RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
May 6, 2024
 
 KOHA ILS:
FEATURE HIGHLIGHT
 
Koha Aspen View
When working in-person with the patron during a reference transaction or at the circulation desk, it may be helpful to show the record in question to the patron. While we can do this now, Koha makes it quick and easy to pull the same record up in Aspen Discovery, showing the item in the interface that the patron has access to and may already be familiar with. Simply click OPAC view under the record.
 
From here, showing patrons how to log in, to search, and place holds on their own becomes much easier.
 

 
BOOK PALOOZA IS ON AT RCLS!
FOR A LIMITED TIME THROUGH MAY 31st
 
Similar to our Preview Sessions, we have over 1,000 Children's & Teen books for you to look through and request!  
 
Two ways to participate
  
For an IN-PERSON experience:
Contact Eileen Acosta at 845-243-3747 ext. 221 to make an appointment to visit RCLS and view the books
 
For a VIRTUAL experience: 
 Print out our list using the link above, highlight the books you want and send it to Eileen Acosta at RCLS. Or you can fax your list to Eileen at 845-343-3739 (you will have to circle your selections because highlighting won't show on a fax)  
 
You can request as many books as you like. After the preview, the books are divvied up among those who request them. 
 
COMMUNITY NEWS
WELCOME TO THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE WALKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Dan Perkins
Hi, my name is Dan Perkins, and I'm proud to be the new Library Director of the Wallkill Public Library. I feel very lucky to be part of such a great community here at Wallkill, and RCLS as a whole.  My previous library roles were as the instruction and resource sharing librarian at the Horrmann Library at Wagner College, the global services librarian at the Bobst Library at NYU, and as a volunteer at the Gottesman Research Library at the American Museum of Natural History. My wife Kathy and I are new transplants to the Hudson Valley area, so we'd welcome any suggestions regarding things to do in and around the area. Our dog Cosmo would love if you'd include dog-friendly activities.
 
If any of you folks have the time to reach out and say hello, I'm available by email (dm.perkins@rcls.org), and phone (845) 895-3707. Looking forward to collaborating with you all.


A perfect outing for bookworms of all ages and families looking to spend a memorable day together!
 
CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

 
 

 
NEWBURGH'S NEW
TOWN BRANCH OPENED APRIL 24th!
 
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District and Newburgh Free Library are pleased to announce the opening of the new Town Branch location at 181 South Plank Road, Suite #2 in the Town of Newburgh. A bright and cheery space dedicated to connecting Town residents to our Newburgh Free Library services, the new branch will offer the latest titles in all genres, provide space for community programs, and be a convenient pick-up location for patrons’ library materials. The Newburgh Free Library and its staff are thrilled to have a town location once more to extend library and literacy services to children, adults and seniors in the Town of Newburgh. The branch location is adorned with colorful and engaging murals from local artist Rob Mounier. Hours of operation will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am-6pm; Wednesday 12pm-8pm; and Saturday 10am-2pm.
 
Below are a few pictures from the ribbon cutting and of the branch interior provided courtesy of Chris Morgan, Head of Adult Services
The individuals in the first picture from left to right are: Town Deputy Supervisor Scott Manley, Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio, Superintendent Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell, Library Director Ben Gocker, NYS Senator Rob Rolison and Town Councilmember Anthony LoBiondo

SUNSHINE HALL GIVES THANKS!
Librarians have been coping with increased stress
for some time - - from a variety of sources...  
Here's some news that reinforces our belief in
how much libraries are valued and respected
-----------------------------
 
Blessed by the Goodwill of our Community
 
Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred NY serves the towns of Highland and Lumberland. We are thankful to have support from so many people in our community in so many ways. Recently two events have emphasized how lucky we are.
  
We reached out to the Director of Technology at Eldred Central School for advice on what type of equipment to purchase for videoconferencing. This resulted in the donation of a 65” Smart Screen that was no longer in use at the school. Traci Ferreira, the District Superintendent visited the library to see the equipment in place.
  
