Monday Briefing - March 14, 2022

System Meeting Canceled: Friday, March 18, 2022

Our presenter for Friday's System Meeting had a conflict and we will need to reschedule Grant Writing 101 (most likely it will be put on the fall calendar). Because we send regular weekly communications to library staff (Monday Briefings, YS Updates, OWWL Post, etc), there is not much content for the Announcements. Therefore, we are going to cancel this Friday's System Meeting (March 18).

Please join us for the next System Meeting on Friday, April 15 at 10am

IMLS Grant Opportunity

Maria Garrido, Research Scientist at the University of Washington, is looking for libraries to participate in an IMLS grant project.

Her team was invited to submit a full proposal for a National Leadership Grant for Libraries research in service to practice project: Libraries as Catalysts for Creating More Inclusive Data.

This partnership is through RRLC, their role will be to facilitate collaboration in our region and disseminate training opportunities to our regional and statewide network. The libraries who are selected to participate directly in the project will receive a $10,000 stipend. Ideally, they would like one urban/suburban library and one rural. I attached a Scope of Work document for you to review so you know what to expect as far as time commitment and responsibilities for the participating libraries.

If your library is interested in participating, let me know.

• Collaboration with libraries_Scope of work.pdf
• IMLS Two-pager final draft_Sept. 15th_2021_resubmission.docx.pdf

Advocacy Update

Both the Senate and Assembly have released their one-house budget proposals, both are looking good for libraries.

Senate:

• $123M Library Aid
• $45M Construction Aid

Assembly

• Library Aid: S106.1M
• Library Construction: Restoration of $34M

We're getting closer to hearing about the final Executive Budget figures, I'll keep you posted.

Pride Month Shirts

The System will be doing a bulk order of tee shirts featuring the OWWL logo with a rainbow overlay for Pride Month. A mockup of the shirt is available on the order form. The shirts are standard cotton tees and are available in sizes Adult Small to Adult 3XL.

Shirts will be distributed to libraries mid-May. Depending on the total quantity ordered, shirts may range in price from $11-13/each. Libraries will be billed back from the System in June/July.

Libraries that wish to purchase these shirts should fill click here to fill out the form below by Friday, April 8. Contact Suzanne with any questions.

2022 Continuing Education Scholarship

Continuing Education Scholarships for two conferences will be awarded to applicants who are first-time attendees and have demonstrated a commitment to professional development and supporting their library community:

• Association for Rural and Small Libraries September 14-17, 2022; Chattanooga, TN (up to $800)
• New York Library Association November 2-5, 2022; Saratoga Springs, NY (up to $700)

The deadline to apply is March 31. Click here to learn more and access the application. Contact Suzanne with any questions.

State Aid for Library Construction Intent to Apply

As a reminder, the State Aid for Library Construction Intent to Apply is due the System on June 1 which is coming up quick. This year the Intent to Apply must include contractor quotes and proof of available funds.

Click here to learn more about the FY 2023 construction aid cycle . Contact Suzanne with any questions.

OWWL Libraries Traveling Summer StoryWalks ®

The Pioneer Library System will partner with eight OWWL Libraries (two from each county) that do not currently have, support, or sponsor a StoryWalk ® (or variation of) in their library community. The System will fund and create nine StoryWalks ® to rotate among these partner libraries each week from July 3 through September 3, 2022.

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply is April 8. Contact Suzanne with any questions.

BookPage Renewal from Kelly

It is time to renew our BookPage subscription. Our current subscription expires 4/30/22. BookPage is a monthly print publication that is available as a giveaway to your library patrons. It includes features on forthcoming books, author interviews, and reviews of new fiction and nonfiction books for adults and youth. You can view an online edition at: www.bookpage.com.

Pioneer Library System does a group order for this publication to help provide BookPage at a discounted price. The price is approximately $.37 per copy (We currently have a subscription for 500 copies. In order to receive the $.37 per copy we must continue with the 500 copies, otherwise, the price will increase to $.54 per copy if we fall below the 500). Libraries must order in increments of 5. (5 copies @ $.37/each for 12 months = $22.20/year, 10 copies @ $.37/each for 12 months = $44.40/year, etc.) The final cost depends on the total quantity ordered by all. PLS will invoice each member library for their order.

I've attached the quantity each library ordered last time.

Please respond to Kelly's email by Friday, March 25th if your library is interested in placing an order. Specify how many copies you would like to order in quantity increments of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20 copies etc.)

Bookpage counts 2021xlsx.pdf

March System Board Meeting Summary

The System Board met on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

• Approved the updated Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan (NY HERO Act)
• Reviewed a Draft Selection and Reconsideration Policy and a Freedom to Read Resolution
• Approved the 2021 Financial Audit
• Approved the FY 2021 990
• Approved the FY 2021 AUD
• Approved the annual Conflict of Interest Report
• Approved ARPA Assistive Technology Grants
• Approved a $40,129.00 OverDrive invoice

Click here for the Meeting Minutes.