We are pleased to announce that Ronaldo Barber has assumed the role of President of Local 1482, Brooklyn Library Guild, effective October 18, 2017.  Mr. Barber was nominated for the position at the General Membership Meeting on October 3rd.  His nomination was unopposed, which automatically gave him the position without having to hold an election.  Like the rest of Executive Board, he would have begun his three-year term in December. 

Past President Eileen Muller retired from the library in August, but stayed on as President of Local 1482 by hand-paying her dues at DC37.

At October's Executive Board meeting on the 17th, a motion was made to allow Ms. Muller to step down immediately and allow Mr. Barber to start serving his term as President early.  It passed with a unanimous vote.

Ron is looking forward to representing the members of Local 1482.  It goes without saying that Eileen Muller will be deeply missed.  For years she has been a vocal and energetic advocate for Local 1482, DC37, libraries, and the labor movement.  Information about her retirement celebration is coming soon!

While office space for Mr. Barber is being arranged, you can contact him by calling the Professional Division of DC37 at 212-815-1040 and leaving a message. 

Local 1482 invites all members in Librarian titles to a special meeting next week on Wednesday, October 11th at 6:30 pm.  We will discuss librarian salaries and access to promotional opportunities.  This is your chance to have your questions answered and opinions heard.  The meeting will be held at DC37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan. 

Please share this information with your friends and colleagues in librarian titles.

Do you have Federal student loans?  Are you concerned about how much the monthly payments are, or how long it will take to pay them off?  DC37 is holding a workshop on Wednesday, May 17th from 6 to 7:30 that will help you get on the path to eliminating student debt.  The workshop will be held at DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan.  It is free to union members, but space is limited.  Online advance registration is required. 

Please print out the workshop flier, found here, and post it in your agencies.

At last night's General Membership Meeting all in attendance heard about a couple of terrific opportunities.  One was about an upcoming workshop at DC37 on dealing with student loan debt.  The other outlined how members can earn an online Associates Degree for free via our parent union AFSCME.  Here are the details...

Erase Your Student Debt Workshop at DC37

Student debt is a serious crisis here in the United States, and members of DC37 and Local 1482 are not immune from it.  On Tuesday, October 18, DC37 will hold a free Erase Your Student Debt workshop from 6:00-7:30 pm at DC 37 Headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan.  Get the help you need to get on the path towards eliminating your student debt.  Space is limited and online registration is required.  You can register here.

Print out the workshop flier, post in your agencies, and share it with your colleagues.

The AFSCME Free College Benefit

It is AFSCME's mission to give its members every advantage to get ahead.  In partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College in Ohio, they are offering FREE online Associates Degrees in the Arts, Business Management and Criminal Justice.  Early Childhood Education will be available in 2017.  AFSCME's Free College Benefit is available to all members of AFSCME, which includes members of DC37 and Local 1482.  Again, it's 100% FREE!!!

Did you know that Local 1482 Brooklyn Library Guild was the first library union local in New York City?  It's true!  Local 1482 was founded in November, 1966, which makes this year our 50th anniversary.

All current members, retirees, and supporters of the local are invited to our 50th Anniversary Banquet on Friday, November 11th at 7 pm.  The festivities will be held at Buckley's at Nostrand Avenue and Avenue S in Marine Park.  The cost is $60 per person and will cover a full dinner and an open bar. 

To purchase tickets, please reach out to Ron Barber at 646-265-0403 or email him at barber.ron@gmail.com. 

To commemorate this milestone, we are putting together a keepsake journal that will be chock-full of memories and history of Local 1482.  We invite branches and interested parties to sponsor ads in this journal.  The cost of ads is:

• $25 for 1/4 page
• $50 for 1/2 page
• $100 for a full page

Please contact Ron Barber if you are interested in sponsoring an ad.

Share information about this special event with your colleagues.  Print out this full-page flier and post it in your agencies. 

Many thanks to Local 1482 members both past and present.  We'll see you at the banquet on November 11th!

Please join us at our next General Membership meeting on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00 pm. 

Because the Brooklyn Heights Branch has closed, all of our 2016-2017 General Membership meetings will take place at the Central Library.  The meeting next week will be held in the Trustees Room on the 3rd Floor.  Check the Meetings and Events page the dates and locations of our meetings in December, February, April, and June.  You'll also find information there about other Local  1482 activities.

Sandwiches and refreshments will be available beginning at 6:00 pm. 

We hope to see you there!

Edited to Add (Sept 29): When this notice was first posted on Tuesday, we indicated the meeting would be held in the Dweck.  It will actually take place in the Trustees Room.  We apologize for the error.  It has been corrected above

All Local 1482 Members in the Custodian title are encouraged to attend a special meeting on Thursday, March 31st at 6 pm at the Brooklyn Heights Branch.  At this meeting we will address the matter of--and answer questions about--the Custodian re-organization under the Department of Public Safety, especially as it relates to schedules and work assignments. 

Even if you are not a Custodian, please help us spread the word about this important meeting.  Refreshments will be available. 

Please join us at our next General Membership meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00 pm.  Sandwiches and refreshments will be available beginning at 6:00 pm.  The meeting is held in the auditorium of the Brooklyn Heights branch at 280 Cadman Plaza West. 

At this meeting we will nominate and elect three (3) delegates and four (4) alternates to the 2016 AFSCME International Convention in Las Vegas, July 18-22. 

We hope you are able to join us!

Do you dream of owning a home someday?  Did you know DC37 has a  program that helps first-time homeowners negotiate the often-complex process of financing and securing the purchase of condos, co-ops and houses?  It's called the Municipal Employees Housing Program and a representative of the program will speak at our upcoming General Membership Meeting on February 2nd. 

Come hear how the program can help you with mortgage and legal advice as well as how you might be eligible to receive a grant for a down payment.  The presentation will also outline how you can take advantage of affordable rental lotteries with a 5% preference for NYC employees. 

The services MEHP offers can save you money, time, and uncertainty.  Whether you plan to buy a home soon or farther into the future, bring your questions and learn how the MEHP can be an invaluable partner or yours throughout your  journey towards home ownership.  

Image via Flickr, Diana Parkhouse

The next General Membership Meeting of Local 1482 will be on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00 pm.  Join us at the Brooklyn Heights branch to get the latest news and vote on issues and motions.  Refreshments are available beginning at 6:00 pm.  

Future meetings and events are listed here.