News from Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS)

I thought readers might be interested in this news from MHLS (see below).

Hudson Valley Reads Launched

A new feature has been added to the front of the Mid-Hudson Library System Online Catalog [http://gigcat.midhudson.org]called Hudson Valley Reads powered by BookLetters. This new readers' advisory tool enables patrons to sign-up for a monthly "e-alert" to receive book suggestions that will include new gems, bestsellers, and related titles in the category or categories they choose.

There are twenty-five categories to choose from including mysteries, new fiction, book club choices, business, Spanish, non-fiction bestsellers, romance, audio books, science fiction and fantasy, children's and teens - there's something for everyone! Patrons can click on a category to see a sample of what the e-alert provides.

Here are the instructions patrons see when they click on the Hudson Valley Reads icon on the front of the catalog:

Are you looking for a good book to read or listen to? Sign up for our
e-alerts and get great book suggestions by email. We'll deliver reading lists right to your inbox which will include new gems, bestsellers, and related titles. You'll also be able to check immediately whether the items are available at your local Library or whether they've been checked out.

To get started:
1. Click on the check box next to each e-newsletter you want to receive.
2. Enter your e-mail address in the box provided at the bottom of the page.
3. Click on the Subscribe button at the bottom of the page.

Library staff that work with patrons should check out this new feature and subscribe to a list or two to see what it's like within the next few weeks. In January MHLS will supply talking points for staff, bookmarks, and a sample newsletter article that libraries can use to promote the new service to their patrons.

And, by the way, our current Pleasant Valley Free Library Board President, Steve MacNish, will be joining the Board of MHLS after his term as president ends at the end of this year. Happily, he will also remain on the Pleasant Valley Library Board as well. We need all the help we can get, especially from the most experienced Trustee we have ever had.