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In attendance: Ginny LaJuene (Altamont Free Library), Sharon Hodges (Petersburg Public Library), Julie Basu (Albany Public Library--Delaware Branch), Carol Gaillard (Cheney Library), Kim Kniele (Troy Public Library), Lisa Neuman (Menands Public Library), Barbara Goetschius (RCS Community Library), Jen McIntosh (East Greenbush Community Library), Polly Hartman (Bethlehem Public Library), Jendy Murphy (Albany Public Library), Beverly Provost (Bethlehem Public Library), Suzanne Winkler (Guilderland Public Library), Joyce Laiosa (Voorheesville Public Library), Cherry Neil (Guilderland Public Library), Beth Bomba (William K. Sanford Town Library), Pat Sahr (Nassau Free Library), Darlene Miller (Castleton Public Library & Sand Lake Town Library) Diane Riganti (UHLS), Mary Fellows (UHLS)

Pre- and post-meeting
Three folks from small libraries met before the meeting for the small library concerns discussion, which centered on approaching your boss for a raise. Ginny LaJuene shared the personal accomplishment portfolio she used to successfully persuade her board she deserved a salary raise. After the meeting, six representatives of larger libraries discussed effective youth services staff meetings.

Imp Team Questions & Answer Session
Pat Nonamaker, Richard Naylor, Marcia Middleton and Phil Ritter from the UHLS Horizon/Epixtech Implementation Team were present to make a brief presentation about the new system and to answer extensive questions.

UHLS Updates

Storytelling camp – Mary showed the t-shirt for the LSTA grant Imagination River Storytelling Camp grant and shared some recent experiences with kids involved in the project. Participating libraries are Altamont, Albany Public Main, Castleton, and Troy Lansingburgh.

Adult Services Summer Reading Club-The Adult Services Advisory Committee discussed our proposal that they consider doing an adult SRP. They are uninterested in pursuing system-wide program. Mary encouraged YS librarians to still consider approaching the adult services librarian in their library to determine his/her interest.

Audiovisual Materials – Mary reported the ASAC’s interest in having a joint session on managing audiovisual resources. Mary will offer a choice of several spring YSAC meetings as possible times to invite the ASAC to join us in examining this topic.

Summer Reading Program Planning Workshop – This year, this workshop will be held at Schenectady County Public Library and may include a performer’s showcase as a portion of the day.

Read across America - will take place on March 3rd and is another opportunity to plan events around reading at the library.

Heavy Metal Band with Literacy Message – Bloodhag is a Seattle-based heavy metal teen band whose performances are literacy-based. Mary speculated about them as an arts grant possibility. Jennifer McIntosh related that she had contacted them and they are overwhelmed by the response they are getting and would “get back to her.” Barbara Goetschius reminded the group that we could make local teens bands aware of Bloodhag’s success in an effort to encourage them to create a literacy themed show. We can also take advantage of local performers like Brian Mellick, who incorporates literacy into percussion workshops.

UHLS web site youth services section – Mary called members’ attention to the youth services section of the UHLS website. It’s found under member services and includes a variety of resources (Ellison dies, flannel board etc.). Mary invited comments and suggestions.

Great Reads/News From You
In the interest of time, these agenda items were combined. Mary, Joyce, Jendy, Kim and Polly shared news of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA. A Children’s Literature Connection bus trip to the museum provided an outstanding day, and a visit to the facility is highly recommended.

Jendy shared a great read, The Other Side of Dawn by John Marsden (0-618-070281).
The book is part of the author’s Tomorrow series.

Beth reported that William K. Sanford Town Library hosted the Puppet People performing “A Christmas Carol,” and it was wonderful.

Guest Presenter
Lisa Hoyt from Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center (near Grafton) provided a list of the programs she presents at libraries and schools and discussed her approach to nature-based programming.

Next Meeting

January 17, UHLS
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Book review
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon YSAC meeting
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Book review

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Fellows, Youth Services Consultant