2012 Highlights

Ramapo Catskill Library System

2012 Highlights

619 Route 17M Middletown, NY 10940-4395 845-243-3747 FAX 845-243-3739 http://www.rcls.org

Serving Public Libraries in Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and southern Ulster Counties since 1959

RCLS 2012 Highlights STAFF RAMAPO CATSKILL Year Hired Anthony J. Castaldo ...... 1996 LIBRARY SYSTEM Executive Director: Robert Hubsher Bill Butler ...... 1998 Address: Ramapo Catskill Library System *Bill Hagadorn ...... 2008 619 Route 17M Bill Pagano ...... 2007 Middletown, NY 10940-4395 Brenda Adams ...... 1989 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Carol Martin ...... 1974 Telephone: 845.243.3747 866.364.4329 (outside Middletown area) Chuck Conklin ...... 2001 FAX: 845.243.3739 Daniel B. Hulse ...... 1981 URL: http://www.rcls.org David Krawczyk ...... 2005 E-mail: See website for individual staff Diane Biondi ...... 1986 e-mail addresses *Domnick Raimondo ...... 2011 Established: 1959 Eileen Kieva ...... 2011 Counties : Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Southern Ulster Grace Riario ...... 2012 Member Libraries: 47 Jerry Kuntz ...... 1995 Population Served: 750,795 (2010 Census) John McClain ...... 2002 Land Area Served: 2,467 square miles John Schneider ...... 2003 Karen Haeger ...... 1995 Keith C. Scott ...... 1988 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kelly Colby ...... 2012 Martha Anderson *Ken Kile ...... 2005 Carl S. Berkowitz Leonard M. George ...... 2009 Norman R. Gallagher Leslie S. W. Riley ...... 1992 Ira Simon, President Linda Hendon ...... 1989 Samuel L. Simon Nina Benvenuto ...... 1997 Lynn Skolnick Alfred Smiley Patty Velez ...... 2007 Patricia Soto, Vice President Randall Enos ...... 1982 Mark Specthrie, Secretary Robert Hubsher ...... 2000 Melvin Wesenberg, Treasurer Rose Marie Reilly ...... 1992 David Zuckerberg Ruth K. Daubenspeck ...... 1979 Marilyn McIntosh *Part-Time (Non-voting Directors Association Representative) Italics indicates retired during 2012

Desktp Publishing by2 Ramapo Catskill Library System RCLS 2012 Highlights MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

In 2012 the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) experienced the fifth consecutive year of State Aid cuts. The final New York State Budget included a modest restoration of funds for libraries and library systems. However, even with the restoration, our funding was about 20% below the levels outlined in Educa- tion Law. The total revenue shortfall was $281,093. The RCLS Board of Trustees passed a resolution in 2010 to implement a member library service fee in 2012 to help offset any revenue shortfall, if required, for the cost of all services except Automated Network Services (ANSER). Along with the implementation of the service fee, the Board in- Staff troduced a budget process which requires the member libraries Robert Hubsher to approve the RCLS Operating Budget. If members defeat the Executive Director proposed Budget, RCLS would be required to operate with the funds approved in the previous year. In the case of the first year Ruth K. Daubenspeck of the service fee (2012), a defeat would require that RCLS op- Administrative Assistant erate with State Aid funds only. Eileen Kieva The size of the shortfall we faced in 2012 necessitated the in- Communications Assistant troduction of the service fee. In order to mitigate the impact of Daniel B. Hulse the service fee the Board approved a resolution to levy a service Development Officer fee that would be equal to 25% of the shortfall ($70,273), with the balance ($210,820) coming from the RCLS unallocated fund balance. The Budget was approved as proposed by a large majority with only three (3) no votes and two (2) abstentions. The total amount of the service fee represented 0.13% of the total budgets of all member libraries. The highest percentage of a library’s budget represented by the fee has 1.65% and the lowest was 0.06%. As a means of helping our member libraries stay current with new technologies, we introduced a mobile app to provide users access to the public access catalog and digital downloads of eBooks and audiobooks. RCLS Mobile can be used with all smartphones and most tablets. The app provides users access to social media such as Facebook and Twitter if the library offers those services, as well as, library hours and makes it very easy to contact the library via e-mail or telephone. For the seventh year the State made available the $14 million Construction Grant Program. Under this program RCLS received $591,714 to distribute to member libraries. The RCLS Board approved the distribu- tion of those funds to 10 libraries undertaking construction projects at a total value of $1,112,888. In 2012 we had two staff retirements, Nina Benvenuto, ILL/Technical Service Specialist, (15 years of service) and Leslie S. W. Riley, Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator (20 years of service). We hired Kelly Colby to fill the ILL/Technical Service Specialist position and Grace Riario to fill the Public services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator position. We also celebrated several service milestones – Randall Enos, Youth Services Consultant (30 years), Rose Marie Reilly, (20 years), John McClain (10 years) and Bill Pagano (5 years) both Drivers for our delivery service.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 3 NYLA Library Advocacy Day New York Library Association (NYLA) Library Advocacy Day, Tuesday, March 6, was a great success and our advocacy efforts were again very timely in the state budget negotiations process. Over 1,000 advocates attended Library Advocacy Day, including 146 trustees, staff, students and Library Champions representing the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) and Westchester Library System (WLS). That is a distinct increase from when RCLS began chartering buses for Advocacy Day in 1992 and only 29 people attended. In his Executive Budget, Governor Cuomo proposes a flatline of State Aid to libraries which translates into a cut of 23% in the current fiscal year and reduces State Aid to below 1994 levels. The advocates that travelled to Albany on March 6 went to convince our local legislators and the Governor to restore Library Aid to the 2010 level of $84.78 million or provide parity with schools by giving a 4% increase that they are proposed to receive. A big THANK YOU to our generous financial supporters for help in underwriting the cost of the three Li- brary Advocacy Day buses.

RCLS Legislative Breakfast and Annual Meeting RCLS Board President Ira Simon welcomed 144 attendees, including eight legislators representing State and County offices to the 25th Legislative Breakfast on Friday, September 14 at the Wallkill Golf Club. Eight co-sponsors helped to underwrite the event:  Gold Sponsors - Lightower Fiber Networks, Orange County Trust Company, OverDrive, SirsiDynix and the RCLS Board of Trustees  Silver Sponsors – CDW-G, Friends of the Cornwall Public Library and Greg Townsend of Marshall & Sterling Insurance Robert Hubsher, RCLS Executive Director presented a document he developed – Return on Investment (ROI) for Services Provided by Ramapo Catskill Library System: Monetary Value of Services for Every Dollar Spent. The document graphically showed the cost of RCLS services of continuing education, consulting, cataloging, delivery and digital content compared to their value in services given to member libraries. The Auto- mated Network Services (ANSER) cost to value was also displayed in this document. Senators Bill Larkin and John J. Bonacic as well as Assemblywomen Nancy Calhoun, Aileen Gunther, El- len Jaffee and Marie Steets representing Annie Rabbitt voiced their support of public libraries. Five Library Champions addressed the group on what the library means to them. Florida Public Library patron Nicole Quattrocciochi told the audience she had looked up in the dictionary, the “real” one, the defi- nition of a champion. She stated the champion is the library. Author Linda Zimmer explained how the library helps her in her research for writing and providing her ideas for her books. Numerous member libraries’ displays, including those that won RCLS awards or honorable mention, added to the success of the overall program. After the Legislative Breakfast many attendees stayed for the 53rd Annual Meeting. Upon approval of the 2011 Annual Meeting Minutes, Brenda Adams, RCLS Fiscal Officer and Assistant Treasurer, presented the 2013 RCLS Budget. The Budget required ratification by member library boards as a Service Fee of 50% of the shortfall of State Aid will be charged to member libraries. Two seats, one each from Orange and Rockland Counties on the RCLS Board of Trustees needed filling at this meeting. No nominations were received for the Orange County seat. Roslyn Applebaum Hurwitz, New City, NY, was elected to a full term ending December 31, 2017 to represent Rockland County. She will replace Samuel L. Simon, who is retiring from the Board after serving two terms.

4 RCLS 2012 Highlights

2012 RCLS Annual Meeting Awards The Member Library Adult Program of the Year Award, a plaque and check for $500, was presented to Kelly Corrado (right) of the Greenwood Lake Public Library for its program “Thursday Nite Music Makers Concert Series.” An Honorable Mention Certificate was presented to Kristin White, Director, of the Western Sullivan Public Library for its program “Unearthed: The Upper Del- aware River Local Oral History Project.” The Member Library Youth Program of the Year Award, a plaque and check for $500, was presented to Rosemary Cooper (left), Director of the Albert Wisner Public Library for its program “2011 Warwick Children’s Book Festival.” An Honorable Mention Certificate was presented to Karen LaRocca-Fels, Director, of the Cornwall Public Li- Kelly Corrado brary for its program “Veterans Day 11.11.11–Honoring All Who Served.” The Anthony J. Knipp Library Trustee Award, a plaque and a check for $250 for the library, was given to Daniel Gladding, Tuxedo Park Library Trus- Judy Pedersen, Rosemary Cooper and tee. Florence Brady (right), Assistant Christina Ryan-Linder Director, accepted in his absence.

Florence Brady

RCLS CONTINUING EDUCATION / STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Name of Program Attendance Name of Program Attendance 2011 Annual Meeting Workshop 39 Fundama 24 Acquisitions Workshop 12 Inventory in Symphony 6

Adult Summer Reading Roundtable 11 Mock Newbery & Caldecott 56 ASAC Literacy/Adult Education/ Outreach Roundtable 10 Mock Printz Award Discussion 23 ASAC Programming Roundtable 8 Notables 22 Book Banquet 139 Performers’ Showcase 37 Corrections Meeting/Training 10 PocketCirc Training 6 Crafts & Ideas for SRP 30 Readers' Advisory Roundtable 16 Directors Associational 8 Symphony Circulation Refresher 32 Fall into Books 155 Symphony Reports Training 25 Friends Gathering 57 YA SRP Planning 22

