A Note From the
Executive Director
We are excited to announce the upcoming 2024 Directors' Retreat: Fostering a Thriving Work Culture. This year, we're returning to Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center. The retreat will take place on May 23rd and 24th, offering a comprehensive schedule designed to equip directors with the tools and insights needed to cultivate a positive and productive work environment.
Thursday morning will kick off with a light breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by the first workshop session, Leading through Low-Morale Experiences, led by Kaetrena Davis Kendrick and Sunnie Scarpa. This session will provide actionable strategies for creating a healthier workplace dynamic. The afternoon session will shift focus to How to Talk so Your Board Will Listen, facilitated by Sunnie Scarpa. This session will provide valuable guidance on enhancing communication and strengthening relationships with your Board. On Friday, May 24th, the retreat will resume with a breakfast session at 8:00 a.m., followed by Creating a Compassionate Workplace with Laura Greco. Participants will explore the science behind compassion and learn practical techniques for boosting compassion in their libraries.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with peers, gain new perspectives, and rejuvenate your leadership approach. Visit the event page for more information and to register. Have a great day!
Ragan |
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| Salary Survey
The Salary Survey was launched on March 5th! If you are interested in submitting data but did not receive an invitation to participate, please email me at ragan.snead@neo-rls.org to receive a survey link specific to your library. Also, please take note of an important update: the survey deadline has been extended, and you can now submit your data until April 30th.
Visit the FAQ page for more information.
https://www.neo-rls.org/2024_neo-rls_statewide_salary.php |
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Registration is open for two Early Literacy 101 workshops presented by Ohio Ready to Read. Early Literacy 101 is a FREE workshop open to all Ohio public library workers. Register and attend the workshop of your choice:
Register here for Friday, May 10 – Main Library, Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green (northwest Ohio)
Register here for Tuesday, May 21 – Main Library, Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron (northeast Ohio)
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Libraries and the Summer Food Service Program: 2024 update
Does your library serve summer meals/snacks, or are you interested in being a meal site or supporting other meal sites in your area? Many libraries in Ohio and around the USA participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a USDA-funded program that provides free meals and snacks to children ages 0-18 in communities with high levels of need. In fact, nearly one out of every 10 SFSP sites in Ohio is a public library!
Libraries and SFSP are a great fit. The library is a trusted, accessible community center which is known for giving stuff out for free and has no stigma of “handout” attached to it.
New for 2024: The USDA has released an interim final rule for rural non-congregate (“grab and go”) summer meals, intended to reduce barriers for children, teens, and families in rural areas to access healthy meals and snacks. In 2023, the USDA allowed non-congregate meal service in certain counties designated as rural. The definition of “rural” has been significantly broadened for summer 2024 to include many more areas. Note that not all areas defined as rural are SFSP-eligible; there remains an area income eligibility requirement. You may explore the new rural definition on the USDA rural designation page and see the new rural definition overlaid with area eligibility on the No Kid Hungry Summer Eligibility Map.
Click this link to view the entire article. |
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| Lorena Hegedus, Director, Hubbard Public Library
Lorena Hegedus, MLS has served as the Director of Hubbard Public Library located in Hubbard, Ohio since November 2013. As Director, she is an outstanding leader and colleague. She has maintained and expanded both traditional programs, services and events provided, e.g., book and other print offerings, digital collections, numerous literacy events and programs, among others. And, she has led implementation of new, innovative, and needed services, including, for example, media and electronic services and offerings, public computers and technology services, social services and related programs, outdoor resources including a Permanent StoryWalk®, outdoor musical instruments (three sunflower petal drums) and more. Under her leadership, the library has grown substantially. She has facilitated library building renovations, and significantly expanded the role and visibility of HPL in the community and beyond. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Most recently (March 2024), she was included in the Youngstown Vindicator's "2024 Almanac" of influential individuals in the Youngstown/Warren region. And, also recently, she was a finalist for the 2023 Athena Award sponsored by the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award honors individuals who have excelled in their professional field and career, and who have devoted time and energy to their community. Her impact is profound, as measured by the positive, powerful difference she makes in the lives of library staff (e.g., during her tenure at Hubbard Public Library, five staff members have completed and/or are enrolled in MLIS degree programs), library patrons, community members, and beyond.
The person who submitted would like to remain anonymous
Submit to Library Spotlight here |
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