In an unrelated act of goodwill, Nicole Camacho, owner and artist of Fine Hand Signs and Truck Lettering of Glen Spey offered her services free of charge when we contacted her to update the sign on the side of our building.
 
courtesy of Patty Kennedy, Library Director

RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
 
For details on registration, click on
the session titles in blue below
 
PBS Ready to Learn Initiative and Resources (online)
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 ~ 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Presenter: Join Rachel Rosner, NYS Ready to Learn Statewide Partnerships Manager
Facilitator: Michelle Muller
RCLS Member & Youth Services Consultant
Learn about the Initiative, find out about their resources, and
gain tips and tricks on how your library can reach low-income
and traditionally marginalized children, families, and members
of your community. Find out how to plan early learning
community engagement programs through partnerships
and collective impact work.
1 hour Continuing Education credit for library staff
 (Session does not apply towards Trustee Education) 
 
-------------------------------------------
 
Resilient Communities in a Changing Climate: The Library as Hub
Cohort Series FINAL SESSION
Putting it all Together
Session 4: May 22 | 10:00 am -12:00 pm
In-Person at Howland Public Library 
313 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508 
(at the corner of Main St. & South Cedar St.) 
Based on the outcomes of the place assessment, workshops and input from community stakeholders and partners, each library identifies specific priority projects and a pathway to their implementation
2 hours of Continuing Education credit for library staff
(Session does not apply towards Trustee Education) 
 ------------------------------------------
RCLS MANDATORY Construction Aid Workshop (In-Person)
Friday, June 14, 2024 ~ 9:30am - 12:00pm
RCLSHQ Main Meeting Room, RCLS Headquarters 619 Rte 17M, Middletown
This workshop led by RCLS Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Hoefer is for Directors, Trustees and Library Administrative staff that will be directly involved in
preparing the NYS Public Library Construction Aid application,
and is mandatory for those personnel.  
[Note: The due date for applications for 2024 is August 1st.]
2 hours Continuing Education credit for library staff
 (Workshop does not apply towards Trustee Education) 

 
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 approximately 24 hours prior to the event.


 
RCLS SUSTAINABILITY CORNER
 
 TRY THIS YUMMY VEGAN RECIPE AND
BASK IN THE LOVE!
 
MARRY ME LENTILS
 
 
Click on the link for the full recipe and video detailing the steps to make this flavorful dish...
Source: Gigi Goes Vegan
 
It keeps well for a few days and is easy to make -
a good option for meal prepping
 
INGREDIENTS 
Soffritto* [1 celery stick, 1 carrot, 1 small white onion, 2 garlic cloves] (you can prepare the Soffritto in advance to save cooking time), 1 ½ cup red split lentils (dry), 1 tbsp sundried tomato oil (from the jar), Fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 10-12 sundried tomatoes (drained from the oil if you use the jarred ones), 1 cup milk alternative (I used soy but you can use coconut or oat), 3 cups vegetable stock, Handful baby spinach, 4-5 tbsp nutritional yeast (nooch)
 (makes 2-3 portions)
*Soffritto is an Italian flavor base made with finely chopped ingredients,
which are onions, carrots, and celery, cooked in olive oil.
 
Recipe courtesy of Joanna Goldfarb
RCLS Sustainability Innovation Consultant
 
MARKETING EDUCATION
For details on registration, 
click on the session title in blue
 
 
Uplift: The 2024 Social Media
Summit for Nonprofits
May 14 - 16 ~ 12 p.m. daily
—the essential virtual gathering for nonprofit professionals looking to enhance their impact through social media
 
Over three days and six separate online dynamic sessions, you'll learn from nonprofit leaders and social media experts how to craft compelling content and campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive your mission forward.
 
----------------------------------------------------
 
The Ultimate Guide to Google Ad
Grants for Nonprofits
 Tuesday, May 21, 2024 ~  1 pm 
Presented by: Oskar Sznajder, Co-founder of Webup!
Ideal for nonprofits that want to learn how to effectively set up, manage, and optimize Google Ad Grants campaigns. Expert insights guide you through every critical aspect of the program:
  • An overview of the $10,000 monthly Google Ad Grants program
  • How to set up and publish your first Google Ads campaign
  • Current best practices to maximize ad campaigns, including keywords, headlines, and descriptions
  • Understanding and implementing the Google Ad Grants policy
  • How to use PING.NGO, a free audit tool designed to help nonprofits ensure Google Ads compliance
 
Outreach Service to Communities
What are Book Résumés?
 
Book Résumés serve as invaluable tools for teachers, librarians, parents, and community members in safeguarding books against censorship. These documents outline the significance and educational merit of each title, facilitating advocacy efforts with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members. Given the persistent threat of censorship facing thousands of library books, new résumés are consistently added to the collection. Discover more about this indispensable resource by clicking on 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...
 
 Did you find something of note that library staff can relate to? Send us your submissions to end our newsletter with a smile.
 

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