News Spotlight
Service and Program Updates
Thank You Clare!
Thank you to our outgoing board member Clare Dombrowski, Children’s Librarian, Amesbury Public Library!
After serving for several years on our Youth Services Advisory Committee, Clare was elected as our first Youth Services specific representative to the MLS Executive Board, serving for 2 terms, including time as our Clerk and the Vice President/President/Past President.
Clare participated in two MLS strategic planning processes, and as President, led the search for the Executive Director position in 2018.
Clare acted as a liaison to all libraries in MA, but especially to those in Northeastern MA connecting MLS’ work and services to the local level. Her ongoing dedication and hard work has benefitted MLS from our founding in 2010 and into the future! We are grateful for your leadership!
Introducing - MLS Live
Beginning in January 2021, MLS will be launching a new virtual engagement series. On the last Tuesday of the month, join MLS Executive Director Sarah Sogigian and Membership Manager Amanda Fauver on MLS Live as we discuss a different MLS related topic each month.
The purpose of this new series is to strengthen connections with our members and partners in our new virtual work environment. This series will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about and engage with MLS.
Sessions will be hosted on Zoom and recorded; we invite you to participate by attending the live session or watch the recording on your own time. Our first session will be held on Tuesday, January 26 from 11-11:30 AM. Sarah will discuss our plans for 2021, including a review of our new Action Plan, in support of our Strategic Plan. This series connects to our Action Plan S.I.1, G.1
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about these topics either using the chat feature in Zoom or by emailing sarah@masslibsystem.org in advance of the session (please note: this session will be recorded. Attendees will be muted to preserve audio quality).
Strategic Action Plan
We are happy to share our new Action Plan for 2021, in support of our new Strategic Plan.
Staff Anniversaries
Congratulations to our staff members celebrating their 5 and 10 year anniversaries with MLS. Traditionally MLS recognizes these staff milestones in December. Since we were unable to celebrate in person this year, we want to extend our sincerest thank you for your continued dedication to MLS and your many years of hard work.
Celebrating 10 years!
Sarah Sogigian, Executive Director
Scott Kehoe, Library Resources Director
Shirley MacLean, Member Services/Office Support
Celebrating 5 years!
Betsy Meaden, Business and Human Resources Director
Service and Program Updates
Small Library Forum
The Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners co-hosted the 3rd Small Libraries Forum on November 17 & 18. The two-day event started with keynote Rebekkah Smith-Aldrich, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System (NY) giving an inspiring, hopeful (hopepunk, in fact!) talk about small libraries and their critical role and achievements.
Several small library directors from Massachusetts participated in the other sessions, including “Celebrating Your Strengths” ignite sessions, a panel from participants in the rural library group “Libraries in the Woods,” and a panel discussion about collaborations with organizations outside of the library.
The entirely virtual Small Libraries Forum was free and open to all attendees, thanks to a generous grant from The Manton Foundation. With over 150 registrants, several from other states, it was our most attendees yet for the event. All speaker sessions were recorded and can be found, with optional Closed Captioning, at the MLS Small Libraries Forum Video Showcase.
Community Engagement Blog
Interested in learning more about creative ways your library can connect with community partners? The MLS Community Engagement Blog features community engagement success stories from all types of libraries in Massachusetts. This month, we featured civic engagement activities at the Shrewsbury Public Library and the Thomas Crane Public Library, as well as, a healthy living collaboration at the Plymouth Public Library.
Winter Weather and Delivery
With winter brings Delivery delays and cancellations. Check our LibGuide https://guides.masslibsystem.org/mlsdelivery/deliverynews for cancelation updates or join our delivery List-Serv for important notifications. To be added to the delivery email list and receive updates and announcements regarding delivery, please email delivery@masslibsystem.org.
Please make sure at least one person from your library receives emails. We periodically put out important policy information and pertinent changes.