Total 748

RCLS 2012 Highlights 5 BUSINESS OFFICE

The 2012 RCLS Operating Budget of $4,230,687 was approved by the Board of Trustees on December 19, 2011. The Automation Capital Fund Budget of $218,700 was approved on February 21, 2012. There was no Capital Fund for Vehicles Budget. Projected State Aid was based on the Governor’s budget proposal for years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. As result, budgeted revenue anticipated a 21.75% reduction to Educa- tion Law formulas and the inclusion of supplemental aid due to the continued use of the 2000 Census. After all State Budget negotiations were finalized and recognition of the 2010 Census came into play, State Aid was reduced 20% on av- Staff erage across the board from Education Law formulas. RCLS re- Brenda Adams ceived $120,919 above budgeted expectations in State Aid for Fiscal Officer and operations. This amount flowed into the Fund Balance at year Assistant Treasurer end to offset future State Aid shortfalls. At December 31, 2012, a net decrease (after adjustments for cer- Diane Biondi tain deposits and reserves) of $442,546 was realized in the Op- Financial Management Assistant erating Fund Balance, with a decrease of $25,184 to the Unre- Carl Martin stricted Fund Balance for General operations and a decrease of Account Payroll Coordinator $417,362 to the Restricted Fund Balance for Automation. The very large decrease in the Automation Fund Balance is due to a transfer of $400,000 to the Capital Fund. The net Operating Fund Balance at year end is $2,183,697: $ 385,402 Unrestricted – available for use $1,400,000 Assigned as the minimum amount to be held at year end for the following year’s operations to fill the gap between the beginning of a budget year (January 1), and the date State Aid is received (July or later). Board Motion dated September 20, 2004 $ 398,295 Restricted for Automation: Member Library Funds

Capital Fund Reserves total is $1,633,841 at year end: $1,100,505 Reserve for Capital Upgrades – Automation $ 286,059 PC Replacement Fund – Automation $ 247,277 Vehicle Capital Fund – General

Net Assets are one measurement of the System’s financial health. Net Assets totaled $5,438,338 for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2012. The Statement of Net Assets (Table A) identifies cash as seventy- nine percent (79%) of total assets and eighty-four percent (84%) of net assets. Cash balances comply with State requirements for collateralization. Capital assets are insured by Utica National Insurance Company. A detailed inventory control system was established in the mid-1980s and has been maintained with regular physical inventories. The current thresh- old for determining fixed assets is $2,500. There is no capital debt. Ten member library construction grant applications were processed and approved by RCLS. A total of $591,714 was allotted to RCLS and its member libraries. The Business Office staff works with the RCLS Director, Board of Trustees and fellow employees; member library directors, staff and board members; vendors; county organizations; governmental agencies; and the New York State Division of Library Development.

6 RCLS 2012 Highlights TABLE A

STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2012 CHANGE ASSETS: 2012 2011 2012 - 2011 CASH $4,580,622 $4,838,100 $(257,478) 1 PREPAID EXPENSE 67,991 52,161 15,830 2 RECEIVABLES 18,533 53,986 (35,453) TOTAL CURRENT $4,667,146 $4,944,247 $(277,101) ASSETS FIXED ASSETS: (NET) 1,143,540 1,206,680 (63,140) TOTAL ASSETS $5,810,686 $6,150,927 $(340,241)

LIABILITIES: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT ACCRUED LIABILITY3 $372,348 $383,807 $(11,459) 4 ACCRUED PAYROLL 0 0 0 TOTAL LIABILITIES $372,348 $383,807 $(11,459)

NET ASSETS: INVESTED IN CAPITAL ASSETS $1,143,540 $1,206,680 $(63,140) 5 FUND BALANCE - RESTRICTED 3,909,396 4,097,693 (188,297) 385,402 462,747 (77,345) FUND BALANCE – UNRESTRICTED TOTAL NET ASSETS $5,438,338 $5,767,120 $(328,782)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET AS- SETS $5,810,686 $6,150,927 $(340,241)

Notes: 1. NYS Retirement payment includes a prepayment for the period of January 1 - March 31, 2013 2. Due from member libraries (good/services) [and NYS grant balances-2011] 3. Unused time accruals due employees for vacation and sick time 4. No immediate staff retirement at December 31, 2012 5. Reserve accounts for Grants and Obligations $70,445; Telecommunications $406,815; Delivery $247,277; Capital upgrades $1,100,505; PC Replacements $286,059; Automation Fund Balance $398,295 and General Fund Balance $1,400,000 available for 2013 operations

RCLS 2012 Highlights 7 TABLE B

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

REVENUE CHANGE 2012 2011 2012 – 2011

MEMBER LIBRARIES SHARED COSTS $1,515,240 $1,554,316 $(39,076) STATE AID FOR SYSTEM OPERATIONS 1,615,860 1,684,011 (68,151) STATE AID DESIGNATED FOR MEMBER LIBRARIES 707,514 845,141 (137,627) STATE AID FOR OTHER AGENCIES 71,559 332,078 (160,519) E-RATE FUNDING 207,645 207,472 173 FEDERAL AID - LSTA 27,855 30,945 (3,090) USE OF MONEY AND PROPERTY 24,409 33,359 (8,950) OTHER REVENUE 16,065 33,852 (17,787)

GRAND TOTAL REVENUE $4,286,147 $4,721,174 $(435,027)

APPROPRIATION EXPENSE CHANGE 2012 2011 2012 – 2011 PERSONAL SERVICES $1,501,088 $1,512,575 $(11,487) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 825,406 747,368 78,038 CONTRACTUAL EXPENSES 2,140,525 2,123,587 16,938 DEPRECIATION EXPENSE 147,910 150,137 (2,227)

GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $4,614,929 $4,533,667 $81,262

Pass-through grants to Member Libraries represent 36.8% ($787,632) of 2012 total Contractual Ex- penses. Telecommunications for the automated network is 16.6% ($355,640); coordinated ordering represents 12.4% ($265,379); building and vehicle maintenance and operation combined are 7.7% ($165,422); and maintenance contracts on the automated network are equal to 7.2%, ($154,169) of total Contractual expenses. The remaining 19.3% covers all other expenses from reference materials and professional magazine subscriptions to professional fees and travel.

SOURCES OF REVENUE SOURCES OF EXPENSES

8 RCLS 2012 Highlights ANSER - AUTOMATION

2012 has really been a banner year for the ANSER department. The virtual environment has proved itself to be almost bulletproof, and the fiber network has given us unparalleled reliability. A new battery backup that replaced our ten year old model now gives us up to one hour run time. Our generator has been up to the task of supplying power when Orange and Rockland power has failed. The ANSER staff delivered over 250 PC replacements while still supporting existing equipment and keeping everything running as smoothly as possible. The VMware Virtual Environment Our VMware Virtual environment now consists of six physical Staff machines hosting 26 virtual servers. These virtual servers include Anthony J. Castaldo our Web server which houses the RCLS Web page, our mail ANSER Manager and Network server, our Symphony production and training servers and many Administrator others, all giving excellent performance at the click of a mouse. This virtual environment has provided for almost 100% uptime, Karen Haeger which is unprecedented; never has a single server been able to Automation Technical Assistant approach zero downtime. This is accomplished by having six John Schneider independent servers all running together under the six VMware Assistant Network Administrator Hypervisors which monitors each individual server, spreading David Krawczyk the load per our instructions and, if necessary, moving virtual ma- Senior Automated Systems chines between these independent servers if it senses an immi- Technician nent failure of any component. Of course, there have been times when a server needs to be Leonard M. George rebooted due modifications that need to be made, but those are Automated Systems Technician scheduled maintenance windows, not failures. Michael Stanley The Fiber Optic Network Systems Part-Timer On July 1st 2012, the new Lightower Fiber contract went into effect and doubled the fiber optic bandwidth for all libraries with the bandwidth range increasing to between 2 to 12 megabits per second, depending on the library, without a cost increase, and in fact decreasing the monthly charges from Lightower by about 20%. The fiber optic network provided by Lightower Fiber Network has been working very well and even though Superstorm Sandy did its best, (Sandy even brought the cable companies’ Internet services down in Rockland and Orange counties), our fiber and wireless networks continued to function. The libraries that had power and wireless became the sole means of communications for those patrons who lost power and Internet services at home, even though most libraries had lost their cable connection. These libraries that did not lose power or had some other backup power, like generators, gave access to so many patrons that, for the first time since this network was constructed, they almost completely saturated our Internet services. ANSER Staff Training for ANSER staff is always an ongoing process and 2012 was no exception. In 2012, John Schneider completed and was certified in the UNIX operating system installation and maintenance program. Lenny George was certified as an A+ technician. Dave Krawczyk continues to study the intricacies of VMware and cloud computing and has created the necessary virtual Windows 7 desktop machines for the pilot Zero Client project.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 9 ELECTRONIC RESOURCES Following the Symphony integrated library system (ILS) migration on December 8, 2011, the first third of 2012 was spent troubleshooting migration problems, adjusting new settings, ironing out new procedures and adapting to new daily routines. An upgrade to the Enterprise public catalog took place in the middle of March, 2012 and addressed many of its most glaring shortcomings. A further upgrade to the catalog in No- vember added sorting of search results, which was one of its most serious lacks. The overall regular administrative maintenance routines required by Symphony have proven to be more intensive than the Staff previous ILS. The result has been more staff time spent overseeing both automatic processes and member library staff data input Jerry Kuntz to assure that the software works properly. As a result, less time Electronic Resources has been available for other ongoing or new projects by the Elec- Consultant tronic Resources department. Rose Marie Reilly Ebook usage via OverDrive continued to climb rapidly, fueled Software Support Technician by new, easier to use device models including the Kindle Fire and new wireless Nook ereaders. RCLS continues to supply the OverDrive support triage often needed by patrons who are new to digital download formats. We have embarked on a project to convert library database access pages from the current design, which now dates back over ten years, to a new design based on the LibGuides product. A few member libraries (Newburgh, Nyack, Valley Cottage) already made that transition on their own initiative.

DELIVERY SERVICE

The RCLS Delivery Service continues to be an essential link Staff between the System and its member libraries. The year 2012 was another very productive year. The delivery service distribut- Chuck Conklin ed over 77,958 boxes of materials. Overall, the delivery system Supervisor of Delivery & transported 3,508,151 items in 2012. This breaks down to an Building Maintenance average of 14,261 items per day. Drivers: In 2012, due to the ever increasing number of items that fit into Bill Butler the delivery boxes, we have decided that each box averaged 45 John McClain items instead of 40 items. Almost all of our boxes carry several Bill Pagano DVDs and or CDs which are much smaller in size than the aver- Keith C. Scott age hardcover book. So after several tests we discovered most of Part-Time Driver: the delivery boxes hold at least 45 items rather than 40. Some of Bill Hagadorn the many boxes surveyed had as many as 60 items in them. The overall delivery numbers would have been even higher Substitute Drivers: were it not for the effects of Superstorm Sandy. The aftermath Ken Kile of Sandy resulted in many of our libraries closing for several days Nick Raimondo until electrical power could be restored.

