I've been thinking a lot about ethics lately. Years ago, I remember someone explaining ethics as being "what we do when no one's looking," which is part of it, but it's also how we treat each other and take care of each other in our daily lives -- often modeling our behavior and choices for others. To be ethical means different things to people -- how we each gauge what is right and wrong depends on our understanding of our world and our relationship to it, and society. How we behave personally, or how we define our own ethical stances, are different from professional ethics, which are a shared understanding of how we behave, treat our colleagues, and provide services to our communities.

This summer, during the American Library Association (ALA) Annual and Exhibition virtual conference, the ALA Council unanimously adopted a new ninth principle on racial and social justice to the association's Code of Ethics. This new professional guideline illustrates ALA's continued commitment to providing library professionals with resources that promote equity within library service and librarianship.

The ninth principle within the ALA Code of Ethics reads:

“We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.”

It's a great reminder to center and value people in our work everyday. Thanks for being thoughtful, compassionate, and ethical leaders.

Back in May, a wonderful group of kids joined Youth Services Coordinator Julie Pasieka to help plant a garden at the Galway Public Library. They sowed seeds and transplanted tomatoes, cantaloupes, squash and cucumber plants in two raised beds. One evening, as Julie was leaving the library, she watched a very plump groundhog scurry away from the garden. Upon inspection, she found t it had chewed most of the tender plants down the ground. Julie & the kids planted some more with similar results. One day a few weeks later, while hosting a Preschool Story Time, Julie saw their groundhog friend directly outside the glass door with two adorable baby groundhogs! The preschoolers were so excited to see the family they decided to shared some of the garden's bounty with their hungry new friends.

The ravenous beasties left little for the library to share during it's Garden Club Harvest event in August, so they put out a call for donations of fresh produce -- and the community came through in a big way. People shared veggies from their gardens, and Julie hid fruits and vegetables around the library just before the event launch.

A young patron, Ailey Nelson, agreed to volunteer to play the part of a groundhog in a game that was a combination of scavenger hunt and tag. The kids tried to get the fresh produce back to a safety zone before being tagged by the "Groundhog". Once tagged, the kid's produce became groundhog food and went into a separate area. As in real life, the game ended up with the Groundhog ahead of the humans for quantity harvested. The kids had a blast and got to take fresh produce home, along with recipes for how to use it. They also discussed pest control plans for next year's garden!

Story walks are popping up all over! The Town of Ballston Community Library installed a story walk in June. The project was spearheaded by the Sheridans, a local family, with support from the library, the Friends of the Library, the town, and the Parks Committee. Both Curtis Lumber and Lowe's donated supplies.

The first book shared was Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett. The library will be changing the story to feature We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom in the next couple of weeks, and plan to keep it open year-round.

If your library has a StoryWalk, consider taking part in the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services and Let's Move in Libraries week-long event November 15-19, 2021 celebrating the inspiring work of libraries who spearhead StoryWalk® programs – promoting literacy, reading, health, exercise, and movement in communities and neighborhoods across the United States and the world.

Submissions are open now and run through November 8, 2021. We invite submissions of all StoryWalk® programs and variations, including Story Strolls, Story Trails, PoetryWalks: Whatever you call it – if it involves reading materials posted along paths – we want to feature it!

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

The struggle is real. As we continue to navigate the pandemic while doing all the things, many of us are dealing with burnout and COVID fatigue. The next Adult Program Swap will take place at 11 am Wednesday, September 22, on GoToMeeting, where we'll have a chance to share self-care strategies, and make plans for The Great Give Back, a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.

Greenwich Free Library is in search of a new Library Director. Our small public library is a

community hub and provides a wealth of services and programming. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of library work experience. A degree in library science is preferred, but we will consider any candidate with library experience possessing a minimum of an Associate’s degree.

This candidate should have experience with grant writing, the ability to supervise and support

staff and volunteers, and a willingness to perform community outreach. This is a full-time position with flexible hours that will require some evenings and weekends. The library director is responsible for ordering materials, developing programming and special events, managing the budget, producing an annual report, and representing the library to the Board of Trustees and the town and village boards. An ideal candidate will understand small towns and has strengths in forging and maintaining relationships.

