Last week, I mentioned the Public Library Association survey, "Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19." Since then, more than 2,500 unique libraries/ library systems responded to the survey, representing a 28% response rate. Of those respondents, 44% serve populations of less than 10,000 people.

Survey Highlights

While most libraries (98%) reported building closures to some extent, a substantial majority of respondents reported that, in response to COVID-19, they have continued, expanded, or added services such as:

• online renewal policies (76%);
• online services like e-books and streaming media (74%); and
• virtual programming (61%).

Library staff is taking other innovative steps to adapt and respond to community needs.

• 21% are providing non-COVID online resources (activities to do at home, unemployment resources)
• 21% are expanding access to services (e-cards, deaf/blind/disabled expanded options, fine forgiveness, upping checkout limits, providing online assistance)
• 17% are distributing library materials (free craft supplies, kits for various activities such as games and STEM, mailing items)
• 13% are providing technology (laptop and hotspot checkout, expanding Wi-Fi, print/scan/copy/fax services)
• 12% are using maker space equipment to create medical supplies

More than 80% of respondents report providing public Wi-Fi access when the library building was closed before the COVID-19 crisis, and 12% have added or expanded this service since the crisis began.

Of particular interest are the plans for recovery. Participating libraries identified the following priorities:

1. Offering new & expanded services, including building on digital services developed during the pandemic
2. Focus on health & safety when able to return to the building, including staff, patrons & materials
3. Plans for phased reopening
4. Securing funding to continue to operate at pre-crisis levels
5. Identify, develop, and meet the needs for increased services for those hardest hit by the pandemic

To learn more about the survey and its findings, check out the Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19 webinar at 2 pm on April 22. In the meantime, if we can be of any help, please get in touch.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced measures to award the first $30 million of $50 million appropriated to the agency in the CARES Act.

The $30 million in the funding phase announced today will be distributed to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, and the Freely Associated States based on population. The agency is allocating these grants through its most significant in-place funding vehicle for all states and territories, State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs), who are encouraged to use all available mechanisms to reach museum and tribal partners, as well as traditionally eligible libraries.

These funds are in addition to previously announced measures to support the urgent needs of museums, libraries, their staff, and the communities they serve. On April 6, IMLS authorized new flexibilities for its nearly 1,300 open awards in response to the impact of COVID-19.

“Together, we must address this challenge in the places most affected by coronavirus,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “This pandemic has highlighted the fact that people in rural and tribal communities, as well as those in high-poverty areas or remote regions lacking access to broadband, have been disproportionately affected. We must target these funds to provide job, health, economic, and other high-impact relief, and this funding round focuses on providing efficient, urgent help to citizens across the nation.”

States and territories will be able to use the funds to expand digital network access, purchase internet accessible devices, and provide technical support services to citizens to address digital inclusion efforts and related technical support, using the following types of data to prioritize efforts:

• Poverty/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
• Unemployment; and
• Broadband availability.

The state allotment tables can be viewed here; IMLS will provide additional details and anticipated timelines of this funding availability directly to SLAAs. More information is available at imls.gov/coronavirus.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. While the program has currently run out of money, it is expected that lawmakers will procur additional funding. If you have been considering applying but have not yet, consider getting all paperwork in order in case additional funding is available.

The funding allows the SBA to forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks, and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.

According to Erika Wood of Bond, Schoeneck & King, "The intent of the PPP is to re-hire employees that have been laid off. If an employee that has been laid off is unwilling or unable to return, an employer should be able to use the funds to hire another employee. Unfortunately, while Treasury has stated it would issue guidance, it hasn’t done so yet, so it is unclear whether employers have an obligation to re-hire the same employees, or what documentation an employer may need to have, if any, regarding hiring another employee versus rehiring an employee in the event an employee is unable or unwilling to return.

Who’s eligible?

• Small employers with 500 employees or fewer
• Other business concerns that meet the current SBA size standards
• Sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and contractors
• Certain nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(19) veteran organizations, religious organizations, and tribal businesses with under 500 employees.
• Businesses in the accommodation and food service industries can apply on a per location basis if they have 500 employees or fewer per location.