10 RCLS 2012 Highlights INTERLIBRARY LOAN / TECHNICAL SERVICES

The Interlibrary Loan/Technical Services Department had some changes in procedures during December 2011. The upgraded ILS system changed the way that new titles are entered into the database. The member libraries now create brief titles in the database in order to circulate their materials immediately, so as not to have to wait for the cataloging department to enter the full MARC record. The Technical Services De- partment produces a printout based on date to capture all of those brief records. The ILL Department then works from this printout to enter the new titles. As long as all of the information in the brief records is correct and we can find a good MARC record, the title gets sent to the catalog. Occasional- Staff ly we need to request a photocopy from the owning library be- Linda Hendon cause cataloging was not found. In those instances, photocopies ILL/Tech Services Librarian of the material are requested. Our department had some staffing changes in July 2012. Nina Nina Benvenuto Benvenuto retired after 15 years of service and Kelly Colby ILL/Tech Services Specialist joined us as ILL/Technical Services Specialist. Kelly has shown Kelly Colby herself to be a welcome addition to our staff. ILL/Tech Services Specialist During 2012, we worked on 50,158 bibliographic records in the database. We electronically added 18,298 government doc- Patty Velez uments titles supplied by Marcive, bringing the total of new titles ILL/Tech Services Specialist added to the database to 55,808. Of the 50,158 records worked on, 28,112 were new print titles. Nine thousand three hundred ninety eight (9,398) new audiovisual titles were entered for the year. Titles appearing on the printout are often already in the catalog and need to be transferred. All AV materials must be transferred into the good Bibliographic records. All of these transfers amounted to 12,553. The department entered 95 contents notes to existing bibliographic records. Our department also worked on 1,584 interlibrary loan (ILL) requests for member libraries and correctional facilities. One thousand three hundred seventy-seven (1,377) ILL requests were sent out of the system to OCLC libraries for our member libraries and 870 were filled. Two hundred and seven (207) requests were received from the correctional facilities and searched in Southeastern Access to Libraries (SEAL). With the new ILS system that RCLS switched over to in December, the correctional facilities are able to make all of their requests themselves including volume specific holds.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 11 PUBLIC SERVICES AND OUTREACH

NYLTO – (New York Library Trustees Online) - The staff and trustees of eight of New York’s library systems, including RCLS, recognized that library trustees today must deal with the effects of new technologies, new formats, and new user groups – often with limited funding. NYLTO provides the resources that trustees need to successfully meet these ever-changing challenges. The NYLTO website launched on Mon- day, September 3, 2012. As of March 2013, we have 146 trustees and 30 library directors taking advantage of this online tool. Adult Summer Reading planning workshop “Between the Co- Staff vers” theme was held on March 20, 2012. Twelve of our member libraries offered an adult summer reading program last year. Leslie S. W. Riley They had 326 participants who read 1,126 books. These partici- Public Services Consultant and pating libraries also offered 50 adult programs to match the sum- Outreach Coordinator mer reading theme. Grace Riario ASAC- (Adult Services Advisory Council) - The new Literacy / Public Services Consultant and Adult Education Outreach Roundtable provided networking for Outreach Coordinator library staff to address English as a Second Language (ESL) collections, programs and foreign languages issues and collections. Eileen Kieva Visit the RCLS Web page to view the recently added resources Communications Assistant and LibGuides. Daniel B. Hulse About RCLS - Outreach – Resources Development Officer Outreach and Adult Literacy Roundtable facilitated discussions on the topic of ESL and foreign language collections. The group conducted a system-wide survey providing data on foreign language collections, ESL collections and the number of library staff proficient in foreign languages. The participants to our Roundtable had the opportunity to hear presenters on targeted Outreach, collections for ESL and foreign languages and a discussion about program justification, marketing, budgets, etc. AV Roundtable aided a discussion about the major issues in AV at our member libraries. Some of the issues covered were circulation of e-readers, gifts and exchange of AV materials, AV rental for DVD, OverDrive and alternatives and AV issues with Symphony. COSAG – (Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Group) - The RCLS COSAG is made up of representatives from the nine target groups and meets periodically to discuss needs, issues, and concerns that may impact how member libraries’ services and programs. During 2012 the following needs were addressed:  Persons who are blind or physically disabled. As a Talking Books sub-lending agency for the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library (Library of Congress outreach program), RCLS provides information upon request.  Institutionalized. RCLS facilitated the 2012 Omnibus Grant for seven State Correctional Facilities and three county jails through interlibrary loan services; purchase of library materials, computer equipment, office supplies and programs. RCLS provided the opportunity to train the librarians on Enterprise, the In- tegrated Library System (ILS), on how to place holds and manage their own accounts. All facilities report being satisfied with being able to maintain their own account and directly placing requests on titles. Only the Federal Correctional Facility at Otisville sends their interlibrary loan requests to RCLS.

12 RCLS 2012 Highlights  Unemployed/Underemployed. RCLS applied for a three-year grant from the Adult Literacy Service Grant Program “Workforce Development at New York Libraries through Public Library Systems.” The grant funds will be used to enable each participating member library the opportunity to offer a one-on-one career counselor session and provide workshops on topics that will improve their adult patrons’ career and educational opportunities from 2013 to 2016. Leslie S. W. Riley retired on November 28, 2012 after 20 years of service to RCLS and its member libraries. Grace Riario began her new position as Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator as of October 29, 2012.

PRINTING SERVICES

RCLS continues to produce and distribute useful and pertinent publications as one means of communication with all member libraries and community organizations. To save staff resources and costs, RCLS continued during 2012 to eliminate printing many of its publications and only offered them online. During 2012 RCLS provided the following publications online: Staff  Board Minutes and Executive Director’s Report Ruth K. Daubenspeck  RCLS Weekly Memo Administrative Assistant  RCLS 2012 Directory Eileen Kieva  Summer Reading Program Materials Communications Assistant  Statistics from the State Annual Reports  Adult and Youth Booklists and Bookmarks The following publications were still distributed in hard copy form during 2012:  2011 Highlights  Trustee FYI RCLS continues to print materials for internal needs such as letterhead, delivery statistic sheets, timesheets, holiday cards, etc. The System also prints informational items for the member libraries such as the ANSER Agreement, RCLS Budget information, Legislative Breakfast/Annual Meeting materials, NYLA Library Advo- cacy Day resources, etc.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 13 YOUTH SERVICES The major activities of the RCLS Youth Services Department are listed below. These activities represent the largest percentage of the total time devoted to all responsibilities for the Youth Services Consultant (YSC) during the year. “Dream Big Read!” and “Own the Night” Summer Reading Program planning: Two workshops were held with a total attendance of 52. Forty-seven member libraries and four branches (100%) reported enrolling 11,300 children and teens in their summer programs (a Staff slight increase from last summer). There were 2,883 programs sponsored (an increase of 356), which were attended by Randall Enos 59,884 children, teens and their families (an increase of 5,204 Youth Services Consultant from last summer). The children and young adults participating Eileen Kieva in the programs read a total of 63,788 books (a decrease from Communications Assistant last year). Consulting with member library staff on Youth Services Issues (3,305 contacts). Workshops – such as the Mock Newbery/Caldecott Award Discussions (co-sponsored with CLOUSC and LARC-YS), Mock Printz Award Discussion, Performers’ Showcase, Fall Into Books Conference featuring Gordon Korman (co-sponsored with MHLS and the area BOCES), and Book Banquets. (13 programs – 499 total attendance – includes two Summer Reading Program workshops). Participation in member library youth services association meetings (RCLS Teen Librarians, CLOUSC, LARC-YS) and Directors’ meetings (RCLS Directors’ Association and SUPLA). Participation in local, state and national professional organizations and conferences (ALA- attended Annual and Midwinter conferences) and Cooperative Summer Library Program (annual program). Consulting with member library staff, trustees and volunteers on Friends activities and issues (153 contacts). Worked with OLA to organize “Friends’ Gathering”. Participated in NYLA Library Advocacy Day in Albany. Served as President of the Empire Friends of Libraries Roundtable of NYLA. Contacted legislators (13 contacts). Organized New Book Preview Sessions - 2,104 books from the preview sessions were distributed to participating libraries.

The full range of activities of the RCLS Youth Ser- vices Consultant (YSC) as it pertains to the specific services outlined in the RCLS Plan of Service is available on the RCLS Webpage at http://bit.ly/11zGkjv.

14 RCLS 2012 Highlights 2012 CONTACT SUMMARY

Record of contacts of substance made with member libraries’ staff, trustees, as well as legislators, correctional facilities’ staff and media throughout 2012.

MEMBER LIBRARY ADMINIS- DEVELOP- PUBLIC YOUTH CONTACTS TRATION MENT FINANCE SERVICES SERVICES SYSTEMS TOTALS Grants, State and Federal Funding 36 0 218 50 0 0 304 Funding and Governance 80 0 31 98 0 0 209 Charter and Registration Work 25 0 0 12 0 0 37 Automation and Technology 221 0 253 34 0 9,118 9,626 Youth Service 0 0 0 0 3,305 0 3,305 Adult Service 0 0 0 1,358 0 0 1,358 Physical Plant Needs 30 0 1 34 0 0 65 Personnel and Management Issues 14 0 26 216 0 0 256 Consult with State and County Correctional Facilities 0 0 54 966 0 0 1,020 Providing Information to Legislators 90 0 1 6 13 0 110 System and Member Library Information to Media 44 203 0 0 0 0 247 Website Development and Maintenance 0 0 0 0 0 24 24 Advocacy, Marketing and PR for Libraries 230 0 1 55 153 0 439 Education Law and Regulations 95 0 0 14 0 0 109 Library Policies 30 0 0 153 0 0 183 ILL and Cataloging 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 State Annual Report 2 0 219 2 0 57 280 Outreach 8 0 0 680 0 0 688

TOTALS 905 203 804 3,680 3,471 9,199 18,262

RCLS 2012 Highlights 15 MEMBER LIBRARIES’ REPORTS

Albert Wisner Public Library, Warwick Rosemary Cooper, Director Our mission as the community’s favorite place to meet, to learn ORANGE COUNTY and to discover was evident through the many programs and services that we added and continued to see grow in 2012. We welcomed close to 15,000 visitors during this time; many who came to check out material with a record high total circulation of 319,433, but many who attended one or more of our popular programs and classes or came to view one of our monthly art exhibits. We expanded our adult computer classes to include Microsoft Excel and taught patrons how to download free e-books and downloadable audio books on a growing number of digital devices, many of which are available to borrow from the library with pre-loaded content. We expanded our “One Card, Every Student” library card campaign to include Park Avenue Elementary and St. Stephen’s School, where we sent home card applications and updated or registered 87% of the students in both schools. We also served as Member Library Youth local host for the first national World Book Night when volunteers distributed hun- Program of the Year dreds of free books through the community to encourage reading. We added additional Award activity groups including mah-jongg, Monday movies, a mystery book discussion series and a non-fiction book club to our already popular knitting, chess and Scrabble groups. We hosted our first Preschool Fair to introduce the library to many area preschool families exploring options for toddlers; presented “Read Together” a parent/child book discussion and hosted the book launch of Wacko Academy by Warwick teen and VP of the Library’s teen advisory board, Faith Wilkens. Chester Public Library Maureen Jagos, Director No report available. Cornwall Public Library Karen LaRocca-Fels, Director The desire for e-books is growing; however, Cornwall Public Library is not seeing a significant decrease in circulation of books. Cornwall’s statistics rose: 202,125 total circ (+10.5%); 26,234 ILL borrowed (+9.4%); and 24,120 ILL loaned (+15.9%). Total number of visits and program attendance reflected similar growth. The Trustees created a community survey and focus groups conducted research as groundwork for a 10- year Strategic Plan that was then written and adopted. The Cornwall Public Library Foundation was launched. Collaboration with SENYLRC on the Hudson River Valley Heritage project to digitize the library’s comprehensive local history collection continued. The Great Decisions Discussion Group successfully experienced its third year. Two bus trips to NYC operas took place. The Friends of Cornwall Library received a $7,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation for the library to begin developing a Laptop/iPad Lab. Children continued to read to trained therapy dogs and visited with nocturnal animals. The Library Director was dunked during Silly Olympics, the kick-off for a very successful Summer Reading Program in which over 225 children participated. For the first time adults participated, too. Four “Music of the Renaissance and Baroque Periods” grant-funded concerts were held. We are busy and thriving!

