RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
February 10, 2025
Note: The RCLS office will be closed on Monday, February 17th for Presidents' Day. No deliveries on that date.
REMINDER
 Entry of your library's Annual Report information should be completed by 
February 17, 2025
 
Please refer to the Annual Report LibGuide on the RCLS website and/or contact any of the RCLS Team listed on that page for assistance

RCLS HQ: A Guided Tour
In-Person Workshop
Step into the inner workings of the Ramapo Catskill Library System and gain insights into our operations and how we can assist you. Visit our office at 619 Rte 17M, Middletown, NY
 
 PLEASE CLICK on YOUR PREFERRED DATE
BELOW TO REGISTER
 
9:30-11:30 am either date 
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Open to library workers and trustees within
the Ramapo Catskill Library System only.  
(This session is not applicable for Trustee Education credit hours.)
 
Questions may be addressed to Meaghan Doyle, RCLS Community Engagement & Talent Development Specialist
meaghan@rcls.org

Lightning Talk:
Marketing and Outreach Sucesses
RCLS IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Thursday, February 20, 2025 ~ 2:00-3:30 pm
RCLS Headquarters, 619 Route 17M, Middletown, NY 
 
Join your RCLS colleagues to share actual real-life examples of marketing and outreach strategies.  Different techniques and tips will be shared, and a round table discussion will allow everyone to learn what may work best in their library's community. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
Questions? Contact Michelle Muller, RCLS Member and Youth Services Consultant (michelle.muller@rcls.org) 

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 
Application period open through February 18, 2025
CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
COMMUNITY NEWS 


Please share with your patrons ~ residents from any community are welcome. Presenters' contact information can be provided if your library is interested in hosting a similar event.
Use this LINK to REGISTER

 
 
Learn how your library can be part of the Bicentennial Celebration!
Attend an information session to help get your plans underway...
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm (online)
REGISTER HERE: The Grand Canal: Celebrating the Erie Canal's Bicentennial - Events - NYS Library
 
Click Here for more detailed information from the Erie Canal National Heritage Center 
 
RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
To register, 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.
 
Color Our World Summer Reading
In-person Workshop
Thursday, February 13, 2025 ~ 9:30am - 12:30pm
RCLS HQ, 619 Rte 17M, Middletown, NY
This 3-hour workshop will include hands-on craft demonstrations, a roundtable discussion about program structure and reward systems, a performer exchange where you can share or find out about reputable performers in our area and tips and tricks for marketing and promotion.
3 hours of Continuing Education credit for Library Staff  
[Not applicable towards Trustee Education credit hours]
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 
 
BaFa' BaFa': Cross-Cultural Competency Training (in-person)
Thursday, March 27, 2025 ~ 1:00-4:00 pm
RCLS HQ, 619 Rte 17M, Middletown
Presenters:  Jen Park, Government Relations Specialist, and Joanna Goldfarb, Sustainability Innovation Consultant
BaFa' BaFa' is a learning simulation designed to improve participants' cross-cultural competence by helping them understand the impact of culture on the behavior of people and organizations. This is a hands-on workshop that involves moving and communicating with others, and includes discussions about cultural values, behaviors, and more.  All attendees are expected to fully participate and stay for the entire session. 
3 hours Continuing Education credit for Library Staff
[Not applicable towards Trustee Education credit hours]
REGISTER HERE 
 
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
   
 
Library Advocacy Day 2025!
 
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us in Albany and across New York State for Library Advocacy Day! It was truly inspiring to see so many of you raising your voices—both in person and on social media—to ensure that libraries receive the funding and support they deserve.
 
RCLS is very proud to work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals who continue to champion the vital role of libraries in our communities. Your efforts made a real impact, and together, we are making a difference!
 

 
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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