Updated information as of 4/6/2020:

• Interest Rate - 1%
• Loan Term - 2 Years
• Headcount determination
• May be actual employees or full-time equivalents. Defer to your lenders for their preference.
• Forgiveness may be prorated based on actual eligible payroll express during the performance period (8-weeks).
• The performance period (8 weeks) begins immediately following the disbursement of the loan proceeds.
• If you have laid off employees prior to receiving the PPP loan, you will have a short window to rehire them.
• You may not defer the spending until you are re-opened.
• If you are planning to utilize the funds when your business re-opens, you should delay your application until you are prepared to use the funds. Please keep in mind that these funds are first come, first serve, and may not be able available when it is convenient to participate.

Expenses that CAN NOT be included in the average monthly payroll calculations for loan amount determination and/or forgiveness:

• Employer contributions to social security and Medicare.
• Worker's compensation, disability, and/or unemployment insurance.
• Payroll processing fees.
• For sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, independent contractors and LLCs filing as sole proprietors/partnerships:
• The lender will determine the mechanism for identifying the owner's average monthly payroll.
• Each lender is likely to use a different approach to this determination and you will have to follow the guidance of your lender.
• If you have multiple businesses, check with the lender as to how the multiple businesses should apply for the program.
• The multiple businesses should be working with the same lender for the application processes.
• The lender will need to verify that the total number of employees of the businesses qualify as a small business.
• The lender may have multiple businesses apply under one application or as separate applications.
• The lender will have the final say on how to approve and process applications from owners with multiple businesses.
• If you have received an EIDL cash advance prior to the disbursement of the PPP loan, the EIDL advance may be deducted from the total of the PPP loan approval.

How to Apply

You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender, like Adirondack Trust Company, Saratoga National Bank, Glens Falls National, Ballston Spa National Bank, NBT and more or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Lenders are accepting applications now.

If you are having trouble finding a lender for the Paycheck Protection Program, PayPal, Intui and Square were approved to participate in the program over the weekend.

If you tried to register for the SBA information sessions but were unable to register, here is an updated (4/6/2020) recording of the information session.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has posted the interim final rule for Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and 7a participating lenders are now able to accept Payroll Protection Program applications.

Payroll Protection Program Application

Payroll Protection Program Overview (4.3.2020)

Payroll Protection Program Fact Sheet

Current SBA 7a Lenders (4.3.2020)

Frequently Asked Questions (4.6.2020)

The Bethlehem Public Library created a digital scavenger hunt, encouraging their patrons to explore their website. What virtual services are you offering patrons? Please let Erica know, so she can highlight them in future newsletters!

One of the challenges of moving into an online environment is leaving behind people who don't have access to technology, or who live in areas that don't have broadband connectivity. If you're looking for a way to help people connect, here are a couple of sources on low-cost services and equipment to share with your community:

• EveryoneOn - https://www.everyoneon.org/
• National Digital Inclusions Alliance - www.digitalinclusion.org/covid19
• PCs for People - https://www.pcsforpeople.org/

While these sources point to low-cost services, they do not solve the problem of access for those who can't afford service at all. For those with connectivity but limited resources, Tech-Talk offers free learning to students, teachers and patrons during this nationwide shutdown. Apply here for your library, academic institution or school.

As we begin discussions about returning to work, health concerns are at the fore. The US Food & Drug Administration has released the following guidelines on April 10 for businesses that work with the public (which would include public libraries). Some of the relevant guidelines include:

Managing Employee Health:

