Director Briefing - February 3, 2025

Congratulations to Anne at Ontario!

Last Tuesday, Anne Rehor became the new Director of the Ontario Public Library.

Congratulations, Anne!

Legal Aid Society Training: ICE Encounters in the Library on Monday, February 10 from 1 - 2 PM

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester will educate library staff on what to do in the event that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears at one your libraries. They will share with the current enforcement protocols of ICE, what to do if a staff member encounters someone from ICE, legal obligations regarding ICE encounters, and what to do during and after an ICE encounter. They will also share materials/resources for community members who may be at risk and answer any questions we may have.

Zoom link will be sent the morning of the workshop. This session will not be recorded.

Register here.

Ask the HR Expert, Stephanie "Cole" Adams | Upcoming Webinars from ESLN

Friday, February 28, 10 AM - 11:30 AM: Innovations in Employee Benefits. Exploring unconventional benefits libraries, museums, and other cultural organizations can offer to recruit, retain, and inspire employees. Register here.

Friday, March 28, 10 AM - 11:30 AM: AI on the (GLAM) Job. A review of how the law impacts the use of AI at work in libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions. Register here.

Friday, April 25, 10 AM - 11:30 AM: Open Ask HR. This seminar is a chance to pose your “What ifs,” “Whys,” and “Howabouts” for employment practices in the future. Register here.

Erie Canal Bicentennial Webinar from NYSL

The Grand Canal: Celebrating the Erie Canal's Bicentennial on Tuesday, February 11 from 1 PM - 2 PM. Register here.

The Erie Canal is one of the most important transportation routes in American history. When the canal opened in 1825 its effects on New York and the United States were immediate. In 2025 communities across the state will celebrate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal with special events, programs, festivals, and more. In this webinar you will learn about:

• Erie Canal history and its impacts on the growth of New York State and the nation
• An overview of events happening to celebrate the Erie Canal's bicentennial in 2025
• Resources available to engage youth and families in learning about the Erie Canal
• Suggestions for canal themed programs or performances you could host in your community or at your library

Reruns

Information on Libraries and Immigration Enforcement

Another topic where questions have been coming in has been on libraries and immigration enforcement.

Attached below are the internal documents from NYPL and BPL on responding to immigration agencies. They may be worth reading to see if there is an internal document your library would want to have. Some libraries have also taken the initiative to order documents containing information on individuals' constitutional rights to help explain how to handle situations with law enforcement.

As libraries decide to take different actions, remember that while we may be political to a certain extent, we are non-partisan organizations that rely on distributing information.

We are looking at training opportunities for library staff. If this is something you would be interested in, let me know.

Resources

NYPL Checklist - Responding to Immigration Agency Interactions at NYPL

Brooklyn Revised Protocol for Immigration Enforcement In the Library - Guidance

NYSL Resource: Information to Help New York's Libraries Safeguard the Rights of Immigrants

The Office of New Americans Know Your Rights resources, and confidential hotline number 1-800-566-7636, available Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 8 PM.

ALA: Libraries and Immigration Enforcement

HBR: Tip of the Day

Keep up with the News—Without Spiraling

Keeping up with the news is important, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Here’s how to strike a balance and stay informed—without spiraling.

Get perspective. More news isn’t always good for you. Take breaks when headlines feel overwhelming, and remember: how you respond matters more than how much you consume.

Be judicious and deliberate. Stick to trustworthy news sources and focus on topics that truly impact your life. Avoid reaction-driven social media and read full, balanced stories. Set boundaries for when you check the news—for example, after breakfast, not before bed—and stop turning to headlines out of boredom.

Develop healthier habits. If you feel consumed by negativity, replace compulsive scrolling with grounding activities like meditation, journaling, or hobbies that ease tension and build focus.

Transform anxiety into action. Replace passive worry with meaningful action. Volunteer, advocate for legislation, or support community initiatives to make a difference and feel less powerless.

Consume your news the old-fashioned way. Digital news and social media often fuel anxiety. Try reading print newspapers or magazines for a more focused and less overwhelming experience.

This tip is adapted from “How to Keep Up with the News Without Getting Overwhelmed,” by Rebecca Knight.