RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
December 30, 2024
Please note:  The RCLS Offices will be closed
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year's Day)  
No deliveries on that date.
 
Wishing everyone a VERY HAPPY 2025!
 
 

RCLS HOLDS ANNUAL MOCK BOOK AWARDS
In-person at RCLS Headquarters, Middletown
Friday, January 10, 2024 (Snow Date Jan. 17)
 
The Mock book discussions are a great way to read the best books of the year, selected by your peers. These discussions will help with collection development and reader's advisory. Join us and cast your ballots...
Mock Caldecott 9-11 am 
Mock Newbery 11:15 am-1:15 pm
Mock Printz 2-4pm
These are in-person events and will not be recorded. Library Staff participants will receive 2 CE credits for each session. These sessions are not eligible for Trustee Education credit.
Register via the RCLS calendar
 

LIBRARY ADVOCACY DAY 2025!!
 
On February 5, 2025, library champions throughout the state of New York will visit the New York State Capitol in Albany to advocate for funding and legislative initiatives at the annual Library Advocacy Day. Library staff, administrators, trustees, and friends come together to showcase their support and voice the needs of libraries. It is imperative that library champions attend to create a positive and strong lasting impression on our legislators.
 
Transportation
RCLS, along with Mid-Hudson Library System and Westchester Library System,
has secured busses for this day. There is a fee of $10 per person.
To learn more and register, click the bus pickup location link below that works best for you. 
West Nyack   Newburgh    Elmsford/Brewster   New Paltz/Kingston/Catskill
 
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE ADVOCACY PAGE OF THE
RCLS WEBSITE FOR COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION
 
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen Park, RCLS Government Relations Specialist
jen@rcls.org // (845) 243-3747

Applications for Will Eisner Graphic Novel
Grants for Libraries due January 12, 2025
Brought to you by the ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table
 
Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries will be given in 2025 - one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant will provide support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provide support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative. Any library or Friends group may submit an application to the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant.
 
Click on the picture above for additional information and FAQs
 

United for Libraries and Penguin Random House
Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries
The initiative will serve rural and small libraries in need across
the country through grant funds, education, and in-depth training 
Applications will be open from Feb. 3-17, 2025
CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Register via this link for an INFORMATION SESSION
about the Grant process
Grant Writing Basics for Small/Rural Libraries and/or Friends Groups
Wed., Jan. 15, 2-3 p.m. Eastern
Friends of the Library can secure funding for the library by applying for grants. Learn how small and/or rural libraries can get started with grant writing, including identifying grant opportunities, customizing applications, working with library staff, and crafting a narrative.
 
COMMUNITY NEWS 


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
To register for any session, please click on the title in BLUE
Credit Hours earned per session are noted below.  Please verify with the individual postings on the RCLS Calendar.
 
Communicating with Elected Officials
Friday, January 3, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 12:00pm
In-Person session at RCLS Headquarters
619 Rte 17M, Middletown
Presenter: Jen Park
RCLS Government Relations Specialist
This session is for anyone in RCLS member libraries who is ready to stand up for libraries but needs guidance and support as we advocate for libraries in February (and all year round!). Participants will learn where to find information focused on their elected officials, craft a message with this learned information, and practice public speaking with the crafted messages. [This in-person workshop will not be recorded]
 2 Hours Education Credit for Library Staff and Trustees
 
Library Advocacy Day Overview & Information (online)
Monday, January 6, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 11:00am
Presenter: Jen Park
RCLS Government Relations Specialist
Learn the "why and how" - information surrounding the 2025 Library Advocacy Day taking place February 5th. Ample time will be provided for Q&A. [This session will not be recorded]
1 Hour Education Credit for Library Staff and Trustees
 
 Workshop: Privacy Policies (online)
Thursday, January 9, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 11:30am
Presenter: Michael Kirby, Assistant Professor/Metadata Librarian at Kingsborough Community College (Brooklyn)
Participants will receive individualized help with drafting/reworking their library's privacy policy statements, all while learning more about the importance of privacy for both patrons and the profession in general [This session will not be recorded]
1.5 Hours Education Credit for Library Staff and Trustees
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 
 
The World is Ending. Why Bother? (Online)
Monday, January 13, 2025 ~ 10:00-11:00am
 As presented at the NYLA 2024 conference
Sustainability work can be rewarding and exciting, but there are times when we may find ourselves asking, "why bother?" While there are days when information and concerning statistics may make us feel dejected, there are strategies we can use to stay sunny when it seems an impending storm is moving in. During this interactive session, attendees will leave with tips and resources to determine what to tackle next on their sustainability journey, and ways to stay positive on the days we need help and hope.
REGISTER HERE
 
This presentation was originally given at the New York Library Association Conference. The presentation will not be recorded. Participants will receive 1 CE credit. This presentation is not eligible for trustee education credit.
 
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
   
 
The 2025 Budget Cycle is Fast Approaching!
 
Tell Governor Hochul to Increase State Aid for Libraries. NYLA is asking our #LibraryAdvocates across the state to tell Governor Hochul that
libraries urgently need increased funding
in this year's Executive Budget.
 
Take ACTION by clicking 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 for 2024...
 
 
 
 Do you have a library related thought-provoking quote or a funny cartoon to share? 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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