Library Director's Report - July 13, 2016 


1.	I have received notification that the Library District will be
receiving a bullet aid grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Office of
NYS Senator John Bonacic.  The grant is specifically designated for the
purchase of equipment or to enhance library programs.  A letter of
appreciation will be sent to the Senator's office.  

2.	The Friends of Middletown Thrall have announced that they will
increase their contribution to the Library's 2017 budget lines for
Materials and Furniture and equipment.  I extend my thanks along with
the appreciation of Library staff and patrons for the continued,
valuable support we receive from our Friends.

3.	Grace Riario, Assistant Director of the Ramapo Catskill Library
System will be attending our July 2016 meeting as part of an RCLS
initiative to increase outreach to RCLS member library boards. 

4.	The Library's 2016 Summer Reading program commenced on Thursday,
June 30 2016 and will extend through Friday August 5, 2016.  This year's
theme is "On Your Mark, Get Set: READ.  The Library will be hosting a
series of special programs for children of all ages that help to promote
literacy and prevent a "Summer Slide" or decline in literacy skills
school aged children often experience over the school break.  This year
we have also planned a series of entertainment programs for families
that will take place on Thursday afternoon's at 1:00pm.  Pre-
registration will take place in June and promotional newspapers will be
sent out to all of the Elementary and Middle Schools of the Middletown
and Pine Bush School Districts.  The Friends of Middletown Thrall
Library are a contributing sponsor of the Summer Reading Program
promotional newspaper.  The promotional newspapers will be delivered
just prior to the end of school year.

5.	The Orange County Library Association is sponsoring a promotional
event entitled Amazing Orange that will take between July 5 and August
12, 2016.  Individuals or teams will complete a set of designated tasks
at various Orange County libraries and be eligible to receive prizes.
More information about the program can be found at the following link:
http://www.amazingorange.org/ 

I have attended the following meetings in June, Friends of Middletown
Thrall Library, RCLS Director's Association Executive Committee, Thrall
Staff Meeting, City of Middletown Business Improvement District, Orange
County Library Association General meeting.  Middletown Thrall Library
Remarkable Reads book discussion.