• Instruct employees with symptoms associated with COVID-19 to report them to their supervisors. Instruct sick employees to stay home and to follow the CDC's What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Consult with the local health department for additional guidance.
• If an employee is sick at work, send them home immediately. Clean and disinfect surfaces in their workspace. Others at the facility with close contact (i.e., within 6 feet) of the employee during this time should be considered exposed.
• Instruct employees who are well, but know they have been exposed to COVID-19, to notify their supervisor and follow CDC-recommended precautions (see below).
• Inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, if an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality.
• Implement workplace controls to reduce transmission among employees, such as those described below that are included in CDC's Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.
  • Employers - Pre-screen (e.g., take temperature and assess symptoms before starting work).
  • Employers - Disinfect and clean work spaces and equipment, and consider more frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces.
  • Employees - Regularly self-monitor (e.g., take temperature and assess symptoms of coronavirus).
  • Employees - Wear a mask or face covering.
  • Employees - Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet from other people whenever possible.
• For additional information when employees may have been exposed to COVID-19, refer to CDC's CDC's Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19.
• For additional information on employee health and hygiene and recommendations to help prevent worker transmission of foodborne illness, refer to FDA's Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook.
  • If FDA recommendations differ from CDC's regarding employee health and COVID-19, follow CDC.
• For returning previously sick employees to work, refer to CDC's Guidance for Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19.
• Follow CDC and FDA information on PPE (i.e., gloves, face masks/coverings, and protective gear).
• Frequently review CDC's CDC's Interim Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019.
• Understand risk at the workplace - use OSHA's Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.

Help bring awareness to the availability of online library programs and services by using Findnyculture.org to promote web-based learning opportunities throughout your systems. Findnyculture.org is a searchable directory of over 4,600 cultural institutions across the state, including museums, science centers, and libraries, and is home to a robust statewide events calendar.

Profiles have already been created for every public library system and individual member library in New York State, and can be customized and updated at any time via secure login. To receive login information for your profile, please send an email to info@findnyculture.org.

While this is a relatively new tool, broad participation from the library community will help turn Findnyculture.org into a powerful resource for providing centralized, streamlined access to in-demand library program offerings.

Findnyculture.org was created by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education, with input from New York’s teachers and cultural organizations. E-mail info@findnyculture.org to request a secure login or additional information.

Since 2016, SALS's Libraries Mean Business initiative has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs. We provide funding to train Notary Publics for each SALS's library 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 additional staff trained, there's good news!

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

• Attend the Notary Exam Preparation Course 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 be reimbursed after the Notary Public Exam is completed.

The online learning opportunity is available through May 6, allowing anyone interested to move at your own pace. There are two opportunities to participate:

Notary Public License Exam Preparation — Distance Learning Course

May 1 | Friday | 9:30am to 1:30pm

Registration closes on April 20

This live, interactive workshop via Zoom prepares you for the New York State Notary Public exam and will provide a comprehensive view of the Notary Public Office. All materials will be provided in advance of the course by mail. Learn more under Professional Development. Pre-registration is required.

Please identify yourself as a SALS member when registering to obtain documentation of online course completion to submit with a copy of the paid bill to SALS for reimbursement.

To register and pay for the course, call 518-743-2238, e-mail conted@sunyacc.edu, or complete and submit the registration form.

Please note that you must complete all required components of the course and submit your paid bill, course participation documentation, and proof of completed and passed Notary Public exam to receive reimbursement from SALS. The deadline for submitting documentation for reimbursement to Erica is September 30, 2020. No reimbursements are available after that date.

Support for this program comes from the New York State Library’s Adult Literacy Library Services Program.

The Protecting Immigrant Families, Advancing our Future (PIF) Campaign – a collaborative project between the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – is now inviting proposals from community-based non-profit organizations. In light of the implementation of the public charge regulations and current public health crisis, the PIF Campaign seeks applications that would build capacity to mitigate harm and empower immigrant communities to fight fear with facts. Preference will be given to organizations and coalitions well-positioned to directly interface with immigrant communities.

In an effort to reflect the diverse network of partners and coalitions that make up the PIF Campaign, we invite proposals for grants in three different tiers:

• Tier A – larger, state-wide coalitions: Applications of more than five organizations and planned activities in at least five categories can apply for grants of $50,000 to $100,000.

