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RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 NOTE: The RCLS offices will be closed on Thursday, October 2nd in observance of Yom Kippur. No deliveries on that day. |
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THANKS TO ALL FOR MAKING  THE RCLS 2025 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS PRESENTATION A SPECIAL EVENT!
Nearly 140 attendees (Library Directors, Trustees, Friends, Staff, Legislative Representatives, and Honored Guests) gathered on Friday, September 12th. The Keynote Address, given by AnnaLee Dragon, Executive Director of New York Library Association (NYLA), detailed the realities of the challenges the library profession faces with doses of humor in a presentation that reminded everyone that our strength lies in the work we do together and our ongoing commitment to continuing to serve all people, in all places, at all times!
Sincere thanks go out to those who participated in the 50/50 Raffle - purchasing tickets or making outright donations!! RCLS will be sending a check in the amount of $405.00 to the Freedom to Read Foundation to support their work defending librarians and First Amendment Rights. Over 20 spectacular displays were arrayed around the room, showcasing the many ways community remains the focus of every library's daily work. The 2025 Awards were presented, and we again offer congratulations to all the awardees! Many thanks to everyone for providing their energy and giving of their time to make the event such a memorable occasion! |
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 Newly Elected RCLS Trustees Please join us in welcoming Patricia Sussmann (Orange County) and James Ferguson (Rockland County) to the RCLS Board of Trustees Each will begin a five-year term of service in January 2026 |
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Click on the banner image below to see what delightful treats are in store!
The Bookwerm wishes to thank Mary Duffy from the Monroe Free Library, Sharon Stanton from the E.B. Crawford Public Library, Nancy Moskowitz from the New City Library and Terry Eagle from the Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library for their help in compiling these seasonal lists
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RCLS 2026 Operating Budget Discussion Presenter: Stephen Hoefer, RCLS Chief Financial Officer  The RCLS Operating Budget for 2026 has been prepared. Register for the ONLINE session for review and explanation via the RCLS calendar by clicking on the date below: MINIMUM NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS IS 5. RCLS reserves the right to cancel session if the minimum is not achieved. |
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RCLS Plan of Service Focus Groups RCLS can't develop the next five-year Plan of Service without your input to guide our future. Focus Groups for library trustees, directors, managers, and staff will take place through October 2025. Your participation is vital—your insights will help shape the direction of RCLS services and priorities. Please ensure that we hear from you; register for one of the sessions designated for your role with the library via the |
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Lightning Talk: Critical Thinking (In-Person/Online) Thursday, October 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm Join us at RCLS headquarters or online to learn about and discuss programs which center on critical thinking skills. In this ever-evolving landscape of AI use and integration in education and daily like, programs that promote critical thinking skills will be an important piece of digital literacy. Hear from presenters about specific programs and discuss as a group what the core critical thinking skills are and how libraries can help across all age levels. |
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Congratulations to Nyack Library Director Tracy Dunstan At its September 15, 2025 public meeting, the Nyack Library Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Tracy Dunstan as its next Library Director. Ms. Dunstan brings ten years of professional experience working in public libraries; the last eight years as a Department Head and Assistant Director for Nyack Library. Ms. Dunstan is grateful for the opportunity and commented, "Working alongside the amazing staff and serving the Nyack community over the past eight years has been an honor. This place and its people have become such an important part of my life, and I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve accomplished together.” |
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LUCILLE BALL: A Living History Portrayal Wednesday, September 24, 2025 ~ 6:30 pm (Online) Presenter: Leslie Goddard, Actress and Scholar This program is not a “celebrity impersonation” or a Lucy Ricardo celebrity look-a-like event. It’s an entertaining and educational historical portrayal, exploring the life of Lucille Ball Questions: Contact Emily Nevill Co-sponsored by these Rockland County libraries |
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RCLS member libraries have participated since 2019. Has your library committed this year? |
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RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION |
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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.
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RCLS SUSTAINABILITY CORNER |
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UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: SUSTAINABILITY
AI and the Environment: What Librarians Need to Know October 15, 2025 ~ 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (online) - a foundational overview of AI—what it is, how it works, and how it's increasingly integrated into everyday life
- examine the environmental footprint of AI technologies, including energy consumption, data center demands, and electronic waste
- gain insights and practical knowledge to help foster informed conversations with your community about responsible technology use and its role in a sustainable future
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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 |
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Subscribe to receive RLCS Publications via the link below |
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