Job Opportunity: Library Director – Keeseville Free Library
The Keeseville Free Library Director is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Library according to policies and regulations established by the Board of Trustees, developing and implementing procedures and programming, and overseeing the financial management of the Library within the purview of State Education Law, the Commissioner’s Regulations, and the rules and regulations of the Board.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]North Country Gardening and Fresh Food
During the month of May, our tri-county service area typically sees the final frost of the spring season. Whether you are new to gardening or have years of experience, the libraries throughout our system offer many resources to help nurture your green thumb. If you’re interested in eating fresh food but don’t want to start a garden, we also have information about eating local. Either way, you can enjoy the many benefits of fresh and nutritious food. Check out our guide that highlights books and videos on gardening that you can borrow, local organizations that you can contact, and how to find fresh, locally grown food in our area!
[CLICK TO READ MORE]Say Hello to Libby
On May 1, 2023, the legacy OverDrive app will be discontinued on both Android and iOS devices. But don’t worry, the newer Libby app – also available for Android and iOS devices – is still accessible with your library card. Libby allows you to borrow ebooks and e-audiobooks to read and listen to on your phone or tablet. You can even send and read your borrowed ebooks to your Kindle! It’s free and easy to get started for new users and for those who have already used the OverDrive app in the past. Want to read on a computer? You can still use the browser version of OverDrive at cefls.overdrive.com!
Want to get to know Libby better? Sign up for a free Getting Started with Libby webinar. This webinar will show you everything you need to know to get started with Libby or to make the switch from the OverDrive app. From downloading the app and signing in, to searching and borrowing titles, placing holds, adjusting your reading settings, and more, Libby experts are here to get you started. The session will even close with a live question and answer portion.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]April is Autism Acceptance Month
From our friends at the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY:
In 2017, New Zealand officials added new words to the Maori language for mental health and disabilities. The word for Autism is “‘takiwatanga,” meaning “his or her own time and space.”
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that commonly appears in children before the age of three. It is a disorder that impacts typical brain development in the areas of social interaction, communication, and cognitive function. As a spectrum disorder, autistic behaviors and traits are unique to each individual. That is why awareness, acceptance, and understanding are critical to helping people on the spectrum and their families.
This April, the Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY celebrates Autism Acceptance Month. We encourage our community to think about how we can make small changes to support and include people on the spectrum.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]Library Advocacy Day is February 28, 2023
Anyone can advocate for their public library! We need many voices to tell leaders in the Legislature why libraries are essential.
Advocacy helps to inform people about library services and their value to the community. It can influence important decisions about legislative and budget priorities in order to strengthen libraries in New York State and ensure that they have the resources to continue offering these important services.
The New York Library Association suggests various ways to tell your story about why libraries are important:
[CLICK TO READ MORE]Black History Month
Celebrate and learn more about Black History month with all of the great resources available to you for free with a library card. Find books and DVDs you can check out from your local library via our online catalog. Browse all of the ebooks and e-audiobooks available about African American History or check out African American Fiction titles. Visit our own Black History local guide to find out more about organizations and projects like the North Country Underground Historical Association (NCUGRHA) and the Secret Lives of the Underground Railroad, as well as educational resources.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]New Additions to the Team
We’d like to take a moment to welcome the newest additions to the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System crew. First off, Rebecca Klein has joined as a library clerk in the Technical Services Department. Rebecca is a SUNY Plattsburgh history department alumna and aspiring archival librarian. When she isn’t reading about lesbian history or doing genealogical research, you can find her knitting, watching bad sci-fi movies with her fiancée, or playing with her cat Marceline. She’s been making quick work of dealing with interlibrary loans and rotating collections, helping us provide fresh titles to patrons in every corner of the three counties. And even more recently, Justin VanCour has also joined the team as an accounting clerk in the Administration Department. He comes to us with more than a decade of experience working in insurance and account clerk positions with Clinton County. Justin’s passions away from the office include music, writing, and Star Wars. He loves doing things with his family, including coaching his kids in youth sports. He’s been learning all about the ins and outs of the financial side of the Library System and member libraries. We’re so glad to have both Rebecca and Justin join and look forward to working with them to provide service to libraries and their patrons.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]Minimum Standards Training 2022
https://youtu.be/APq32_T2g4o
NYSED DLD Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards – https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/helpful/index.html
NYSED DLD Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State – https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/trustees/handbook/index.html
NYLA Archived Webinars – https://www.nyla.org/archived-webinars/
NYLA Continuing Education – https://www.nyla.org/continuing-education/
GALE NOVELny Training – https://support.gale.com/novelny/training
[CLICK TO READ MORE]Native American Cultural Programs at Your Library

Skywoman, Iotsitsisen (Mature Flower), from the Haudenosaunee Story of Creation, by John Fadden, colorized by David Fadden.
The Tsi ietsenhtha Plattsburgh Art Project and CEFLS libraries are presenting a series of events this fall to help build a bridge between the more than 4,000 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people who live in Northeastern New York, and those who may be unfamiliar with their rich culture. The events, to be hosted by various local libraries, include storytelling, film, crafts and singing, are designed to foster communication and understanding of diverse cultures.
[CLICK TO READ MORE]“Creating Oceans of Sound” with RiverJack Z!

The Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System is pleased to invite children and families to have some fun “Creating Oceans of Sound” with RiverJack Z! Eight area libraries will be hosting this free musical event featuring Jack Zucchini, the guitar-playing singer/songwriter from The Zucchini Brothers. Participants will also be provided with an art activity that will be created at the event or sent home as a make-and-take activity.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
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