• Tier B – smaller partnerships: Applications of two to five organizations and planned activities in at least 3 categories can apply for grants of $20,000 to $50,000.

• Tier C – single organizations: Applications from a single organization and planned activities in 2 categories can apply for grants of $10,000 to $15,000.

Subgrants: Applicants may subgrant a portion of the funding to engage, build capacity, and disseminate information within your network of local, immigrant-serving organizations.

The Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign is inviting proposals from community-based non-profit organizations to address issues related to the newly implemented public charge rules for immigrants. PIF seeks applications that build capacity to empower immigrant communities with facts about the rules. The RFP can be downloaded here. Proposals are due April 24.

March 23 marked the 10-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since its inception more than 20 million people have gained health coverage, pushing the uninsured rate to an all-time low, but many still remain without coverage. Despite the ever-increasing challenges for libraries and library staffers during this time, one fact remains: libraries still play a role in public health and our communities depend on us as connectors to information.

Through the Public Library Association (PLA)’s second annual Libraries Connecting You to Coverage initiative, libraries can access a suite of turnkey resources to start or increase efforts to educate and build awareness of health insurance coverage options, especially with the evolving workforce landscape. With the outbreak of COVID-19, many patrons may experience job cuts and layoffs, and many uninsured people in our communities may be wondering if they can now enroll in a health insurance plan.

Libraries can ACT NOW with pre-made materials for:

• Coverage options including Medicaid or Special Enrollment Period
• Using your health insurance
• Preventive Care
• Social media-friendly assets
• Radio ad scripts
• Spanish language assets

A healthy community requires that all different sectors of it—across demographic groups with varying health needs—have access to information and resources to address health care concerns, prevention, support programs, and more. As essential anchor institutions, libraries can act now to educate their staff and communities about the options they have, the resources they need, and how to prepare for the uncertainty ahead.

Simon & Schuster is working with libraries to connect with other readers and authors during these uncertain times. They are providing an opportunity to bring book club authors into your clubs online for remote discussions.

Libraries can choose from a list of authors who are available to call, Skype, or Zoom into conversations with your clubs.

If you are interested in setting up a time for an author to connect with your book club online, please contact bookclubfavorites@simonandschuster.com with the following information:

1.The top two or three preferred authors from the list.
Due to availability, we ask that, if possible, you request to speak with the authors whose titles your club has already read.

2.Your desired timeframe.
Month, preferred week, etc. Please allow for some flexibility so that we can best accommodate you and our authors.

3.Your preferred platform.
Skype, Zoom, Phone, or other systems your club will be using.

Thanks to the incredible Jill Ryder, all of the SALS member libraries will have free access to TumbleBooks through August 31, 2020.

TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! Your patrons can read as many books as they want, when they want, and on any device. There are no checkouts, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly.

We'll be sending out an email to all directors shortly with more information. Jack will be working with any interested libraries to put links on your websites.

The Capital District Library Council will be holding online meetings this week to stay connected and engaged with your colleagues during this time of change. We created two standing Zoom meetings to help you share thoughts on your new work environment, expound on innovative service ideas, and discuss opportunities for virtual engagement. You can also check in to just say hi as we take the time to support one and other!

Our online Zoom meetings are scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:00 am and Thursdays at 1:00 pm. Click on the buttons below to join a meeting:

Tuesdays at 10:00 am | https://zoom.us/j/309834807 | Meeting ID 309 834 807

Thursdays at 1:00 pm | https://zoom.us/j/651018316 | Meeting ID 651 018 316

To join any of the meetings by phone in New York, dial (646) 558-8656 and enter the Meeting ID for that day of the week.

Would you like an opportunity to honor an active library supporter, Friend or Friends of the Library? The Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award is sponsored by the Friends of Libraries Section (FLS) of NYLA. Given annually since 1993 (through the precursor of FLS, the Empire Friends Roundtable), the award honors a volunteer member or group from the library community whose efforts have contributed to the growth of libraries or Friends of the Library organizations.

To learn more about Daniel W. Casey and to find the nomination form, go to www.NYLA.org/Friends to the “Awards and Scholarships” page. The deadline to submit nominations for this prestigious award is Monday, June 1, 2020. This year’s award recipient will be announced at the FLS annual membership meeting in Saratoga Springs on Friday, November 6, at the NYLA Annual Conference.

Nominations must include all relevant information outlined on the application form. Make sure to describe the contributions of the nominee (group or individual) to library service in detail; including positions held, years of service, accomplishments, successful fundraisers, etc.

Please submit the nomination form and all supporting materials (press releases, promotional materials, etc.) electronically to Marie Bindeman, Coordinator, via email at mariebind1955@gmail.com, or mail three copies to Marie Bindeman, 5498 Hartford Drive, Lockport, NY 14094. Paper copies sent by mail will not be returned.

If you have any questions, please contact Marie Bindeman at mariebind1955@gmail.com or call 716-433-0548. Thank you for your interest!

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries has opened applications for a series of scholarships to attend this year's annual conference in Wichita, Kansas.

And there's another opportunity as well:

The American Library Association (ALA) and ARSL have announced an opportunity only for ARSL members who are interested in learning to lead conversations.

Specially designed for the needs of small and rural libraries, Libraries Transforming Communities: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries is a new learning series that helps library workers develop skills to engage with their communities.

As part of the project, ALA is offering travel stipends of $1,000 each and free full conference registration to the 2020 ARSL Conference in Wichita.

Fifty libraries will be selected, and each library will send one employee to participate in a one-day pre-conference workshop covering facilitation skills. (And of course, you are welcome to stay for the entire conference.) Library workers receiving the travel stipend/conference registration agree to:

• Participate in an LTC: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries online course (May - September 2020)
• Attend monthly coaching sessions (May – December 2020)
• Participate in the one-day, in-person pre-conference for LTC: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the 2020 ARSL Conference in Wichita, Kansas.

Please read the full guidelines and apply online:

http://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/LTCARSLStipend/guidelines.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15. Winners will be notified on April 30 (before general registration for the conference opens).

Questions? Email ALA’s Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org.

Share your library’s community engagement breakthroughs! Submissions should highlight a current project or one completed within the past year that impacts and extends your public library’s reach by engaging with your community. Three libraries will be recognized with an award and each will receive $5,000. To learn more and complete the form, visit the OCLC Community Engagement Award page.

Winners will be selected by a panel of OCLC member library leaders. Each winner will be contacted prior to a public announcement in June 2020. OCLC is accepting nominations from all public libraries in the Americas now through April 30, 2020

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

The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free lending library available to individuals living in Westchester County and north, who have difficulty reading standard print due to a visual impairment, a physical disability, or a reading disability. While TBBL’s mail service is temporarily on hold, we recommend libraries and library patrons register for the free downloading service called Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD).

BARD is a free web-based service from the National Library Service that provides immediate access to audio and electronic braille books, magazines, and music scores. Thousands of resources are accessible any time of the day. With BARD, there are no waitlists and no books to return.

Reading materials can be downloaded through the BARD Mobile app which is available for iOS and Android devices. TBBL patrons may also download titles through the BARD website and read using a TBBL digital talking book player or third party player.

We encourage library staff to register for an Institution BARD account so they can become familiar with the service and demonstrate the downloading process to eligible patrons. Please note that public library staff receive a demonstration BARD account which provides access to four titles.

Apply for BARD

• To qualify for BARD, you must first be a TBBL patron. If an individual or library is not a TBBL member, please complete and submit an application for TBBL service. Please note that in cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations, a professional librarian may serve as “competent authority” to certify a patron’s application.
• Current TBBL Patrons May Apply for BARD – Please complete the short online application found here for access to BARD: Individual BARD Application, Institution BARD Application

BARD applications will be approved as quickly as possible. New BARD members receive login information and directions for downloading after registration. Please visit the library’s website to learn more about TBBL service. If you have any questions, please email TBBL staff, tbbl@nysed.gov.