16 RCLS 2012 Highlights Florida Public Library Madelyn Folino, Director Florida Public Library’s (FPL) biggest accomplishment for 2012 was the successful launching of our website in June. Our staff spent countless hours thinking about and crafting content for our new public online face. Patrons tell us they are pleased with the result. We have enjoyed keeping up to date with www.floridapubliclibrary.org, although it has kept us busy revising policies to publish online. Our budget vote in May was successful with taxpayers supporting a 4.6% increase at a more than 3:1 margin. We began checkouts of staff-created literacy totes filled with books, toys and activity sheets for parents and preschoolers. These literacy totes have been a big hit. We continued our sixth year of Poetry Cafes with matching funds from Poets & Writers, Inc. and the Friends of the FPL. We hosted our third annual community Ice Cream Social in August to wrap up the Summer Reading Program, marked our 13th annual Tellabration and our 15th year of campfire storytelling sessions on the shores of Glenmere Lake. In the area of personnel, all our library clerks SAH-AH Award First to Submit achieved the Civil Service position of Library Assistant which requires a bachelor’s degree Annual and they are now pursuing certificates of achievement from the New York State Library Highlights Assistants Association. Outreach efforts continued to include summer visits to the Village of Florida recreation program, bilingual programs for Florida ABCD Head Start, programs for all ages at the Florida Farmers Market and Library Card Sign Up Month in schools which enrolls new student cardholders each year. We also collaborated with the school district and The Florida Focus to publi- cize activities in this free monthly newspaper. Goshen Public Library and Historical Society Matthew Gomm, Director As we close in on what will be our third Friends-hosted Goshen Trivia Gala – a very popular event which drew capacity crowds at Goshen’s Hall of Fame of the Trotter in prior years – I am reminded of how lucky we are to have such a creative, energetic and dedicated group of community-minded folks helping us to spread our mission beyond the constraints of our beautiful building. Aside from the aforementioned Trivia Night, this year’s highlights included:  Our assistant director, Eleanor Kuhns, published her first novel, A Simple Murder (a highlight in and of itself!). Our Friends organized a book signing and discussion event.  Jim Tarvin, one of the Library’s trustees, produced and narrated a documentary film entitled The Last Two which looked at the demise of the dairy industry in Goshen as a symptom of paradigm shift in the nation at large. The film was screened twice in Goshen; it is now being produced to be shown at local film festivals and will be sold to raise money for the library.  Ed Connor, Goshen native, town historian, and author of Goshen and Goshen Revisited, gave two well- attended talks about the history of Goshen, complete with images from his research.  Antique Appraisal Fair: Our second annual appraisal fair was a big hit. Folks streamed in with a miscella- ny of antiques and collectibles, from watches to cut-glass and paintings. Greenwood Lake Public Library Joan Carvajal, Director In the summer of 2012, the renovation of our entrance areas and parking lot was Member Library Adult completed. This joint Greenwood Lake Village and Greenwood Lake Public Library Program project was funded with a NYS Green Innovation Grant of $560,000. Pervious pavers of the Year were used throughout and rain gardens with environmentally friendly plants were added. Award Our outside area now has a beautiful park-like atmosphere and is environmentally sound!

RCLS 2012 Highlights 17 Happily, the library was able to remain open throughout the construction, and the public was able to find their way to us. Thanks to Jill Cronin, Youth Services Supervisor, our 2012 children/young adult Summer Reading Program was very well-attended and successful despite the construction. On the personnel front, we converted the part-time Youth Study Center Supervisor position to a full-time position. Faith Crisanto, who holds an MLS, was promoted to this position and supervises technical services as well. Lastly, we were delighted to receive the 2012 RCLS Member Library Adult Program of the Year Award for the “Thursday Nite Music Makers” concert series; Kelly Corrado, Adult Programming Supervisor, designed and implemented this series. The program was made possible by a $5,000 grant from Orange County Tourism and the County of Orange as well as individual donations from our patrons. Highland Falls Library Suzanne Brahm, Director In February, the Friends held their annual Chocolate Lover’s Concert, featuring professional vocalist, Chris Judd. In December, they held their annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, with 20 vendors on the premises. In Janu- ary, local chef Sean McCue prepared everyone for the Super Bowl with a cooking demonstration in the Community Room. In March, we held the annual Men’s Collectibles Day, displaying collections and hobbies of over 20 local men. This event has become quite popular. In July, the library staff joined the village celebration of local history for the 4th of July weekend. They took part by cooking foods for a Colonial Buffet, inviting local Revolutionary War re-enactors, and fashioning and sewing their own clothing from that period of time. The positive response from the community was overwhelming. In similar fashion, the staff celebrated Christmas with a Victorian Holiday, featuring hand-made dresses for the staff, guest readers Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, and the Girl Scouts hosting crafts for kids in the morning. Two local artists and photographers held shows and receptions in the Community Room during the year, with unique artwork and images of local scenery, similar to the Hudson River School of Art. For younger children, there was a Dr. Seuss Party during one of the school holidays which was great fun. In between all of these events, the library continued to serve the needs of the community with traditional services of reference, technology, storytime and readers’ advisory.

Josephine-Louise Public Library, Walden Ginny Neidermier, Director In 2012 we held a successful library budget vote and received an increase of funding for contractual services from the Town of Montgomery. The Library Board of Trustees have committed to developing a Com- prehensive Plan addressing space constraints and options for improved services. We were able to secure a grant from the Dyson Foundation to partially fund this particular project. An Early Childhood Reading Grant from Target Foundation was instrumental in helping us develop Story Time sessions for the very young, babies through two years of age. This program was so popular last year that we will continue the sessions through Spring and Summer of 2013. Pete Hamill’s book Forever was the Orange Library Association’s pick for the OrangeREADS county-wide event. The lecture presentation in Sugar Loaf featuring Mr. Hamill was one of our community’s favorite events from this past year. On June 25, 2012, after many months of planning, the library held an evening devoted to the “Sacred Books of Walden’s Great Religions.” Religious leaders from eight different faith communities with congrega- tions in or near the Walden area displayed and described their sacred texts. The program was designed to provide information on the important role that sacred books have played in human history, and showcase the rich cultural and religious diversity of the Walden community. Attendance for this program was overwhelming!

18 RCLS 2012 Highlights The JLPL and the Walden Community Council still partner together for the successful “Music In The Grove” series with free music concerts held during the summer months at Wooster Grove. We continue to work with the Historical Society of Walden and the Walden Woman’s Club in an effort to bring our local history archives up to date and accessible. Through the DLD Construction Grant, we have completed our “window project,” improved our staff area, and created storage space! Now, if we can only tear through a wall or two… Moffat Library of Washingtonville Carol McCrossen, Director The Moffat Library remains in its temporary quarters in Campbell Hall, NY. Our collection is finally out from storage boxes and our patrons couldn’t be happier. We also are about to install additional lighting and a new meeting room here so that we can resume our full slate of programs. In addition, since we have almost doubled our space by moving here, we are able to add more seating areas – not to mention more parking spaces in our lot! We’ve also had some wonderful additions to our staff. Anna Gordon joined us in September as our new Children’s & Teen Librarian. She has brought many exciting programs to the library, including the popular favorite among parents and children, Tail Waggin’ Tutors. We have also added three new Circulation people to our staff – Elizabeth Acomb, Gerrie Sincerbox and Abby Peterson – all coming to us with a myriad of experience. They have injected the entire staff with a new energy, ready to take on anything that is thrown our way. In addition, our homebound delivery service was taken over from staff this year by a group of our Friends volunteers. They have done an outstanding job of continuing to deliver library materials to our residents who are unable to get to the library. Lastly, we expect to take ownership of our former historic landmark site at 6 West Main Street in its entire- ty within the first quarter of 2013. We are hopeful that we will be able to renovate the “new-old” space within the next few years to make the Moffat Library the informational, entertainment and cultural hub of our community now and into the next 125 years. Monroe Free Library Marilyn McIntosh, Director It was a great year for the Monroe Free Library. Circulation was up almost 11% from last year and our ILL statistics for providing books was up 33%. The library held 382 children and teen programs and 64 adult programs. Attendance to all programs was excellent with children’s having an increase of 12% from last year. Highlights of programs held were our Fall Festival which was a community event; A Night with Roy Orbi- son (concert performed by Bob Vanderclock); a seven-day trip to Richmond, VA, Charleston, SC and Savan- nah, GA; luncheon show at Westchester Dinner Theatre to see Can Can and our favorite Monroe event – the Best Loved Doll Tea for parent and child. Our monthly knitting group made a quilt and will be donating it to Project Linus, a charity that provides security blankets to ill or traumatized children and teens. The group plans to make as many blankets as possible for donation in the coming years. Montgomery Free Library Mary Elizabeth Comizio, Director No report available Newburgh Free Library Muriel Verdibello, Director Last year was a busy time at the Newburgh Free Library as we launched a newly redesigned website, ex-

