We have a lot to celebrate this week!

First, it's the 16th Annual National Friends of Libraries Week - October 17-23. Friends of the Library help make the magic happen, providing support for extra programs and services, advocating on behalf of the library, and providing space for more community members to play an active role in their local libraries. A huge thanks to all the Friends of our member libraries! To support our Friends groups, SALS will be convening the first meeting of the Friends Council at 7 pm Tuesday, November 9. Stay tuned for more details!

Congratulations to our member libraries that have received funding from the NY State Aid for Library Construction.

• The Stillwater Public Library secured $337,500 for its new building (and a huge shoutout to Sara Kipp for passing the budget referendum to purchase the former factory to create a 21st-century library for her community!)
• The Bancroft Public Library in Salem received $14,231 to replace old windows, making the building more energy-efficient.
• And the Pember Library & Museum will use $11,129 to install a new roof deck, slate, and flashing on its iconic building.

Thanks to everyone who makes time each year to advocate for the State Aid for Library Construction -- it makes a big difference in creating public spaces for our communities.

Each year in October, the Great Giveback takes place. What's the Great Giveback? A chance for libraries to spend a day performing public service to support their communities. Some of the SALS libraries took part, including:

• Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library--Hygiene Drive
  
• Drop off hygiene products for our community partner, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, from October 11-October 22. Please see the library website for a list of requested items. www.cphlibrary.org
  
  
• Easton Library--The Great Giveback: Warm Hearts and Warm Toes
• The Great Give Back program provides an opportunity for Easton community members and the patrons of the Easton Library to give new warm adult winter accessories, new socks, mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for people who need them. They will be collected at the library from October 16 thru October 30, 2021, and donated to the local schools, Open Door Mission, and the Wait House in Glens Falls, serving adults and youths from Warren and Washington County communities.
  
  
• Greenwich Free Library--Warm Hearts and Warm Toes
• The Great Give Back program provides an opportunity for Greenwich community members and the patrons of the Greenwich Free Library to donate New warm adult winter accessories, new socks, mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for people who need them. They will be collected at the library from October 16 thru October 30, 2021, and donated to the local schools, Open Door Mission, and the Wait House in Glens Falls, serving adults and youths from Warren and Washington County communities.
  
  
• Stillwater Public Library--Pet Supply Drive
• The Stillwater Public Library will be collecting pet care items for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Suggested donation items: cat beds/carriers (used is okay if clean and sanitized), cat and dog toys, cat litter, pet waste bags on a roll, and dog treats.
  

Since 2016, SALS's Libraries Mean Business initiative has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs. We provide funding to train Notaries Public for SALS's member libraries and are building a digital collection of business-related e-books and e-audiobooks.

If your library has not yet taken part in the Notary Public Training program, or if you would like to have an additional person trained, there's good news!.

SALS will cover the cost of one person from each member library to:

• Attend the Notary Public Class at SUNY Adirondack
• Take the one-hour Notary Exam
• Secure a Notary Public License

In exchange, participating libraries MUST:

• Let Erica know they intend to participate
• Register with SUNY Adirondack & identify as part of the SALS group
• Pay for the class, registration, and license
• Submit paperwork to be reimbursed -- including documentation indicating completion of the SUNY Adirondack class and Notary Public Exam and registration.
• Libraries will only be reimbursed after the Notary Public Exam has been completed.

There are two options: An asynchronous, online course, or a four-hour in-person class.

Notary Public License Exam Preparation — Self-Paced, Online Course

Available Sept. 8 through Dec. 15

This online, self-paced course is offered through Blackboard and teaches you the essential information for the New York State Notary Exam. It prepares you to understand your duties and functions as a Notary Public Officer. You will gain insight into what a Notary Public’s key responsibilities and limitations are, as well as some best practices of a Notary Public Officer.

Topics include:

• Notary concepts
• Definition review
• Sample forms
• Notary law subsection review

The Notary Public exam will not be given during this workshop. To successfully complete this course and prepare for the exam, students will be required to complete the reading, discussion and quiz activities identified in the course syllabus.

For information about the NYS Notary Public Exam and licensing process, schedule and forms, please visit the NYS Division of Licensing Services website.

Registration for this course closes Tuesday, Nov. 23, to ensure participants have enough time to complete the course.

Financial -Administrative Manager

The Southern Adirondack Library System is seeking a self-motivated, Administrative Assistant/Financial Manager responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: Financial, Products and Services, Human Resource Management, Operations, and Administrative Support.

The successful candidate should be able to work independently, with attention to detail. Is responsible for accounts receivable, payable, payroll, and all financial records. Coordinates with the Treasurer for financial activities related to bank reconciliation, transfer, and deposit of funds and investments. Prepares reports for the Treasurer, Board, and Director. Is responsible for human resource/personnel matters, including but not limited to employee benefits and policies.

Requirements:

• AAS in accounting, finance, or business with at least 2 years experience or
• High School Diploma with 6 years experience
• Experience working in government or non-profit preferred
• Proficiency using Excel, Word, Quickbooks, and Accounting software
• Good communication (verbal and written), customer service, interpersonal, problem solving, organizational, time management, and analytical skills
• Valid driver’s license.

About us:
The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS), located in Saratoga Springs, NY, helps its 34 member libraries meet their community needs.

SALS is a not-for-profit 501(c)1 governed by a Board of Trustees. SALS operations are guided by a Plan of Service developed by a committee of SALS trustees, member library trustees, and staff representing all sizes of member libraries with attention to geographic location.

