RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
MAY 19, 2025
NOTE: The RCLS office will be closed Monday, 5/26
in observance of Memorial Day.  No deliveries on that date.

Jen Park, RCLS Government Relations Specialist
Library Journal 2025 Mover and Shaker
 
Please join us in congratulating Jen Park on being named a 2025 Mover & Shaker in the Advocates category by Library Journal! Through her efforts to cultivate strong legislative partnerships and secure critical funding, Jen has ensured that the voices of libraries and the communities they serve are heard. This national recognition highlights her unwavering dedication to public service and library advocacy.
 
Read about Jen's recognition HERE
 
To see all the inspirational awardees for 2025 click here

2025 RCLS Annual Awards
 
The Ramapo Catskill Library System will be presenting awards
at their 66th Annual Meeting on September 12, 2025. 
  • Member Library Adult Program of the Year Award 
  • Member Library Young Adult Program of the Year Award
  • Randall Enos Member Library Children’s Program of the Year Award
  • Anthony J. Knipp Library Trustee Award
Nominations for any of the four RCLS Annual Meeting Awards must be submitted to the Awards Committee c/o RCLS via email to Anita Baumann, abaumann@rcls.org.  Submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025.
 
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORMS
 

 
The Bookwerm says:
 
"A rainy Spring is a good excuse to lose yourself in a good historical fiction, an edge-of-your seat thriller or a combination of the two genres. Whatever your pleasure, the library has something for you. Happy Spring!"
 
Click on the picture to access her latest recommendations...

 
SPECIAL EVENTS

RCLS HQ: A Guided Tour
In-Person Workshop
619 Rte 17M, Middletown, NY 10940
Step into the inner workings of the Ramapo Catskill Library System and gain insights into our operations and how we can assist you.  Open to Library workers and trustees within the System only.
2 hours Continuing Education Credit for library staff
(This session is not applicable for Trustee Education credit hours.)
 
Click on the date below to register
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 ~ 2:00-3:30 pm
 
Questions may be addressed to Meaghan Doyle, RCLS Community Engagement & Talent Development Specialist
meaghan@rcls.org
 
 
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR MARKETING MINDS SESSION 3
Note: This session is not eligible for CE credit
Marketing Minds: Session 3 (Online)
Tuesday, June 12, 2025
 11:00am - 12:00pm
Moderator:  Dave Cosco, RCLS Marketing Manager
An open and supportive space for library staff to connect, share ideas, and explore what’s working in the world of library marketing. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, have a challenge to troubleshoot, or just want to listen in, all are welcome. No prep needed just bring yourself and your curiosity! 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

The Livingston Manor and Roscoe libraries have followed
the lead of the newly formed Rockland Central School District and merged to become the
Livingston Manor-Roscoe Library
The new Library is composed of a Livingston Manor Branch and a Roscoe Branch. While the buildings themselves will remain the same, continuing to serve as valuable resources and community hubs, the combined staff and administration will enable the merged Library to do bigger and better things.  Peggy McGuire will be the Director overseeing both branches.  
Stay tuned as the Livingston Manor-Roscoe Library
moves onwards and upwards!

  
Curran Self-Portrait on loan to the Albany Institute of History & Art
 
Cover of American Art Review
 
Images and text provided by April Marl, Social Media Manager & Events Planner, Cragsmoor Free Library 
The Cragsmoor Free Library is thrilled to share that a portrait of artist Charles Courtney Curran from our very own collection is currently on display at the Albany Institute of History & Art!
The exhibit, On the Road to Cragsmoor, is on view from March 29th through October 13th, 2025, and celebrates Curran’s deep connection to our mountain community, where he spent many summers inspired by Cragsmoor’s light, landscape, and creative spirit. We’re honored that one of our treasured paintings is part of this special show.
 
Additionally, the exhibit is featured on the cover of the latest issue of American Art Review! It is also included in the "10 Art Shows to See in the Hudson Valley in April" – Brian K. Mahoney, Chronogram
We welcome you to visit us at the Cragsmoor Free Library any time to explore our unique local art collection and learn more about the rich artistic legacy of Cragsmoor.
 
If you're near Albany, be sure to stop by and experience this beautiful exhibit!
Visit in person:125 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210
More information: 
https://tinyurl.com/curranexhibit

 Sweet Sounds in Sullivan!

