Director Briefing - April 28, 2025

Construction Aid Contact Update and Intent to Apply

We're making some minor changes, and I (Ron) will be the contact for Construction Aid moving forward. If you need any help or have any questions, let me know.

The Intent to Apply is due on May 30. All you need is a brief project description and a contractor’s quote showing the total cost. The minimum award is $2,500—and since libraries may be eligible to receive up to 90% in funding, smaller projects are absolutely welcome!

We're still waiting to see how much we'll receive this year, but as soon as I know, I'll send out an update.

OWWLDAC - May 2 at Geneva Public Library

OWWLDAC is scheduled for this Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10 AM. It will be in-person at Geneva Public Library (244 Main Street, Geneva, NY 14456) with an online option as well.

Please note: Hybrid meetings may encounter technical difficulties. While we will strive to address these issues promptly, we cannot guarantee a completely uninterrupted experience.

Agenda and Zoom info here: https://docs.owwl.org/Members/DirectorsAdvisoryCouncilAgendaMay22025

We will have a special guest joining us remotely from Swank Movie Licensing. He will give a brief presentation on some of the common issues we've been running into with licensing.

Let me or Grace (Avon) know if there is anything you would like to see added to the agenda.

EAP Resources: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Your mental health and well-being is very important to us! If you or a family member is experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or any mental health issues, EAP (Employee Assistance Program) has resources for relief.

You or an eligible family member can call 24/7/365 for in-the-moment counseling and support – you don’t need to ask for permission or get anyone’s OK – simply call 800-252-4555. Or you can login to www.theEAP.com to access a vast array of self-help tools and resources, including mental health assessments.

EAP has developed a flyer to point you to many of the available tools, mental health resources, and live sessions upcoming in May 2025.

Contact Kelly with questions.

HBR: Tip of the Day

Respond to Disappointment Without Getting Stuck

Disappointment at work is inevitable, but how you respond can shape your growth and future opportunities. To avoid falling into unproductive mindsets (“I deserved this,” “I’ll never succeed,” or “How could they choose someone else?”), take control of your next move with these six steps.

Manage your emotions. Acknowledge your feelings without letting them define you. Labeling emotions helps you understand them and choose a constructive response. Speaking with trusted confidants or journaling can help you process what happened.

Reassess your expectations. Reflect on whether your assumptions were realistic. Consider what decision-makers were looking for and how well you aligned yourself with their needs. Use these insights to refine your approach next time.

Allow for recovery. Take time to rest and recharge. Reconnect with energizing routines and activities outside work. Recovery isn’t indulgent—it’s strategic.

Draw out learning. Seek feedback from decision-makers and peers. Ask what you did well, what was missing, and how you can grow. Even unclear answers can inform your next steps.

Reboot your confidence. Revisit past wins and take small, confidence-building actions. Progress starts with momentum.

Move forward. Reconnect with allies, take initiative, and show you’re future-focused. If alignment is no longer possible, consider new opportunities that fit better with what you’re looking for or have to offer.

This tip is adapted from “6 Ways to Deal with Disappointment Strategically,” by David Lancefield and Dina Denham Smith.