Compensation and benefits:

The Southern Adirondack Library System offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Health/Medical Insurance
• Optical Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• NY State Retirement
• NYS Deferred Compensation Plan a 457(b)
• Vacation/Sick/Personal Leave Benefits
• Salary range $45,000 - $55,000

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until October 29, 2021. Interested applicants may submit their resume and cover letter to:

Sara Dallas, Director

sdallas@sals.edu

SALS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The successful candidate will need to follow health guidelines established by NYS and the CDC.

Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for this fun and informative series! Each month trustees are encouraged to read a chapter of the Trustee Handbook and send in questions that the authors will address at live events later this year.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 5:00-6:30pm: Duties & Responsibilities | Register Here

Before the event:
1) Read the chapter: Duties & Responsibilities
2) Thoughts to consider before the program:

• What is your purpose as a Library Trustee?
• What do you believe is the mission of your library in the community?
• Have you received a thorough orientation about the Library, its services, and how it functions?
• How can the Board be most effective as the public body entrusted with the future of the community’s library?

3) Submit your questions here.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 5:00-6:30 pm: Library Board Meetings | Register Here

Before the event:
1) Read the chapter: Library Board Meetings
2) Thoughts to consider before the program:

• Are your meetings well organized with a standard agenda and materials distributed well in advance?
• Do all Board members regularly attend and are well prepared?
• Are you familiar with and faithfully follow the Open Meetings Law?
• Do you review and approve all bills and personnel actions?
• Are you fully apprised of all library activities from the various departments?

3) Submit your questions here.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 5:00-6:30 pm: Personnel | Register Here

Before the event:
1) Read the chapter: Personnel
2) Thoughts to consider before the program:

• Do you abide by the Best Practices rubric: “Director selects; Board appoints”?
• Do you approve all personnel actions (even retroactively), including salary increases, promotions, and terminations?
• If applicable, do you understand your responsibilities under NYS Civil Service Law?
• Does your Board treat the director as the CEO and avoid micromanagement?
• Do you provide sufficient compensation to attract quality staff and a competent library director?
• Do you avoid all appearances of nepotism in the hiring and promotional process?

3) Submit your questions here.

The live events will include a brief introduction to the chapter topic, tackle questions sent in advance by attendees, and address questions that come in live during the event.

Co-Moderators for the series:

• Brian M. Hildreth, Executive Director, Southern Tier Library System
• Ron Kirsop, Executive Director, Pioneer Library System.

Submit Your Questions Here

DHPSNY is excited to announce a new addition to our Planning & Assessment Services—

Foundational Planning Assistance! Foundational Planning Assistance is geared towards organizations that may not feel they are ready for DHPSNY’s Archival Needs Assessment, Preservation Survey, or Strategic Planning Assistance processes.

Foundational Planning Assistance has been designed as an informal and accessible process that provides participating institutions with a framework for institutional advancement, with an emphasis on strengthening the organizational components needed for optimal levels of collections stewardship. The overarching goal of Foundational Planning Assistance is to strengthen an organization’s capacity and prepare them to engage in a comprehensive assessment within the next one to three years.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Foundational Planning Assistance is open to nonprofit cultural institutions in New York State that hold historical records and/or library research materials. It is desired that the organization operates a program to preserve these records and make them publicly accessible; however, organizations that require DHPSNY assistance in developing a program to provide access will be considered.

Application materials for Foundation Planning Assistance are accepted year-round and reviewed on a monthly basis. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis through November 2021.

For assistance, questions about eligibility, or additional information, contact us at info@dhpsny.org or 215-545-0613 ext. 338.

ALA has announced a new grant for libraries designed to spark conversations about American history and culture through an examination of the women's suffrage movement.

To qualify for this grant, the applying institution must be a library (public, tribal, school, academic, or special) residing in the U.S. or U.S. territories. Read the grant guidelines and frequently asked questions.

Through Let's Talk About It (LTAI): Women's Suffrage, participants will read a series of books curated by humanities scholars and discuss the people and events from this often under-taught part of U.S. history.

Twenty-five libraries will be selected to receive a $1,000 stipend to support programming costs, ten copies of five themed books, access to programming guides and support materials, virtual training on the LTAI model, a suite of online resources and more.

Applications will be accepted from September 1 to December 1, 2021. Library workers can apply online at ala.org/ltai.

Please reach out to publicprograms@ala.org with any questions.

ALA invites libraries to apply for funding through its American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries opportunity, a grantmaking program to deliver relief to libraries recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.

With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, ALA will distribute $2 million to help anchor libraries as strong humanities institutions as they emerge and rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. The program assists libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic and require support to restore and sustain their core activities.

Up to 200 U.S. libraries of all types (e.g., public, tribal, K-12, academic, special, prison) and representing a broad range of communities will receive $10,000 through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. Register for a free webinar to learn about the application.

ALA will accept applications from October 5 to December 2, 2021. Learn more and apply online.

Selected libraries will receive:

• $10,000 to support humanities functions of the libraries.
• One print copy of "Going Virtual: Programs and Insights from a Time of Crisis'' by Sarah Ostman for the ALA Public Programs Office (ALA Editions, 2021)
• Online resources and support

Goals include helping create or preserve jobs; supporting or maintaining general operations, creating or sustaining humanities programs; and implementing new humanities activities or sustain existing activities. Eligible expenses include salary and benefit support for library workers engaged in humanities activities, in-person or virtual humanities programming costs, such as book clubs and guest lectures, and marketing and advertising to support library humanities efforts.

Email: efreudenberger@sals.edu
Website: www.sals.edu
Location: 22 Whitney Place, Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
Phone: 518 584 7300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernAdirondackLibrarySystem