By Brian M. Hildreth, Executive Director – Southern Tier Library System
Friday, September 11, 2015
Online Registration for the Annual Meeting and Conference
Invitation and Program Information for 2015 STLS Annual Meeting and Conference
There are many things I enjoy about public librarianship. One thing in particular is celebrating the accomplishments of the many great people who serve this profession.
The STLS Annual Meeting and Conference is fast approaching. On Tuesday, October 6, member libraries from across the five-county area will meet at the Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center for a day of learning and celebration.
Last year’s Meeting & Conference was special to me for two reasons. First, it was something I took ownership in by working with STLS trustees and team members to offer STLS’ first conference-style event as part of the annual meeting. I think events like this fall under STLS’ mission. Second, I enjoyed seeing our member libraries join together in one place in the spirit of a cooperative library system. I realize not everyone gets hung-up on this notion we are a System of one. But, I believe in it because I know how much good can come from it.
I am pleased to announce we will celebrate the accomplishments of several library champions this year.
The Best Use of Social Media Award will be presented to the Southeast Steuben County Library for their online advocacy efforts to shed light on the amazing services their library provides. The library created 4 short promotional videos, which were pushed-out through Facebook and YouTube to engage community members about the benefits of library services. These videos were popular and timely as the library prepared for a second 259 budget vote that ultimately secured the sustainable funds needed for future operations. Not only did these social media campaigns influence the outcome of the vote, they also drove an increase in demand for service.
The Outstanding Promotional Video Award will go to Chemung County Library District for the video title Maker Expo 2015. In 2014, CCLD hosted its first Maker Expo at the Steele Memorial Library in Elmira. More than 1,000 community members attended the event, which featured 30 exhibits. CCLD continued it success with its second Maker Expo in May 2015. Library District Director Ron Shaw explains, “We hold our annual Maker Expo, so we can bring together various community groups to share their talents and their skills… One of the main goals of the library district is to become more of a community center. We want to set a new standard.” The video highlights the impacts of bringing together community members through S.T.E.A.M initiatives.
The Outstanding Library Advocate Award will be presented to Rita M. Finley of Pulteney Free Library. Pulteney Board President Alise Irwin had this to say about Rita, “Rita has been actively involved in the daily life of Pulteney for more than 25 years, during which Rita was a trustee and president of the library board for 18 years. She is the editor and publisher of our library’s quarterly newsletter. She is also well-known for her delicious pies sold at fundraisers.” Rita also coordinates programming for the library, was responsible for the successful passing of a 2013 414 library referendum, and is currently working with community members to build a new building for the Pulteney Free Library.
The Innovative Library Director Award will go to Roxanne Leyes of Montour Falls Memorial Library. Roxanne has transformed the Montour Falls Library in the past five years. Upon arriving, she organized all of the library materials to be more accessible to library patrons, and provide a patron friendly environment. Library Board President Maija DeRoche had this to say about Roxanne, “In a short time, Ms. Leyes has turned the sleepy, almost apathetic library into a lively, friendly place with programs for all age groups and interests, ranging from “infant lap time” and other children’s programs to four book clubs for people with a variety of interests. The overall collections reflect a literary “cut above”. The “first Friday” concert series has grown with each performance. The special cultural opportunity is offered by bus trips to museums, gardens, and city life within a day’s drive.”
The Grass Roots Award presented by the Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council of STLS will be presented to Nic Gunning of the David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville. Since arriving at the library in 2014, Nic has developed a significant number of programs that extend beyond the walls of the library to impact targeted populations. Some examples of his programs include: rotating collections to assisted-living centers, a deposited collection at a cultural art center and most notably a partnership with Allegany County Meals on Wheels to provide food and literature to home-bound residents. Nic also communicates with key individuals to ensure the County Jail has an ample supply of donated books. Howe Library Director Michelle LaVoie has this to say about Nic, “All of these outreach efforts make Nic deserving of recognition for his outstanding efforts at reaching both disadvantaged populations, as well as the general public. He is providing services to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy them.
2015 New York Library Association Scholarship Winners include: Alex Andrasik of Penn Yan Public Library, Nic Gunning of David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville, Liz VanHouter of 20th Century Club Library in Almond and Roxanne Leyes of Montour Falls Memorial Library. Each scholarship winner will be provided up to $1,200 in reimbursement for attending the 2015 NYLA Conference in Lake Placid, NY. This scholarship program is fully-funded through STLS Grants to Member Libraries Program, which was increased from $5,000 in 2014 to $11,800 in 2015 to support the good work of member libraries.
I look forward to congratulating this year’s award winners at the 2015 STLS Annual Meeting and Conference. I know our member libraries also look forward to this opportunity.
Registration deadline for the event is Thursday, October 1st at 4:00 pm. The day time programming is absolutely free of charge. The cost to attend the Annual Meeting and Dinner is $15. We are sticking to our 2014 price, which covers appetizers and dinner. This pricing is $5.00 less than previous year’s events, and a cash bar will be available beginning at 4:00 pm.
As always, thank you for your continued support and many efforts. And, a special thank you to our award winners. We value your dedication and commitment to quality public library services!
Have a great weekend, STLS!
Kindest Regards,
Photo courtesy of Filomena Jack.
Brian M. Hildreth, Executive Director
Southern Tier Library System
Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner
