We’ve been notified that patrons may now order books from all libraries within our system EXCEPT Glens Falls (Crandall), Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park-Halfmoon and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and none of the libraries in the Mohawk Valley Library System. Deliveries of requested materials will not be delivered until sometime next week…Thank You!

Patrons can start returning all borrowed material to the library starting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th. Please put all returned items into the Drop Box located at the Library Avenue entrance. All material will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in, BUT, NO late charges will apply. We will be calling patrons to set up an appointment to pick up any materials they may have ordered, before the shut down, this week. If you would like to request materials, call us at 518-623-3011 starting Monday, July 13th. REMEMBER, you can only order books, DVDs, etc. from our collection for the time being. You may also go to the on-line catalog by going to icon at the top of this page that says, “Books, DVDs and more” and click on the link below. This will bring you to the catalog and sign in using your Library Card barcode number as your username and your password is the last 4 digits of your home phone number. Once you’re in you can order from our collection. If you have any problems, give us a call!

Essential Reading to Strengthen Your Leadership Skills This Summer

Strong leadership is at the heart of any successful organization. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit director, or the head of a grassroots political movement, leadership is what draws people in, pulls them together, and mobilizes them to achieve greatness.

Leadership skills include many things: courage, integrity, perseverance, empathy. But the truth is, the essence of great leadership can’t be captured in a few keywords. That’s why we’ve put together this summer reading list of the best books about leadership and the skills you need to lead.

Books for Personal Development

Before you can lead others, you need to lead yourself. That includes changing the way you think and work so you can get more done without burning out. These books, recommended by experts in the field, will help you step out of your comfort zone and develop the personal skills you need to become an effective leader.

• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
• The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
• Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done by Laura Vanderkam

Books for Fostering Creativity and Innovation

In addition to being organized and decisive, leaders need to be visionary. Contrary to popular belief, inspiration doesn’t simply strike. Rather, the ability to innovate is a skill carefully cultivated by nurturing your team’s creative side. These books explain how.

• Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
• The Positive Organization: Breaking Free from Conventional Cultures, Constraints, and Beliefs by Robert E. Quinn
• Driven by Difference: How Great Companies Fuel Innovation Through Diversity by David Livermore

Books for Leading Change

How do leaders rally people around innovative change in a world that prefers to stick to the status quo? Getting people to follow you into the unknown isn’t easy, but it is possible when you know how to tap into what truly motivates people. Read these books to learn how to inspire and motivate others to achieve your vision.

• Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership by Michael Ventura

Books for Work-Life Balance

Being a leader isn’t an easy job. And while you might not be able to clock out, it’s still important to prioritize work-life balance in order to prevent burnout. These books explain how leaders can maintain work-life balance without sacrificing their vision.

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
• Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu
• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

Great leaders know there’s always more to learn. That’s why the best leaders are always reading! Whether you’re just starting out on your leadership journey or are looking for ways to take your organization to the next level, let this summer reading list spark your creativity.