RCLS 2012 Highlights 19 panded services with a Town Branch and welcomed prolific author James Patterson. A staff committee spearheaded the redesign process which resulted in a bright, interactive website with user-friendly features like a reader/viewers blog and feedback forms on programs and services. Located at the Newburgh Mall in the Town of Newburgh, the Branch is attracting new library users with its popular book collection and programs including a “Tuesday at Two” Book Discussion Club and a five-part series on money management. More than 400 fans greeted Newburgh-native James Patterson who spoke about the importance of reading to help revitalize the community. Other well-attended programs included “A Salute to the Music of Broadway” as part of the Orange Reads celebration and the Senior Games offered by the Office of the Aging. The Children’s Department presented a three-part “Parenting 101” series and a new “Talk it Up” Book Club. A “What Not to Wear” program and “Just Another Cheesy YA Event” brought in the teens. OverDrive’s touring Digital Bookmobile came to town to showcase the latest gadgets and we offered classes on popular mobile devices. To offer more public access, the library reconfigured its computer service area and installed additional terminals. Over 50,000 users logged on and 814 signed up for “how to” computer classes covering a wide spectrum of subjects. Interest in traditional services remains strong as shown by the increased statistics in program attendance and information requests. Pine Bush Area Public Library District Doris Callan, Director The year 2012 at the Pine Bush Area Public Library was one of continued growth. We saw an increase in all aspects of library services to a very supportive community. We renamed our annex to The Library Community Center, ‘Where the Community Connects’. Programs held in the Community Center increased by 37%. Two more public computers were added. Visits to the library were over 33,000 or a 3% increase. New cardholders increased by 237 or 5%. The circulation of interlibrary materials has increased by 17%. Additions of new children’s and adult books grew by 19%. The library has reached out to the community and has connected with the Pine Bush Area Arts Council, the town recreation programs of the Town of Shawangunk and Town of Crawford, the Southern Catskill Anglers and the Community Blood Services. Children’s programs have connected with the home-schooled, Scouts and the Pine Bush schools. The library benefited from two Arts in Orange Grants and an Orange Tourism Grant where art classes in several mediums were taught to children and adults by skilled artists. In 2008, the Town of Crawford Free Library became a special district library with a new name, the Pine Bush Area Public Library District. Within the five year provisional charter time, the library has met all the minimum public library state standards and now holds an Absolute Charter granted by the action of the Board of Regents and the State Education Department on December 11, 2012. Port Jervis Free Library Beverly Arlequeeuw, Director We were pleased that our patrons supported our 2012-13 annual operating budget vote and trustee election. Trustee Marie Reeves was re-elected for another five-year term. Due to a resignation, Dick Roberts also joined our library board. The two-year BTOP Grant ended in October, but the Hub continues to flourish under the library’s operating budget. Since its opening in January 2011, The Hub has served 19,912 people. In addition to open computer use and one-on-one instruction for patrons, the Hub offers a vast array of programs. These include: GED preparation classes, workplace conversational Spanish, digital photography and photo restoration, learn to play a harmonica, and our popular “backyard series” which gives instruction on topics such as making maple syrup, raising chickens, growing a berry patch, beekeeping, attracting birds to your backyard, flower ar- ranging and vegetable gardening. In May, the library’s new community room opened. Since its opening there have been over 150 individual

20 RCLS 2012 Highlights programs held in the new community room by both outside groups and our own staff. We even hosted our first blood drive in the community room, where the New York Blood Bank collected over 50 units of blood. Housed within the community room is our new art gallery for local artists to display their works. In Decem- ber, we had our first local artist showcase in the gallery with an open house reception where the community viewed the artwork and met the artist. Our Friends of the Library group remains a vital part of our library. These are their accomplishments in 2012: hosted six author visits at their Chat with Friends programs; scheduled four bus trips to various destina- tions in New York City; held a Christmas Holiday book sale; and dedicated the Little Free Library located in front of the Port Jervis City Hall on Hammond Street where visitors are encouraged to borrow a book and return the book when they are finished. In December 2012, we reluctantly said goodbye to Jane Acoveno as she retired after working 22 years at the library. Jane and her husband now live in Florida during the winter months. Our final construction projects in 2012 were the restoration of our 110-year-old beautiful oak circulation desk and the installation of a new porcelain tile floor in the circulation desk area. Thrall Public Library District of Middletown and Wallkill Matt Pfisterer, Director The year 2012 was another great year at the Library in which we continued to experience high demand for our items, information resources and Internet access. Technology has changed the ways in which people access information and we have responded to these changes by providing access to a broad collection of downloadable audio and e-book titles. We are pleased to have facilitated more than 5,000 checkouts of items in digital format during 2012. People used the library’s electronic resources in greater numbers. Our website recorded an astounding 2.9 million hits in 2012, which represents an increase of more than 5% over the prior year. Library users also recorded more than 65,000 individual computer sessions at the Library’s computer workstations while we noticed a greater number of people who brought their own laptops, tablets and smartphones to the Library to connect to the Internet though our wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi). People also came to the Library for a wide range of informative and entertaining programs for people of all ages. We offered storytimes, family literacy and entertainment events as part of our Summer Reading Pro- gram, while elementary-aged students received help with their studies at our Homework Help Center, and our Wii Gaming programs continued to be popular with children. Adult programs included films, book discussions and employment counseling sessions. The Friends of Middletown Thrall Library once again sponsored an eclectic mix of quality musical performances and special events that offered quality entertainment free of charge to attendees. Tuxedo Park Library Diane Loomis, Director The Tuxedo Park Library is an institution that is seen as an indispensable part of the life of Tuxedo.  Hurricane Sandy cut electricity, phone and cable service to much of our town. As it has in the past, the library, with its power and Wi-Fi services fortunately up and running, became a crucial gathering place for the community as it struggled to cope and communicate. Tuxedo residents by the hundreds came in to get charged up, get connected and/or simply to get warm. Our dedicated staff all made it to work, to be there to help in every way they could – including serving

coffee, tea and cookies to those who needed them. Anthony J.  Tuxedo voters showed an unprecedented level of support in 2012. A record 65% of Knipp Library Trustee voters approved the ballot referendum that called for a very modest increase in the Award town’s funding of the library, literally a stunning vote of confidence on the part of

RCLS 2012 Highlights 21 townspeople who trust and expect that the library will always be there for them.  Although book circulation has declined, OverDrive eMaterials are up 132% and Wi-Fi use up 182%.  A total of 275 programs were enjoyed by over 300 of our patrons.

Woodbury Public Library, Highland Mills Jennifer Bradshaw, Director In 2012, the Woodbury Public Library (WPL) staff gave new life to their existing furniture at the Rush- more Branch by having it reupholstered. A new entry ramp was installed at the Ida Cornell Branch. In programming news, The Woodbury Reads! 2012 selection was Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. A total of 162 children attended WPL’s “Dream Big” and “Own the Night” 2012 Summer Reading Program activities. WPL hosted the Smith Clove Elementary School’s Annual Art Show, and the Library also participated in OLA’s Orange Reads program with a lecture given by Barry Hawkins on Pete Hamill’s book Forev- er. Some new perks for our patrons this year included: Access to ebooks and ereaders, museum passes and a first ever amnesty month! WPL thanks Dawn McFarland and Kathleen Dwyer for their wonderful work at the Library, and also thanks to Library Board members for their time and service: Frances Van Etten, Kim Hood and a fond fare- well to Board member, Nancy Simpson. We look forward to 2013 with enthusiasm and continued service to our community. Blauvelt Free Library Laura Grunwerg, Director In 2012, we accomplished several of our interior redesign initi- ROCKLAND COUNTY atives, notably the installation of shelving in a back hallway to transform the space into a charming Booksale Annex. We also closed off a wall to provide our gorgeous new reference desk with a backstop, much to Head of Reference Tonie D’Angelo’s delight – she waited only 34 years for a desk! We repurposed our Reference wing which now doubles as a program space after a furious weeding job enabled us to jettison two banks of shelves. Our Summer Reading Club was an innovative multi-program collaboration with Palisades, Tappan, Or- angeburg and Piermont – dubbed the Mighty Five Libraries of South Orangetown. The oversized brochure designed by PR wiz, Barry Koch (featuring the total program offerings of all five libraries) was a huge success with families. Our Friends group, under the leadership of Alice Ryan, sponsored field trips to the Culinary Institute’s Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and St. John the Divine’s unforgettable Ceremony of Carols. The year-end highlight was our Colonial Holiday at the Library featuring the chamber music trio, Ministers of Apollo, and a smörgåsbord of colonial treats – Johnny cakes, steamed pumpkin pudding, pine tree shilling cookies and mulled cider. This past summer, a substantial boulder bearing a bronze plaque in memory of pharmacist and library sup- porter, Nils Peltzman – buried under three feet of mulch beneath our Japanese Maple – was unearthed with the help of Trustee John Lounibos’ pry bar. It really does take a village!

Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley Tracy Allen, Director No report available.

22 RCLS 2012 Highlights Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library Claudia Depkin, Director The year 2012 saw the completion of a two-year federally funded Public Computer Center (PCC) at our Village Branch. During the grant we made great strides in providing access to English as a Second Language instruction, workshops on such varied topics as social media, health and wellness and citizenship- preparedness classes. In addition to the obvious benefits to our community of the content we provided, another excellent benefit is the wealth of community partnerships we enjoyed. In addition to working with the Haverstraw Center and Rockland BOCES, we forged lasting partnerships with Literacy Volunteers of Westchester and Rockland, as well as the North Rockland Business Alliance, the Haverstraw Arts Alliance and Tomorrow’s Workplace. It was also a year of some staff changes. In January, we welcomed new Library Director Claudia Depkin. During the summer we bid fond farewells to Librarian and Village Branch Coordinator Vivien Maisey and Security Guard Pedro Peralta, and in turn welcomed Terry Eagle and Andy Cruz to our team. Nanuet Public Library Gretchen Bell, Director The Nanuet Public Library continues to be busy with the circulation of a variety of materials, as well as computer use and adult, teen and children’s programs. Those patrons who use the library for study or relaxa- tion make heavy use of our reading lounge and quiet study carrels, which are frequently full. We added information sessions on the use of OverDrive, a new online program “Universal Class,” and a monthly non-fiction book club to our services. As well as individual programs, we continue to offer fiction book clubs, mah-jongg and Scrabble, films and film discussions, knitting, watercolor classes, AARP Driver Safety and Tax Aide on a regular basis. The Friends of the Library sponsored a number of programs, including a concert co-sponsored with the Borderline Folk Music Club and the Climate Reality Project with the Si- erra Club. Nanuet High School student Joseph Somma did a beautiful job restoring the Children’s Garden as his Ea- gle Scout project. We were saddened by the death of library Trustee Pam Cirilli, and welcomed new Trus- tee Timothy Donnelly. Our plans for a new building referendum are on indefinite hold and we are working on revitalizing the existing structure. New City Library Chuck McMorran, Director No report available Nyack Library James Mahoney , Director No report available Orangeburg Library William C. Langham, Director Orangeburg Library’s year of 2012 was marked by passage of a new law in the NYS Legislature that will impact the way our library is funded. The four Orangetown hamlet libraries will present their 2014 budgets independently rather than in the aggregate as in decades past. Circulation for 2012 was relatively flat and the number of patrons visiting our library declined. This may be largely attributed to the amount of weather-related ‘closed days’ due to Superstorm Sandy, when the library

