RAMAPO CATSKILL LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS
 
January 27, 2025
IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!
LIBRARY ADVOCACY DAY 2025
It is imperative that library champions attend - library staff, administrators, trustees, and friends - to create a positive and strong lasting impression on our legislators.  Join us to advocate for funding and legislative initiatives at the annual Library Advocacy Day.
(See the Continuing Education section of this newsletter to register
for the Jan 30th session of preparatory training and information) 
 
Transportation
RCLS, along with Mid-Hudson Library System and Westchester Library System, has secured buses for this day. There is a fee of $10 per person. Must be registered with payment by Feb 2nd. (Payment will not be accepted the day-of the trip.)
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 Workshop
for Directors, Staff, and Trustees who will be involved in
preparing the 2024 Annual Report for their library 
Please click on the link below OR visit the RCLS Calendar to register
 Virtual Annual Report Workshop ONLINE
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 Workshop does 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

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 

Rescheduled to Monday, February 3rd
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Big things are happening for this Rockland County library! 
Pearl River Public Library settles into its temporary home...
 
As shared by Ed Falcone, Interim Director: This season will see our long-awaited move to our temporary location at the former Ringer’s furniture store at 75 East Central Avenue. This season will look a little different than those of winters past. In order to accommodate the move to our temporary space, much of our programming is happening offsite, hosted by our generous partners at the Pearl River United Methodist Church and the Rockland Conservatory of Music. We are grateful they have helped us maintain so much of our valued programming, and we thank them for their generosity.
We are excited for the renovations this project will enable us to achieve and look forward to welcoming you into the new space someday soon. 
 
He commended the library staff on the work they did on thinning the collection in advance of the move and their cooperation throughout all the changes such a transition brings.  Thanks also went out to their dedicated librarians and all the incredible library staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure everything made it safely to the library's new location.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

The Blooming Grove Post Launches: A New Voice for Local Journalism
 
 The Blooming Grove Post, a new community newspaper, launched this month with a mission to document the people, places, and events of Blooming Grove. Its aim is to preserve the town’s history while fostering community connection.
 Assemblyman Brian Maher supported the launch with a grant, inspired by Manor Ink, a youth-driven newspaper in Livingston Manor. The BG Post provides opportunities for aspiring journalists to develop their skills while engaging with their community.
 “The Blooming Grove Post is a testament to our town’s commitment to preserving its stories,” said Carol McCrossen, Director of the Moffat Library of Washingtonville. “Thanks to Assemblyman Maher and our volunteers, we’re creating something meaningful for our community.”
 
 

 
 
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 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.
 
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
 
Color Our World Summer Reading
In-person Workshop
Thursday, February 13, 2025 ~ 9:30am - 12:30pm
RCLS HQ, 619 Rte 17 M, 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 finally, 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 
Starting a Bike Share Program 
at Your Library (online)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 ~ 10:00-11:00 am
Presenters: Paul Spreer and Emma Balsam
NYSDOT SMS Program’s bike-borrow initiative
Topics to be addressed include identifying the need for a bike-borrow program, how the program works, community benefits, program structure, steps to launching a program, impacts on the community
The presentation will not be recorded.
1 hour Continuing Education credit for Library Staff
[Not applicable towards Trustee Education credit hours]
REGISTER HERE 
 
A bike-borrow program or bike lending library, provides patrons of a library or other community-based organization the opportunity to check out or “borrow” a bike for a two-week period, entirely free of charge. These programs aim to target communities with limited public transit access and are designated as either disadvantaged as sited in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or Justice40 areas. As of January 2025, dozens of bikes have been distributed for borrowing among four bike-borrow programs across Long Island, with plans for expansion ahead of Spring 2025. 
 
 
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
   
The 2025 Budget Cycle is Fast Approaching!
Tell Governor Hochul to increase state aid for libraries. Click the image below to urge the Governor to increase funding, ensuring that libraries remain essential resources for everyone.
Let your voice make 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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