The Greenwich Free Library offers a competitive salary, paid vacation, and flexible hours. A

background check will be required. Greenwich Free Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Applications must be received by September 3rd. Interested candidates should send their

resumes to GFL 148 Main Street Greenwich, New York 12834. Attn. Dave Wever or

dadowever@gmail.com

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.

Notary Public License Exam Preparation — In-Person Course

12:30 - 4:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 7 @ SUNY Adirondack Saratoga

This interactive, in-person workshop prepares you for the New York State Notary Public exam and will provide a comprehensive view of the Notary Public Office.

Topics include avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining professional ethics, charging proper fees, handling special situations, and when to defer to an attorney. All materials will be provided, and information about how to access the NYS Department of State licensing information, booklets, and forms will be distributed.

Please note: The Notary Public exam will not be administered during this workshop; however, an 80-question practice exam and answer key will be provided to complete at home. For information about the NYS Notary Public Exam and licensing process, exam schedule, and forms, please visit the NYS Division of Licensing Services website.

Registration for this class closes Thursday, Sept. 30, to ensure timely receipt of course materials; receipt of course materials will be delayed for individuals registering after that date. See the Continuing Education Registration page for our refund policy.

Join NYLA's Friends of the Library Section for its next gathering, Connections: Membership Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Monday, September 13. Our discussion will start off with Aletta Seales, Secretary of the Cambria Heights Library Friends, a chapter of the Friends of the Queens Public Library, where some family gardening programs have helped raise awareness and grow the Friends.

The Cambria Heights Library Friends received a Citizens Gardening Grant which the group used to sponsor “Grab and Go” materials for gardening projects. They also held the Queens Botanical Garden “Kitchen Gardening” program for children and families and those involved in community outreach programs. Each program provided an opportunity to recruit members for the Friends.

FLS members have told us they need assistance with expanding their membership and keeping members engaged in the important work they do. What has your group tried to attract members? How do you retain your long-time members and donors? Please come prepared to share your experiences and creative approaches to growing your Friends group.

If you'd like to attend, send a message to FLS Second Vice President Terry Mulee at FLSregister@yahoo.com. Put September Connections in the subject line. In the message, please give your first and last name and the Friends group or library you are representing.

A Friends group may only register for two seats, with no more than two people per login. Each Connections session will only have 30 seats available so we can keep the dialogue focused and facilitate conversation. These sessions will not be archived.

Once you have registered to attend, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with the Zoom access code and any other pertinent information. Registration will close whenever capacity is reached for the session. You will be able to join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. A dial-in option is also available for using a telephone. Long distance rates for your telephone service will apply.

To learn more about the Friends of Libraries Section of the New York Library Association, please visit www.nyla.org/friends. Dues allow us to offer many services and benefits, like our quarterly newsletter, webinars, and conference programs. Membership in FLS is critical to keep NYLA, and the entire library community, strong. Please join or renew today.

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 invites library workers to apply for round 3 of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Focus on Small and Rural Libraries grant.

Up to 100 libraries will be awarded in this round of grantmaking, part of ALA’s longtime community engagement initiative. Library workers may apply online for grant funding by September 16 at ala.org/LTC.

Participating libraries will receive training in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to 21st-century librarianship. Library workers will complete a free ALA e-course on basic facilitation skills; host at least one conversation with community members on a chosen topic; and receive $3,000 to support community engagement efforts. Grant funds may cover a range of expenses, including staff time and collections, and technology purchases.

Libraries that previously were awarded LTC: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries grants are eligible to apply for additional funding to expand their previously awarded projects.

The opportunity is open to libraries serving small and/or rural communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) defines small communities as those with a legal service area population of 25,000 or less and rural communities as those more than, or equal to, five miles from an urbanized area.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).

We all have a special librarian in our lives. Now we have a chance to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. Each year, up to ten librarians are selected to receive a $5,000 cash award and a $750 travel stipend to attend a ceremony in their honor. This year's I Love My Librarian Award Ceremony will be held on January 22, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas at the inaugural LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience event.

Each nominee must be a librarian with a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association in library and information studies or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Nominees must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or a library at an accredited K-12 school, or have been working at one of these institutions as of March 1, 2021.

Questions? Email campaign@ala.org.

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