Mission
The mission of the MidYork Library System is to improve and expand library service in the counties of Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer. Our priorities are to...
- Lower library service cost by leveraging economies of scale for activities common to member libraries
- Increase residents' abilities to access material from any library in the Mid York service area and beyond through a shared catalog and distribution process
- Extend each member library's ability to deliver comprehensive services by offering professional consulting and assistance
- Broaden libraries' ability to offer free access to digital information and on-line services
- Expand training opportunities for member library personnel, improving their skills to better serve customers
- Deliver direct service to community members unable to readily access their local library
- Act as a conduit for member libraries to benefit from the global library network
- Advocate for and promote libraries as essential on a regional, state, and national level, thus acquiring improved and stable funding
Vision
Mid-York Library System helps public libraries “be the best they can be†– seen by their neighbors as essential, vibrant and cost-effective community & information centers. We offer friendly physical and virtual venues to: meet, learn, share, discover, use technology, experience culture, freely access information, and receive answers to your most challenging questions. The System leverages cooperative purchasing and best practices so that libraries constantly meet evolving community needs.
Values
- Diverse: deliver inclusive services accommodating the varied make-up of our library communities
- Flexible: anticipate and readily adapt to change
- Knowledgeable: preceptive and well-informed about existing and emerging concepts
- Personable: always respectful, friendly and approachable
- Quality: our delivery of services helps libraries enrich their patron's lives
- Trustworthy: honest, reliable, dependable and fiscally responsible
System Services
Acquisitions, Cataloging and Processing
All types and formats of materials are ordered and shared through the System's online database. Significant discounts are obtained through volume purchase.
Automation Services
The System operates a shared computer system which provides online access to all member library collections. The public can access our online catalog and various digital collections, including NOVEL databases.
Business Office Services
Services and supplies are available to be purchased at significant savings under New York State contract pricing and shipped to our member libraries via our delivery.
Collections and Audiovisual Services
Large print books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, story hour boxes, Bi-Folkal kits and equipment such as laptop PCs and projectors are available for use by our member libraries and interested community organizations.
Consulting Services
Professional advice is available to member libraries on services, programs, planning, budgeting, administration and management.
Continuing Education
MidYork offers a regular schedule of workshops, seminars and other training opportunities for professional development of member library staff and advancement of library trustees.
Delivery
System delivery vans visit every member library two to five times a week, transporting books and library materials and helping libraries to share with each other.
Interlibrary Loan
Through global online services and the willingness of almost all libraries to share their materials, MidYork can obtain almost any book, audio, video or magazine article if it is not owned by one of our member libraries.
Outreach Services
For those who cannot use traditional library services, MidYork provides Talking Books for the blind and physically handicapped, deposit collections of large print books to nursing homes and other institutions, as well as service to state and correctional facilities.
Reference Services
A professional reference librarian is available to answer questions on any topic and will locate resources not available at the local library, through the MidYork reference collection, the interlibrary loan system, various electronic databases and the Internet.
Board of Trustees
Officers
- Jane Guzewich, President
- Andrea Lynch, Vice President
- Chelsea Visalli, Secretary
- Andrew Alesia, Treasurer
Trustees
- Jim Cusack
- Sara DeFazio
- Steve Ellingson
- Georgina Hegney
- Melissa Kinney
- Arthur Lelio
- Linda Madore
- Steve Moolin
- Dominic Passalacqua
- Heather Urtz Amendolare
- Thomas Van Hatten
Library Director Liaisons (non-voting)
- Shauna Bishop, Ilion Free Public Library
- April Bliss, Dunham Public Library, Whitesboro
Administration
- Mandy Travis, Executive Director
2025 MYLS Board Meeting Schedule
Meetings are the third Thursday of the month, start at 6:00 p.m., and are held at the Mid York Headquarters, unless otherwise indicated.
- January 16
- March 20
- May 15
- July 17
- September 18
- October - TBD Annual Meeting & Dinner
- November 20