RCLS 2012 Highlights 23 was without power for a week. Our programs were well-attended – our Youth Services Librarian introduced two new programs for the very young – Toddler Art and Toddler Dance (which migrated upward to include 3 – 5 year-olds). The library was filled with happy babble and lively music as the toddlers swirled paint and twirled on the dance floor. Meanwhile, parents and caregivers enjoyed the chance to chat face-to-face in a relaxed setting, an increasingly rare luxury in an increasingly wired social network. BTW, the library’s blog, website and Facebook page all had growth in use and the introduction of a web- based Program Registration Calendar made it a simple matter to sign-up for programs and events. Use of the library’s computers was also flat. Wi-Fi use increased by 20% as more and more patrons seek the quiet library atmosphere for work and homework. It helps, too, to have a knowledgeable librarian nearby! Palisades Free Library Maria Gagliardi, Director Governor Cuomo signed into law legislation that allows each of the Orangetown hamlet libraries to ask for funding independent of one another. The library received over $3,000 in memory of our former Trustee, Charles Shimel. With this money, we purchased an outdoor bench and built a bookcase for books by local authors. The library also purchased an Early Literacy Station with games to help toddlers and children explore Eng- lish, math and science through educational games. Our circulation was up by 7.5% from 2011. Pearl River Public Library Kathleen W. Rose, Director In the early months of 2012, much staff energy was focused on learning and managing the new ILS and making contributions towards the collaborative effort to customize the public catalog. We also continued to develop our new Web page and create tools to assist patrons in downloading our electronic materials. As the year progressed we tackled some long awaited projects. After completing the necessary wiring and electric upgrades, we were able to change the placement and orientation of both the Adult Reference and Children’s Librarian’s Desks to allow staff to be in a position more responsive to the needs of the public. We added computers and upgraded our Wi-Fi capabilities and made plans to replace furnishings and signage. This year two Pearl River Public Library (PRPL) events in particular stand out to be shared: In the spring, our exhibit space with its newly installed hanging system, was dedicated as The Paula Bohovesky Gallery in memory of PRPL employee Paula Bohovesky who, on October 28, 1980, tragically lost her life while on her way home from work as a library page. Very fittingly the very first exhibit hung in the newly dedicated space featured the creative art work of our local middle and high school students, as well as a special selection of Paula’s own artwork. In the autumn, PRPL’s efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy underscored the unique position a public library holds to respond to meet the needs of the community. While many residences and public facilities in the surrounding area suffered damage, we were very fortunate to come through the storm with all systems intact. For a number of days following the storm we welcomed visitors from throughout the region, providing essential services to those who needed to access the Internet, charge their cell phones and other electronic devices, and find local storm relief updates. Library staff mobilized to provide ongoing safe, engaging pastimes for children and families. Many who came to the library simply appreciated having a warm and comfortable place to consult a newspaper or read a good book. We are both proud of all the good we were able to do that week, as well as appreciative of the many expressions of support and gratitude we received from the community.

24 RCLS 2012 Highlights Piermont Library District Jessica Bowen, Director In 2012, The Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library held a variety of successful programs including its Second Annual Local Harvest Book Fair, which hosted more than 20 local authors from the Ramapo Catskill Library System service area. Authors and visitors alike enjoyed this opportunity to meet, chat and of course, sell and buy books covering a wide array of genres and topics. Our monthly First Friday Film Series continues to grow in popularity. Film screenings are always followed by a lively and engaging Q & A session moderated by film series curator, Marc Farre. Occasionally celebrity guest stars will attend and answer ques- tions as well. Past guests have included Didi Conn, David Shire and Jonathan Demme. The children’s department saw a great deal of growth in participation in its Summer Reading Program. Also during the summer months, the library hosted “A Jungle Expedition,” a children’s art exhibit featuring the work of students from the library’s art classes taught by Alexis Starke. We have recently upgraded our Children’s Room computer to an AWE Early Literacy workstation loaded with over 55 educational games and activities for kids ages 2–8. Shhh! They don’t even know they’re learning.

Rose Memorial Library Association, Stony Point Benjamin Reid, Director The year 2012 was a fast-paced and exciting year for the Rose Memorial Library. The continuously excellent work from both the staff and the Board of Trustees has created the possibility of groundbreaking years to come. A string of capital projects were completed when we received the CO for our accessible restrooms in early 2012. Our hardworking staff welcomed a great new addition: Jennifer Russell as our Youth and Adult Services Librarian. In the Spring, we looked back to collectively honor former trustee, Francis E. Eagan, with the rededication of the Children’s Room. Our technology presence grew, as we updated patron computers, began lending Nooks, and continued to assert ourselves as the technology experts in our community. In De- cember, the library celebrated 60 years from our original charter date. Through our successes and develop- ments, our main goal remains the same - to build a proper, modern library for Stony Point. We happily pushed that project further than ever before with preliminary work on our building program and site planning on our property at 61 East Main Street. At the Rose Memorial Library, we create community, offer access to knowledge and the tools to use it, and inspire our residents to write their own success stories. Sloatsburg Public Library Mary Blake, Director The year 2012 served as a stepping stone for new programming at the Sloatsburg Library. We were able to focus on programming geared specifically to teens in the community. This audience is one that we have found difficult to target for any sort of successful programming...until the Summer of 2012. We started out the Summer with a Digital Photography Workshop. In this two-hour class, teens learned the basics of photography, the different types of cameras available, exposure, lighting and composition. They then ventured outdoors to shoot pictures based on what they learned. The end result is that we have several teens who are already very good photographers and several more who now have a new hobby! Another teen program we tried was a Songwriting Workshop called “School of Rock!” Lyrics, melody and rhythm were discussed using a hands-on approach. Everyone in the class contributed to writing the song, they performed it (some used their own instruments) and it was recorded. The instructor then edited the song from her home studio and sent each participant a digital copy of their own! Because of this program, one young lady came in and told us she started her own band!

RCLS 2012 Highlights 25 Suffern Free Library Carol Connell Cannon, Director In 2012, as the Suffern Free Library celebrated our 12th anniversary in the Lafayette Avenue building, we continued to expand services and realize growth. Attendance at our adult programs hit an all-time with 7,001 people participating in a variety of events, including concerts, cooking demonstrations, film discussions, art history discussion and tax aide preparation. In 2012, the library began circulating eReaders that have been preloaded with titles by genre and reading level. The color Nooks are a big hit with our juvenile patrons! Ju- venile patrons also came out in droves for our Summer Reading Program with 1,032 participants. In our growing teen program, we were happy to welcome over 1,000 young adults. Many of the programs we offered were made possible through the hard work of our book sale volunteers. This devoted group, holding six big sales a year and ongoing sales in the lower lobby, raised $29,930 in 2012. The year 2012 was also a year of change for Suffern as we said goodbye to two long-time and well-loved staff members, Ruth Bolin, Director, and Delys deZwaan, Head of Reference, who both retired. We wish them all the best! Carol Connell Cannon started as Director in late October. Carol was previously Director of Cornwall Public Library and Lee Memorial Library in Allendale, NJ. Amy LaRocca has accepted the Head of Reference Services. Amy had been working at Suffern as a part-time reference librarian. Tappan Free Library Sara Nugent, Director While lucky enough to avoid flooding and destruction, the force of Hurricane Sandy’s winds snapped all wiring off our building and brought us to an operational halt for a very long 13 days. Our services were only restored after calls to Senator David Carlucci’s office. His staff was able to cut through the red tape and get our power back on. We are thankful to him for his assistance during this storm recovery as well the $15,000 in Bullet Aid he secured for our Library. In 2012 we continued partnerships with local agencies and established new friendships as well. These efforts brought our community a Concert Series spotlighting local, world renowned talent, presented storytimes at our local childcare center and sponsored our first ever altruistic Summer Reading Program. We worked collaboratively with the other Orangetown libraries to make the Summer Reading Club a less restrictive and a more seamless experience for all participants. We have been making efforts to update our nonfiction collection to support our student population with the school district’s new Common Core standards. We continue to look for ways to offer 24/7 services for our patrons and have seen a 47.9% increase on website views. Services such as Freegal and Tumblebooks have also seen usage increases. We have enhanced our e-book content collection by 68.5% and have seen an increase of 154% in its usage. Tomkins Cove Public Library Janet Lukas, Director The Tomkins Cove Public Library continues to seek ways to ensure that our library is meaningful to our community. We have recently evaluated our periodicals and based on community interest have modified our subscriptions. Our DVD collection remains excellent for a library of our size. We aim to provide an array of entertainment, documentaries and television series which draw patrons from many local communities. Due to a core group of crafters and cooks, we continue to add cookbooks and crafting books to our impressive selec- tions in these areas. Our monthly book club remains vibrant; no matter the book chosen, the discussion is always lively. We have hosted a number of children’s programs that were quite successful. The most impressive was a visit from Animal Embassy which resulted in standing room only attendance in our auditorium. Summer Reading Program attendance at programs increased this year, due in part to a variety of program offerings. 26 RCLS 2012 Highlights Valley Cottage Free Library Amelia Kalin, Director In 2012, the Valley Cottage Free Library embarked on a robust effort to incorporate the early literacy initia- tives outlined in the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library program into the resources in our new Children’s Room. This summer we offered an early literacy Summer Reading Pro- gram for pre-readers and parenting workshops to teach caregivers easy tools to use with their very young children. The puppet theater and costume center in the newly designed Children’s Room offers multiple opportunities for children to use dramatic play to learn and grow. The increase in usage has been aided by the expansion of the main parking lot. Not only was capacity increased from 47 to 106 parking spaces, but the storm water management system that was installed during this facility improvement corrected severe drainage problems that the library and our neighbors had been experiencing for many years. The eco-friendly system uses bioswales and a rain garden and native plants to capture the water runoff, effectively slowing down its entry into the community’s storm water system. Our parking lot is becoming a model in the county for others interested in improving drainage in an Earth-friendly way. West Nyack Free Library Rita Tavel Fogelman, Director The most important library event of 2012 came about because of the tragic consequences of Hurricane Sandy. In the interest of supporting our community, we suspended some long-standing rules governing the use of our building. We would do so again in similar circumstances. Though many libraries suffered serious damage and loss, West Nyack’s only problem was the loss of electricity for three days. As soon as power was restored, we opened our doors. The majority of people who filled our building in the following days were not interested in books or DVDs. They needed heat and light and a place to rest. We provided the opportunity to recharge electronic devices and helped them make contact with contractors, insurance companies and agencies offering various forms of relief. We served coffee and tea, cider and cookies all day long. Nobody was reprimanded for eating and drink- ing wherever they pleased. When we encountered homeless families, we suspended the rule that only service dogs were permitted in the library. We decided that in dreadful times, every dog is a service dog. We were privileged to serve our community and prove our value in the aftermath of a tragedy. I sincerely hope we are spared such a role in the future. Daniel Pierce Library, Grahamsville Joann Gallagher, Director We are still building! During 2012, we completed the connect- SULLIVAN COUNTY ing section between the new 23,500 square foot addition (opened in June, 2011) and the original 1902 brick and granite library. This connection includes the bright, spacious Anne Elizabeth Holt Reference Room on the main level and the lovely, much-anticipated Schiffer Children’s Program Room on the upper level. The Children’s Pro- gram Room contains both a storytelling area and an arts and crafts area. At the same time, we have been renovating the original library. The interior has been gutted, and the beautiful chestnut moldings have been sanded and stained. A fireplace that was hidden under paneling and shelving was uncovered. Fortunately, the mantelpiece for the fireplace had been saved over the years in the stone basement. This same basement produced another treasure – the top of the mantelpiece for the central fireplace. It had obviously been discarded at some point in time because of a broken mirror. This piece will ulti- mately grace the central fireplace in the newly created Reading Room.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 27 All of these building projects, of course, require a Herculean fundraising effort. This past year was no exception. The granddaddy of our efforts is the Giant Pumpkin Party and Children’s Parade. We awakened on October 6 to an extremely bleak forecast of cold rain, but miraculously, the rain clouds disappeared so that hundreds of children and their families were able to experience the fun-filled activities on the beautiful Gra- hamsville Fairgrounds. As we look back over the years to September 9, 2001, when we launched our Building Campaign, we gratefully acknowledge the monumental contribution of Brenda Adams, RCLS Fiscal Officer and the RCLS staff who guided us through seven New York State Public Library Construction Grants and to Robert Hub- sher, RCLS Executive Director and his wife Karen Watson whose experience and enthusiasm have helped to create this wonderful library for our community. And, finally, we must mention the amazing Tri-Valley community which continually and constantly says “yes” to our pleas for help – from baking cookies for the Children’s Programs to donating hundreds of thou- sands of dollars to the building fund. We are truly blessed.

Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library, Monticello Alan Barrish, Director On August 9, 2012, the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library District passed a $5,340,000 referendum to purchase land and reconstruct a building at 479 Broadway in Monticello. The referendum passed 504 – 155. We are grateful for the efforts of the Library Friends group and our library board for making this possible. The bonding and construction will be done through DASNY (The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York). Even as much of the library’s focus was on the new building project, we continued striving to offer the best possible library service. Our summer lecture series, book discussion, and various adult programs throughout the year continued to be well received. The 2012 annual budget passed 56 – 3, with Constance Keller, Marcia Raponi and Steven Sharoff being re-elected as library trustees. 2012 Children’s Room Highlights While most of our activities were held in the summer, we offered year-round programs as well. Sullivan County Head Start sent their full-day classes to visit weekly during the school year. They rotate among the four classes, so each class visits about once a month. We held a storytime for preschoolers and a program for babies and toddlers on a weekly basis. We continued to offer family-suitable movies on Saturday afternoons. We participated in the Community Night at the Roger J Kaiser Middle School. The English as a Second Language teacher from the Rutherford Elementary School brought several of her students and their families to the library for an after-school field trip. The families registered for library cards and most have been regu- larly using them. We held a show in late June to close the school year programs and kick off registration for the Summer Reading Program (SRP). We conducted summer programs on several levels of involvement. Two family shows were held on summer evenings. We offered several Zumba lessons for teens. A sticker club ran all summer. Children earned stickers and other small incentives for making entries in their reading log. We held storytimes for both babies/ toddlers and preschoolers every week for five weeks. We changed the format of the programs for older children and teens this year. In the past we held activity clubs, which had a different theme each week as sug- gested by SRP theme. This year we held book discussions. Each week featured a different book which was discussed at the meeting. The discussion was followed by one or more activities based on the book. While slightly fewer children registered for the book clubs than last year’s activity clubs, almost all of these children (and teens) completed the five-week program. The numbers of youth completing these programs were higher than those completing the activity clubs in previous years.

28 RCLS 2012 Highlights Fallsburg Library David Phillips III, Director The biggest news for 2012 was the hiring of our new Library Director; David J. Phillips IV. Dave, a five- year System veteran from Middletown Thrall and Goshen, took over August 1 and stepped right into report deadlines! The library saw a dramatic increase in attendance. We had 42,190 patrons use the library and a surge of 7,032 patrons use the computers. The months of July and August showed our largest increase in library attendance. The attendance records for July and August of 2012 surpassed our totals from the prior year by a count of 1,202. The library’s programs continued their rise in success with a surge in popularity and attendance. We had 85 children and teens sign up for our Summer Reading Program with a total of 1,698 books read. Over the summer we had an attendance of 776 people at our Children and Teen programs. A total of 201 programs were held with 3,177 participants. This all translated to over 1,100 additional attendance at the programs. Our summer programs weren’t the only ones that saw a significant rise in attendance. In October, our Hal- loween party, with storytime and craft making, drew over a hundred people. November saw the demand for our Mid-Day Movie, (48 adults) rise so high that our Programmer, Rena Kalanick and Director Dave Phillips added another day to the weekly program. Overall, 2012 was a very eventful, successful, and thrilling year for the Fallsburg Library. We had a booming surge in library usage and attendance and a great start for the new regime! Liberty Public Library Marjorie M. Linko, Director As with many other areas, Liberty Public Library experienced exponential growth in the use of eReaders and eBooks. New classes on using eReaders and downloading digital library materials were introduced and have proven to be quite popular. We offered our first ever bilingual, Spanish storytime, Hora de Cuentos Bilingue, as part of our Summer Reading Program. Supported in part by an LSTA grant, this family-based program was a smash- ing success with over 100 youth and 20 adults in attendance at five programs. The Friends of Liberty Library, formed in 2007, remains an active and vital group. Their biggest fundraiser and one of our most popular events this year was an English Tea SAH-AH Award First to graciously held, free of charge, at a local bed and breakfast. This year, the Friends group Complete State Annual purchased and donated new, solid oak chairs for our youth services/meeting tables. The Report chairs have been a beautiful addition to our library. Ongoing improvements to the building facility this year included: replacement of the concrete side-entryway steps, a new hand railing, and installation of a new sidewalk in the front of the building. Livingston Manor Free Library Peggy Johansen, Director The trustees of the Livingston Manor Free Library have been working on strengthening the structure of library operations. This work has included long range planning, policy development, financial analysis and staff restructuring with the goal of enhancing patron services. In order to meet the goals of the long-range plan, the trustees sought to create a full-time Director’s position. This became a reality in July, enabling the library to move forward in other areas. The youth-led monthly newspaper Manor Ink was founded in collaboration with the Community Reporting Alliance to address the long-range goal of involving teens in creative endeavors. The paper and its website have been warmly em- braced by district residents and thanks to recent building renovations, Manor Ink members can plan, research, write and design the paper in their own library “office” space.

RCLS 2012 Highlights 29 The library’s Battle of the Books team also gave youth an opportunity to find success in their efforts when they earned first place in the RCLS Teen Battle of the Books. Other programs and outreach projects continue to touch community members, from preschoolers to seniors. Two thousand twelve was a year to establish fundamental changes in the library, allowing us to move into our 75th anniversary during 2013, better positioned to serve the community. Mamakating Library Gregory Wirszyla, Director No report available Roscoe Free Library Dr. Joyce Conroy, Director We had a happy year – a year with no floods or other episodes of destructive weather. Thanks to our construction grant, we have a roof that doesn’t leak and a ceiling that no longer falls down. There is a lovely new handicapped accessible walkway made of local bluestone, plus a sturdy railing. (No more falling off the library steps!). The organic box garden was quite nice and, although the strawberries didn’t do well, the lone radicchio plant became so large it threatened the oil company next door. An upside down tomato planter was hung at the front door and patrons were encouraged to help themselves. There were two great summer programs for all ages including art lessons and outdoor education. Large print books have become very popular, as has our DVD collection of British mystery series. There’s a good crowd of kids after school every afternoon with cookies enjoyed by all ages. (I have a special cookie fund!) Roscoe Free Library has become known as a really nice place find a good book or a movie, perhaps read the paper, use our computers or your laptop, or just sit for a bit and enjoy the company. I hope you’ll come and visit us. Sunshine Hall Free Library, Eldred Patty Kennedy, Director During the first few months of 2012, the Friends of Sunshine Hall Free Library presented four cultural programs at the library. We met an origami artist, a wood carver, a mystery author and a local photographer. When warm weather finally arrived, the attendance in our Summer Reading Program broke all previous records. Children loved the “Dream Big” theme, read hundreds of books and even left their stuffed animals over- night at the library for a sleepover! When autumn blew into town, Hurricane Sandy shut us down for three days without electricity, but thankfully did no physical damage to the building. As soon as our power was restored we were able to offer warmth, information, and Internet access to those still without electricity. Western Sullivan Public Library Kristin White, Director The year 2012 was a very successful one for the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL). We started the year off with a new Director, Kristin White. This was closely followed by the passing of the budget in late April. This budget included full support of the Public Computer Center as the Broadbandex- press@yourlibrary grant initiative drew to a close in late 2012. This program offers various computer classes, along with job preparedness classes, and has been a big success for the WSPL and its communities. We are proud to be able to offer it with library funding. The Delaware Free Branch Library in Callicoon saw the start of construction that will increase library space; provide an ADA-compliant bathroom, as well as a Limited Use, Limited Access (LULA) lift. This construction project will also bring the building up to code and expand the library space. The project will wrap up in early 2013.

30 RCLS 2012 Highlights We once again saw an increase in circulation which is a sign that libraries are indeed still an important part of communities. One other area of note is the First Fridays: Contemporary Authors Series, which ended its 7th year, has seen a steady increase in attendance and is still a big drawing point for WSPL. Cragsmoor Free Library Hattie Grifo, Director This year marked the metamorphosis of our 1983 publication ULSTER COUNTY Cragsmoor~An Historical Sketch into Cragsmoor~Historical Portraits. With prompting from friends Sally Matz and Maureen Radl of the Cragsmoor Historical Society to update information, Board President John Duncan and the library Director got the project rolling. The original booklet was written by Margaret Hakam and Susan Houghtaling, former residents and Board members. John Duncan took the lead as design and production editor, Gail Duncan served as editor and contributors included those mentioned above plus 10 others, all Crags- moor folks. Much of the original work remains; intact and/or revised. Sections were added on two organizations formed since the original publication, the Cragsmoor Conservancy and the Cragsmoor Historical Socie- ty. New pictures and layouts improved the look, the cover became a wraparound photo, more profiles of historic houses were added and the format was enlarged to 8-1/2 x 11inches. A very handsome volume, it debuted on Library Day, August 25, 2012, published under the Library’s own imprint, Cragsmoor Publishing. Selling for $20, libraries are offered copies for $12. We hope to use our imprint again someday, perhaps for The Houses of Cragsmoor! Ellenville Public Library & Museum Pamela Stocking, Director The year 2012 saw the beginning of Ellenville Public Library & Museum’s (EPL&M) Long Range Planning Process, with a Library User survey conducted in the spring. EPL&M’s Museum Advisory Board will develop a strategic plan in tandem with the library’s plan, thanks to a “Get Set” grant awarded by Museum Wise. We were once again the recipient of a Dutchess County Arts Council grant for Cultivating Community Through the Arts, a terrific program of outstanding educational and cultural events including: a Mardi Gras celebration with Cleoma’s Ghost, an outdoor puppet show by Arm of the Sea Theater, a Cinco de Mayo festival and parade with the Mid-Hudson Mexican Folkloric Dance Group, and a multicultural holiday celebration with the Vanaver Caravan. We had a great time with our Summer Reading Program – collaborating with summer camps from the towns of Rochester and Wawarsing kept the library and its programs bustling with kids. We had some very special guests like Mortis the Tortoise, from the Nature Wagon and Inca the Spectacled Owl, from Animal Embassy. We learned about things that twinkle at night from the Mid-Hudson Children Museum’s Star Lab in a program on florescence. Other successful programs included a wonderful winter concert series, a Leading Literary Ladies of Ellenville book discussion series led by librarians and Eng- lish teachers from Ellenville Central School, and a Read Between the Lines program on Lincoln’s Civil War era speeches, funded by the New York Council for the Humanities. Our inter-organizational partnerships continue to strengthen the important role we play in our community’s well-being. This was especially so with our Job Help in Ellenville program, co-sponsored with the Ulster County Office of Employment and Train- ing, Ulster OneStop Center, Community Action and Ulster BOCES. Our Adult Literacy program continues to thrive, serving non-native and native English speakers alike. Museum and library tours included several groups of Korean students and genealogy continues to be a popular research request in the museum. All in all, a successful, busy year!

