RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
March 24, 2025

SPRINGTIME = CONSTRUCTION TIME
The legislature will soon be adopting the budget for 2025 and allocating dollars for Construction Aid.  It's time to be thinking about projects at your library and whether you wish to apply for funding.  Please see the Continuing Education section of this issue (below) to register for an RCLS online session that will help guide you in preparing your application for the NYS Public Library Construction Aid Program.

Celebrate the promise of warmer days ahead!
Click on the banner below to access a PDF of the Forthcoming Spring Bestsellers list
THIS LIST HAS BEEN EDITED BY: EILEEN ACOSTA - RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM
and NANCY MOSKOWITZ - NEW CITY FREE LIBRARY

 
SPECIAL EVENTS

Marketing Minds: Session 1 – Kickoff & Introductions (Online)
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 ~ 11:00am - 12:00pm ~
Moderator:  Dave Cosco, RCLS Marketing Manager
 
The first session of Marketing Minds, a collaborative group designed to support and inspire library marketers across RCLS. 
 
Note: This session is not eligible for CE credit
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR MARKETING MINDS SESSION 1
This kickoff meeting will introduce the group’s goals, provide an opportunity to connect with fellow marketing professionals, and explore key challenges and opportunities in library marketing. 

Click the links below for information
on these library events in April...
Library Giving Day
April 1, 2025
National Library Week 2025 (April 6-12)
Drawn to the Library!

 
CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP
(ALL LIBRARY STAFF ARE WELCOME!)
 
 
Foam Cannon Training Workshop (In-Person)
RCLS HQ, Middletown
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
~ 2:00pm - 3:30pm ~
Presenter: Michelle Muller, RCLS Member & Youth Services Consultant
Come learn how to set up and operate the RCLS Foam Cannon. This piece of equipment will be available to member libraries to enhance their programming.  The workshop will go over all you need to know ~ solution prep, assembly, operation & clean up.
Note: This session is not eligible for CE credit

COMMUNITY NEWS 

The event is co-hosted by multiple RCLS member libraries, and you may register from any of the host library websites.  Click on the image below to register for this hybrid event via the Florida Public Library's website.  
(note: in-person attendance is at Florida & Goshen libraries only)
 
 

Friends of the Moffat Library
Annual Meet the Authors Luncheon
Sunday, April 6, 2025 ~ 12:00pm-4:00pm
The Temple Hill Tavern, New Windsor, NY
 
The Friends of the Moffat Library will host their 17th annual "Meet the Authors Luncheon" with authors Julie Satow & Russell Shorto who will talk about their work and the art of writing!
Click on the image above to register for the event.
Please share with your patrons...all adults welcome!
 
Copies of the authors' books available for purchase at the event.
Luncheon tickets cost $40.00 per person and are
currently available for sale at the Moffat Library
 
RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION
To register, please click on text in BLUE
Credit Hours earned per session are noted below.  Please verify with the individual posting on the RCLS Calendar.
 
Koha Reporting Workshop (online) 
please select your preferred date
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday, April 10, 2025 ~ 10:00am - 12:00pm
Presenter:  Myka Kennedy Stephens
A tour of the Koha reports module. This training will highlight the many reports added since migration, giving you the "why's" and "how's" of Koha reporting. In addition, attendees will learn more about Koha's Item Search function & Order Search to answer questions about new, outstanding, and received orders.
2 hours Continuing Education credit for library staff
 
Virtual RCLS Construction Aid Workshop - Review of Eligible Projects (online)
Friday, April 11, 2025 ~ 10:30am - 12:00pm
Presenter: Stephen Hoefer, RCLS Chief Financial Officer
An in-depth discussion on what types of projects are eligible for the New York State Public Library Construction Aid program. The due date for applications for 2025 is August 1st.
2 hours Continuing Education credit for library staff 
 Note: There is an in-person RCLS Construction Aid 
Mandatory Workshop for Applicants scheduled for June 12, 2025 at 9:30
Please register separately for the June session
 
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Landscape: What Libraries Need to Know About the Executive Orders (online)
Monday, April 14, 2025 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
Presenter: Tiffany Hamilton, CEO 
YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester
Gain valuable insights on the latest executive orders and federal actions affecting DEI efforts and how libraries can navigate these changes, specifically in terms of nonprofit funding
1 hour Continuing Education credit for library staff
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 
 
FINAL DAYS TO SIGN UP FOR
 
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 
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
On March 14, an executive order was issued aimed at dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to funding libraries. Millions rely on its support daily. Take action now! Click the image below to send a pre-written message to your senators and representatives—it only takes seconds to make an impact!

 
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...
 
 
Share a library-related meaningful quote or a funny cartoon with the RCLS community... 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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