Strong Libraries Mean Strong Communities

"Strong Libraries Mean Strong Communities" is the headline on the spring newsletter of the Mid-Hudson Library system. The entire newsletter is devoted to that theme, both in justifying the headline and also in suggesting what local libraries can do to improve their communities, especially what can be done in this time of economic hardship.

I have written before about how the current difficult financial problems affect libraries, so I want in this post to write more about what the Pleasant Valley Free Library is doing to help the community, especially with regard to the suggestions in the Mid-Hudson newsletter.  

One of the first things they suggest is classes in computer skills and help for patrons using computers that are provided free in the Library (we also have free WiFi for those who bring their laptops to the Library to work). Our next Internet training system will be on April 29, but if you visit the Library often you have surely seen Daniela or another member of the Library staff working directly with patrons on computer use, which can happen any time there is a need.  And it is not just computer use where our Library is providing help.  A seminar on Long-Term Health Care Needs on April 30 will be conducted by two wonderful community leaders, Fred Schaeffer and Denny Quinn, experts on law, finance, and insurance. 

The Mid-Hudson newsletter emphasizes keeping the Library in a sound financial state, which I believe the financial team of Daniela, the trustee's financial committee, our bookkeeper, and our outside accountant are managing with care and attention to detail.  It is true that we can no longer put off the major repair to the soffits (see earlier post), which will be very expensive--although we are seeking help from New York State for this, there is no guarantee that we will get it in these difficult times. 

Another concern that the Mid-Hudson newsletter addresses is--newsletters.  Some of you are now receiving the electronic newsletter from our Library, new this year and just publishing its third issue.  If you do not receive the newsletter now, just give your email address to anyone at the desk and say you want to be included (or email our director at danielapulice@hotmail.com).  Another means of communication is the Library Website. 

Finally, the newsletter suggests that patrons should be reminded that the Library is a great place to save money or to search for jobs:

• DVD's of movies and television shows are free. We have an unusually large and well-chosen collections, but you can also get DVD's using an interlibrary loan from any of the 65 libraries in the Mid-Hudson system--just ask.
• Not only can Library computers be used for job applications, but there are books available to help with resume writing or to use in preparing for work-related or school-related tests.