RCLS 2012 Highlights 31 Gardiner Library Nicole Lane, Director The Gardiner Library staff continued to have a blast during the Summer Reading Program. Kids who participated in our Read to Feed event raised over $2,000 for Heifer International and celebrated with a potluck dinner and a chance to decide what animals to buy with the money raised. Over 200 campers from the Gar- diner Recreation Program visited the library once a week during the summer, creating and filming book re- views, short stories and lots of goofiness with 12 Flip Video cameras purchased through Tech Soup. In the Spring, 15 boys and girls between 9 and 12 years old participated in a 10-week creative writing workshop culminating in a published zine and an authors’ celebration with family and friends. During the month leading up to the Presidential election, the library welcomed Linda Russell who performed and spoke about Cam- paign Songs of the 19th Century and Frank Sorrentino who lectured on the power of the American Presiden- cy. The NY Council for the Humanities provided grants enabling the library to host these two engaging speakers. Wellness classes continued to be popular with community members who enjoyed the convenience as well as with instructors who needed a space to provide their services. Run as partial fundraisers, these classes have given us a chance to partner with local teachers in ways that benefit everyone. The Library Board organized our first fundraiser dinner and auction with over 120 tickets sold. Delicious food, over 100 donated items, wonderful music, a breezy summer evening overlooking the Shawangunks and even our own signature drink created at our local distillery, what else do you need? Wallkill Public Library Mary Lou Carolan, Director The year 2012 was a remarkable year for the Wallkill Public Library:  “Geek the Library Night” at the Hudson Valley Renegades Baseball Stadium was initiated by our library, in collaboration with 19 area libraries and two library systems, to take over a baseball stadium in order to promote libraries and all that we do to a sports audience of 5,234 people. It landed us a spot in the “Impatient Optimists” international blog for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Thirty kids from the Wallkill area performed to two audiences of over five hundred people to make the seventh season of our “Books Alive!” children’s theater project a memorable year.  Our record-setting Summer Reading Program featured more programming than any other RCLS library – 114 programs – and over 339 participants.  We are forging a solid relationship with our school district to help implement the common core curricu- lum standards – hosting educational field trips, providing after school help, assisting parents, students and teachers with our online research tools and print materials.  Our weekly e-mail blast now goes out to over 700 people enabling our outreach to span the state.

32 RCLS 2012 Highlights NEW YORK TRUSTEES ONLINE New York Trustees Online (NYLTO) is a website designed specifically for public library trustees in New York. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a trustee as one who is trusted, or to whom something is entrusted; a person in whom confidence is put. Every public library in New York has a board of caring trustees who have been entrusted with ongoing support of the institution that many call “the heart of the community.” Public library trustees devote time and energy to overseeing the library budget, hiring and supporting the library director, adopting policies, and shaping the library vision and mission. The NYLTO site lets trustees share ideas with other trustees around the state and provides them with easy access to information that they can use to make their libraries even more effective. NYLTO is a joint project of nine of New York’s library systems, including the Ramapo Catskill Library Sys- tem. The website is supported in part by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. NYLTO has been designed to provide library trustees in the participating systems with the tools and skills they need to meet the challenges facing public libraries today. NYLTO has several topics, each with a different focus. The website went live Monday, September 3, 2012. A user name and login password are required to join NYLTO. To obtain yours, contact Grace Riario at RCLS (243-3747, ext. 233 or [email protected]). RCLS 2012 PHOTO ALBUM

Retiring ILL /Technical Services Specialist Nina Benvenuto

RCLS Trustees Samuel L. Simon and Ira Simon

State Senators John J. Bonacic and William J. Larkin, Jr. with RCLS Executive Director Robert Hubsher

Youth Services Consultant Retiring Public Services Consultant and Outreach Coordinator Leslie S. W. Riley Randall Enos at Touch-A- and successor Grace Riario Truck

RCLS 2012 Highlights 33 34 RCLS 2012 Highlights RCLS MEMBER LIBRARIES

ALBERT WISNER PUBLIC LIBRARY NANUET PUBLIC LIBRARY One McFarland Drive, Warwick 10990 986-1047 149 Church Street, 10954 623-4281 BLAUVELT FREE LIBRARY NEW CITY FREE LIBRARY 541 Western Highway 10913 359-2811 220 North Main Street 10956 634-4997 CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWBURGH FREE LIBRARY 1784 Kings Highway 10918 469-4252 124 Grand Street 12550 563-3600 CORNWALL PUBLIC LIBRARY NYACK LIBRARY 395 Hudson Street 12518 534-8282 59 South Broadway 10960 358-3370 CRAGSMOOR FREE LIBRARY ORANGEBURG LIBRARY 355 Cragsmoor Road 12420 647-4611 20 South Greenbush Road 10962 359-2244 DANIEL PIERCE LIBRARY PALISADES FREE LIBRARY 328 Main Street, Grahamsville 12740 985-7233 19 Closter Road 10964 359-0136 ELLENVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY & MUSEUM PEARL RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY 40 Center Street 12428 647-5530 80 Franklin Avenue 10965 735-4084 ETHELBERT B. CRAWFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY PIERMONT LIBRARY DISTRICT 393 Broadway, Monticello 12701 794-4660 25 Flywheel Park West 10968 359-4595 FALLSBURG LIBRARY PINE BUSH AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT 12 Railroad Plaza, South Fallsburg 12779 436-6067 223-227 Maple Avenue, Pine Bush 12566 744-3375 FINKELSTEIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY PORT JERVIS FREE LIBRARY 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley 10977 352-5700 138 Pike Street 12771 856-7313 FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY ROSCOE FREE LIBRARY 4 Cohen Circle 10921 651-7659 85 Highland Avenue 12776 607-498-5574 GARDINER LIBRARY ROSE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 133 Farmers Turnpike 12525 255-1255 79 East Main Street, Stony Point 10980 786-2100 GOSHEN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND HISTORICAL SLOATSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY SOCIETY 1 Liberty Rock Road 10974 753-2001 203 Main Street 10924 294-6606 SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY GREENWOOD LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY 210 Lafayette Avenue 10901 357-1237 79 Waterstone Road 10925 477-8377 SUNSHINE HALL FREE LIBRARY HAVERSTRAW KING’S DAUGHTERS PUBLIC 14 Proctor Road, Eldred 12732 557-6258 LIBRARY TAPPAN LIBRARY 10 West Ramapo Road, Garnerville 10923 786-3800 93 Main Street 10983 359-3877 HIGHLAND FALLS LIBRARY THRALL PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT OF 298 Main Street 10928 446-3113 MIDDLETOWN AND WALLKILL JOSEPHINE-LOUISE PUBLIC LIBRARY 11-19 Depot Street 10940 341-5454 5 Scofield Street, Walden 12586 778-7621 TOMKINS COVE PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBERTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 419 Liberty Drive North 10986 786-3060 189 North Main Street 12754 292-6070 TUXEDO PARK LIBRARY LIVINGSTON MANOR FREE LIBRARY 227 Route 17 10987 351-2207 92 Main Street 12758 439-5440 VALLEY COTTAGE FREE LIBRARY MAMAKATING LIBRARY 110 Route 303 10989 268-7700 156-158 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro 12790 888-8004 WALLKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY MOFFAT LIBRARY OF WASHINGTONVILLE 7 Bona Ventura Avenue 12589 895-3707 3348 Route 208,Building 2, Suite 2 10992 496-5483 WEST NYACK FREE LIBRARY MONROE FREE LIBRARY 65 Strawtown Road 10994 358-6081 44 Millpond Parkway 10950 783-4411 WESTERN SULLIVAN PUBLIC LIBRARY MONTGOMERY FREE LIBRARY 19 Center Street, Jeffersonville 12748 482-4350 133 Clinton Street 12549 457-5616 RCLS 2012 Highlights 35 06.03.2013 Ramapo Catskill Library System 619 Route 17M Middletown, NY 10940-4395 845.243.3747 · FAX 845.243.3739 www.rcls.org

RCLS Board of Trustees Martha Anderson Carl S. Berkowitz Norman R. Gallagher Roslyn Applebaum Hurwitz Ira Simon Lynn Skolnick Alfred Smiley Patricia Soto Mark Specthrie Karen L. Weitzner David Zuckerberg Marilyn J. McIntosh (non-voting representative of the RCLS Directors’ Association)

Executive Director Robert Hubsher

RCLS MISSION We deliver high-quality consolidated and cooperative services to support member libraries in meeting the needs of their communities. RCLS GOALS 1. Coordinated Services – Offer a clearly defined set of cost effective coordinated or centralized and consulting services designed to enhance local library service and maximize the return from local funds expended. 2. Technology – Enhance and maintain existing automation services and assist member libraries in implementing emerging technologies to improve library service and cooperation. 3. Resource Sharing – Coordinate Central Library and System services to provide a broad range of services, library materials and online resources to support equity of access. 4. Professional Development and Continuing Education – Provide opportunities to member libraries' staff, directors and trustees for the training and skills development needed to support excellent library service. 5. Advocacy – Encourage and support member libraries in their efforts to increase community awareness about public library programs, services and governance. 6. Communication – Maintain and promote effective means of communications with and among member libraries to ensure accountability and cooperation. 7. Organizational Environment – Maintain an organizational environment that allows RCLS to be responsive and accountable to member libraries.

RCLS Plan of Service 2012-2016 36 RCLS 2012 Highlights