga Springs. More conference information can be found on the NYLA website under News and Events.
All scholarship applicants must submit a letter from a professional reference and an application in the form of a letter which includes:
- Why you wish to attend conference
- How the experience will benefit your work
- How you will share what you learn with co-workers and/or colleagues
- Your professional goals
- How attending conference will help you achieve those goals
To apply for these scholarships, submit the application and letter of reference via email to Anne de la Chapelle at delachapellea@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov by July 15, 2023. All applicants will be reviewed by the LAMS’ Scholarship Committee. The winners of these scholarships will be selected by July 31, 2023. Scholarship winners must be LAMS members at time of award.
Art Resources Transfer's Library Program provides free books on art and culture to public libraries, schools, and incarcerated readers nationwide.
The book catalog offers 300+ titles published by leading museums, galleries, and independent presses nationwide. Books are free and shipped free of charge. To get started, sign up through the website here.
The Fight Against Book Bans: How do we Move Forward?
In this presentation, Shannon Oltmann will refresh our understanding of intellectual freedom, explore the rise in book challenges, consider how to respond to challenges, and draw on the experiences and perspectives of other library professionals.
If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register. We'll send a recording to all registrants after the fact.
Wednesday, Jun 14, 2023, 02:00 PM
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Freedom of Information Law Virtual Training
This session provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about an agency's responsibilities in relation to the Freedom of Information Law. The class will provide an opportunity for questions and answers from the instructor.
This session will be recorded.
To receive the recording link, please register and it will automatically sent to you.
Presenter: Kristin O'Neill, Assistant Director, New York State Committee on Open Government
Friday, Jun 16, 2023, 10:00 AM
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Open Meetings Law Virtual Training
This session provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about a public body's responsibilities in relation to the Open Meetings Law, particularly with regard to several recent statutory amendments. The class will focus in part on recent changes to the ability of a public body to meet through the use of videoconferencing.
This session will be recorded.
To receive the recording link, please register and it will be automatically sent to you.
Presenter: Kristin O'Neill, Assistant Director, New York State Committee on Open Government