ROCK ON WITH
CORNWALL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

This affordable evening begins with the arrival of a coach bus at 2:45pm at the Cornwall Public Library (departure promptly 3:00pm).  If you prefer to use your own transportation, the group will meet you there.  49 bus seats and an unlimited number of non-bus seat concert tickets all on a first come-first payment basis.  Join in for an evening to cherish!  
 
Questions? Call Brenda at
845-534-8282

A fond farewell...

Members of SUPLA (Sullivan-Ulster Public Library Alliance) and RCLS staff gathered to wish Patty Kennedy "bon voyage" as she steps down from her tenure as Director of the Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred.
  
She will be missed and is wished all the best as she begins her new adventures!
 
RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
To register, please click on text in BLUE
Credit Hours earned per session are noted below.  Please verify with the individual posting on the RCLS Calendar.
 
Disability Etiquette and Effective Communication for Libraries:
Part One (online)
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 ~ 1:00 - 2:00pm
Learn essential guidelines on respectful and inclusive communication with individuals with disabilities, as well as equitable and inclusive provisions of library services
1 Hour Continuing Education Credit for library staff
 
Sustainable from the Start: Developing a Construction Request for Proposal (online)
May 22, 2025 ~ 10:00 - 11:00 am
Presenter : Jodi Smits Anderson, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fellow
This presentation is a must for any library considering a construction project and looking to incorporate sustainable goals. The program will cover: the evolution of sustainability in design and construction, being clear on goals as part of value achievement from day one, Energy Code compliance, the Climate Law, and high-performing building goals
1 hour of continuing education credit for library staff
 
Parliamentary Procedure Training (online)
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 ~ 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Presenter: Derrick S. Isaac, Professional Registered Parliamentarian
Beef up your knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order. Get tips on running effective meetings and the effective use of Parliamentary procedure.  This session is open to trustees and staff within RCLS member libraries
 1 hour Continuing Ed credit for library staff,
Trustee Ed credit for library trustees
 
Libraries Investing in Community Solar (online)
Thursday, June 5, 2025 ~ 3:00 - 4:00pm
Presenter, Carmen Pei, Senior Program Manager, Sustainable Westchester
What is community solar and is it right for your library? Join Carmen Pei to learn how community solar works, how to identify if your library is eligible, and what kind of savings are possible 
1 Hour Continuing Education Credit for library staff
 
Mandatory RCLS Construction Aid
Workshop  for Applicants (In-Person)
RCLS HQ, 619 Rte 17M, Middletown, NY 10940
Thursday, June 12, 2025 ~ 9:30am - 12:00pm
Presenter: Stephen Hoefer, RCLS Chief Financial Officer
NOTE:  This session is a requirement for any library
who will be submitting an application.
Delve into the nitty-gritty details of the online application, review what gets sent to RCLS, and learn the details of other program requirements for the New York State Public Library Construction Aid program. The due date for applications for 2025 is August 1st.
2 hours Continuing Education credit for library staff

PLEASE NOTE: If you sign up for one or more of the many 
RCLS programs and/or continuing education opportunities,
save your registration confirmation email which will
contain the link for any ONLINE session.  
You will also receive a reminder email 24-48 hours prior to the event.


 
RCLS SUSTAINABILITY CORNER
 
HEALTHY EATING - GOOD FOR YOU
AND THE PLANET
 Warmer days bring a chance to change your menus
and mix things up a bit!  With Farmers' Markets opening for
the season, it's a great time to "shop local" and support your agricultural neighbors!  Click on the photo below for
vegetarian recipe ideas for those inspired to go meatless,
whether it be once a week or every day...
BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, RCLS encourages you to explore trusted resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
 
SAMHSA offers free, reliable tools to support your mental health, including:

✅ Tips for managing stress and anxiety
✅ Guidance on talking about mental health
✅ Support for substance use and recovery
✅ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988 anytime
 
📲 To access more resources, click the image below 👇


 
RCLS Marketing Services LibGuide
Click the link above to view the Guide and schedule a meeting to talk about your marketing plans with Dave Cosco, RCLS Marketing Manager. Phone: 845-243-3747 ext. 245 or via email at marketing@rcls.org
 
 
 
A Closing Thought...
 
Share a library-related meaningful quote or a funny cartoon with the RCLS community... Send your submissions to abaumann@rcls.org!

Ramapo Catskill Library System
619 Route 17M 
Middletown, NY 10940
845-243-3747
www.rcls.org
         
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