RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
January 13, 2025
Please note:  The RCLS Offices will be closed
Monday, January 20, 2025
 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday  
No deliveries on that date
 
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.
(See the Continuing Education section of this newsletter to
register for preparatory training and information) 
 
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

Annual Report Workshops
for Directors, Staff, and Trustees who will be involved in
preparing the 2024 Annual Report for their library 
Please click on the links below OR visit the RCLS Calendar to register
 
Annual Report Workshop IN PERSON (Date Option #1)
RCLS Headquarters, 619 NY Rte 17M, Middletown
Monday, January 27, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 12:00pm
This session will include an overview of major changes, helpful hints, and online demonstrations for completing the 2024 Annual Report. 
 
Annual Report Hands-On Lab IN PERSON
RCLS Headquarters, 619 NY Rte 17M, Middletown
Monday, January 27, 2025~ 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Use the information provided during the morning workshop to enter
your data into the report with help from RCLS staff.
 
Virtual Annual Report Workshop ONLINE only (Date Option #2)
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 12:00pm
Content will be the same as the in-person session held Jan. 27th.
 
NOTE: Library Directors/Staff will earn CE credit hours
(The Workshops and Lab do not apply towards Trustee Education credit hours)

 
RCLS Spring 2025 Professional Development Scholarship Applications Being Accepted!
The Professional Development Scholarship seeks to improve the skills and abilities of our member library staff who wish to attend a professional development program or course but are unable to due to budgetary constraints.
 
This is a great opportunity to supplement a conference attendance, library administration programs or educational opportunities to grow your library skills. Please feel free to contact Michelle Muller, RCLS Member & Youth Services Consultant, with any questions.
 
Spring 2025 Scholarship Application deadline is February 3rd 
Further information, including guidelines and
the application form may be found HERE

Beat the chill with recommendations for your wintery nights or days by clicking on the picture below... Grab your favorite warm beverage while you snuggle in with a great read! 

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 

 
Rescheduled to Monday, February 3rd
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 

 
 
Though 'the weather outside is frightful', it's never too early to start planning for those warmer days...  
 
Visit the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor site to explore how your library can be part of its
Bicentennial Celebration!
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

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.
 
Library Advocacy Day Overview & Information (online)
Thursday, January 16, 2025 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
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
 
Science of Reading through the Public Library Lens (online)
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 11:30am
Presenter: Michelle Muller
RCLS Member and Youth Service Consultant
 This workshop will provide information about what the Science of Reading is and what it is not, as well as the role youth services staff at public libraries can play in the adaptation of these principles throughout the public education system. 
Information and resources will largely be sourced from the
SUNY New Paltz microcredential program.  
1.5 hours of Continuing Education credit for Library Staff  
[Not applicable towards Trustee Education credit hours]
 
Library Advocacy Day Overview & Information (online)
Thursday, January 30, 2025 ~ 7:00-8:00 pm
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
 

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 
 
REGISTER HERE
 
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
   
New for 2025: Join the Digital Navigator "Lite" Program!
Digital Navigators are trusted, trained guides who assist community members with a variety of technology needs, including accessing devices, securing free or low-cost internet services, and more. These dedicated individuals work in libraries and community organizations to bridge the digital divide.
 
The Digital Navigator "Lite" Program is designed to encourage past participants to continue supporting clients and submitting data. Participants in the "Lite" program will have already completed the initial training and can sign up to extend their impact.
 
Organizations represented by "Lite" participants may earn up to $2,000 for their continued efforts. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community while supporting your organization. To find out more, click 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...
 
 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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