Administration

4/3/2008 FLLS NYSALB Conference Scholarship

FLLS scholarships for the NYSALB Conference are available.  To facilitate attendance at the 2008 Trustee Institute, FLLS offers two (2) scholarships of $250 each, to member library trustees to help cover registration and hotel accommodations.

Submit request for scholarship in writing (e-mail is acceptable) to by April 15. *Deadline for special rate for hotel registration is April.

4/3/2008 NYLA Conference Scholarships

PLS (NYLA) offers Awards/Scholarships.

NYLA Conference Scholarship includes: full registration costs; and up to $500.00 towards expenses and NYLA membership if required.  Applications should contain the following: why you wish to attend the conference; how you plan to integrate the experience into your work; how you plan to share your experience with your fellow professionals; and how the award will influence your professional goals.

The winner is expected to assist with staffing at the PLS booth; and to attend the full conference.  Deadline for applications: Wednesday, June 4th.

The Post-MLS Award of $500.00 will help defray the costs of an accredited course or seminar for individuals already holding an MLS degree.  The course must be work-related, and demonstrate value to your professional growth.  Deadline for applications: Wednesday, June 4th.

PLS Awards for Outstanding Public Library Building Renovation: one for libraries serving a chartered population of less than 20,000; one for libraries serving a chartered population of more than 20,000.  Each award will be for $1000.00.  Criteria will include: innovative design and use of space for serving library users, accessibility, consideration given for health, safety, and environmental issues, ease of maintenance, adaptability to changing needs, energy efficiencies, evidence of engaging the community in the process, and the cost-benefit of the project.  Deadline for applications: June 12th.

All applications must be in electronic format.  No paper applications will be accepted.  Applications for all awards should be sent to: Kevin J. Gallagher; Director; Middletown Thrall Library; thrall7@warwick.net. (845)341-5485

3/24/2008 PLS Spring Conference

PLS SPRING CONFERENCE 2008, "What's Happening at Your Library Shouldn't Stay at Your Library" will be held, Friday, April 18, 9am to 4pm at the Onondaga County Public Library.

Keynote Speaker Libby Post will start off the day, followed by lunch and table-talk discussions on interesting and innovative ways libraries have publicized activities to their communities. There will be no charge for PLS members. Registration materials will be available soon.

3/24/2008 NYS Library Funding Update

NYS BUDGET UPDATE – After initially hearing good news from our Senators and Assembly persons about NYS funding for libraries on Lobby Day, we have now learned that Governor Patterson plans to eliminate $800 million from the aid to localities portion of the NYS Budget. We are concerned because library funding is included in that section of the budget. Library Advocates should contact their state representatives and tell them that state funding is essential to maintain the level of library service that their constituents deserve. Please urge them to retain all funding for libraries in the final budget.

3/18/2008 Library Construction Grant Workshop

Library Construction Grant Workshop at the Seneca Falls Library. May 2nd from 10:30am – 1:00pm. If you plan to apply for a construction grant this year, please send at least one person from your library to attend this workshop.

DLD representative, Grace Kelly, will go over the grant line-by-line and will answer your questions. Contact via email if you would like to attend. Deadline for registration is April 17, 2008.

3/13/2008 NYS Library Funding News!

Representatives of FLLS, along with 1000+ library advocates heard good news on Tuesday, March 11.  Karen Creenan, Annette Birdsall, Rex Helwig, Linda Beins and member library director LuAnn Whirl traveled to Albany for NYLA’s annual Library Legislative Day where we learned that the NYS Senate and the Assembly have restored the supplemental funding for libraries cut from the budget by the Governor.

Both houses have included $8 mil. in additional system aid and $14 mil. construction aid in their individual budget bills.  We are hopeful that this funding will survive the budget deliberations to come and be part of the final NYS Budget due to be adopted on April 1.  All library advocates should contact their elected NYS representatives thanking them for their support.