We're hosting a lively workshop to jointly develop ideas for the 2026 Adult summer reading theme, "Unearth a Story."
Did someone say murder? Kicking off the morning with a bang, we present a Murder Mystery Game—and show you exactly how to create and implement one for your own library. Followed by a presentation on CSLP theme, Unearth a Story, highlighting resources presented by Katy Hite of the State Library. TikTok isn’t just for teens, learn how to create simple summer reading TikToks to market your library effectively.
After a provided lunch, you will have dedicated time to connect with colleagues, sharing and developing innovative ideas for programs, incentives, and reading tracking methods.
The afternoon features our Program Palooza, where you'll hear about six distinct programs you can readily implement in your library. We will wrap up the day with Programming during tough times: Free, Cheap, and Recycled. Don't miss this energizing day and opportunity to connect with your peers. More details will be coming soon.
Murder in the Stacks: Hosting Murder Mysteries at the Library
Learn where to find and facilitate interactive murder mystery programs for patrons of all ages. Warm up your detective skills with a mini murder mystery game, then explore planning, pacing, and best practices.
Presenter: Lindsay Miraglia, is the Adult Assistant Manager at the Wayne County Public Library. She has spent nearly 15 years working in public libraries across Northeast Ohio—including Akron-Summit County Public Library, Stark Library, Canal Fulton Public Library, and now WCPL—gaining a deep appreciation for the communities we serve. A lifelong true crime and horror enthusiast, Lindsay turned that passion into creating immersive, story-driven murder mystery programs for patrons. She even designed custom mysteries inspired by the summer reading themes. Fun fact: she once built a full life-size coffin out of cardboard for a vampire-themed mystery.
Dig In! Unearth Your Summer Why
Unearthing the WHYs of including adult participation in your summer reading program can help you identify which practices are vibrant and beneficial and which should go extinct. We’ll identify our whys, celebrate what we love about summer, and name something we’d like to revisit, change, or let go. This session will also feature a quick tour of CSLP’s “Unearth a Story” theme, art, and resources and other statewide summer planning supports.
Presenter: Katy Hite is the Adult Services Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support and champion the work of library staff across the state who are serving adult patrons through programs, services and outreach. Katy facilitates Adult Services networking meetings, co-facilitates Building Community-Based Summers learning sessions and provides strategic planning services across the state. She has worked as an adult services supervisor, adult reference librarian and programmer, and an emerging technology librarian at libraries throughout central Ohio.
Location
Setting: In-Person Hilton Garden Inn 8971 Wilcox Dr Twinsburg, OH 44087 UNITED STATES
Who should attend: Anyone interested in Adult Summer Reading Programs
Competency: Programming
Non-Member Cost: $50.00
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $37.50
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: $25.00
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $25
There is an additional $40 surcharge for facility use and amenities.
We encourage you to register a minimum of three (7) days in advance for this event in order to ensure that we can accommodate your full participation in terms of seating, hand-outs, food, etc.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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