A Note From the
Executive Director
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a poverty simulation at our 2024 Dynamic Dialogue conference, where we focused on socioeconomic diversity and underserved communities. The event began with the poverty simulation, an eye-opening and sometimes uncomfortable experience for me and many other attendees.
In our post-event survey, participants reported feeling discomfort during the simulation, yet they also recognized its importance and valued the emotional impact. Whether assuming the role of a person living in poverty or a community employee, the simulation offered profound insights into the daily struggles faced by those in need. These individuals often rely on public libraries as safe havens and sources of resources and comfort. By briefly experiencing the stress and anxiety of living in poverty, we can deepen our empathy and compassion for those we serve. Based on the feedback from participants and our own experiences, we plan to offer the poverty simulation again in the future. Have a great day! Ragan
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| Newly Added Youth Services Archived Webinar Bundle
Our new Youth Services Archived Webinar Bundle covers a wide variety of important subjects to help you serve your young patrons. You'll find webinars about restorative practices, the science of reading, social-emotional learning, and much more in one convenient place. Be sure to check out our Archived Webinar Bundles webpage for more great content.
It's Time to Nominate a Star
Have you witnessed someone making a significant impact in the library community—a colleague, friend, volunteer, or another exceptional individual? Recognize their efforts by nominating them for one of the NEO-RLS Annual Awards. Nomination forms can be found under the Awards tab on our website. Nominate a Rising Star, Shooting Star, or our latest addition, the Super Star award today!
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| Funding Available from ODNR
A new round of funding is available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for Storybook Trails. Public libraries are eligible to apply for grants of $5,000 - $10,000. The Recreational Trails Program is a reimbursement grant program that provides up to 80% project funding. Applicants must own the property and use funding for Storybook Trail construction or maintenance, Storybook trailhead construction or maintenance, or interpretive signage for a Storybook Trail.
More information about the Storybook Train Grant is available on the ODNR website and the application is here. Applications are due by May 31.
Ohio Afterschool Network
The Ohio Afterschool Network is a statewide membership organization supporting out-of-school time professionals. OAN is dedicated to increasing high-quality afterschool and expanded learning opportunities for school-age children, youth, and families in Ohio. Libraries are an important part of the afterschool ecosystem. Library workers are encouraged to explore OAN’s website and consider becoming a member. The regular Individual membership is $150/year, but OAN also offers a FREE “Supporter” membership level that gets you their newsletter and communications, networking opportunities, and invitations to meetings and events (which may have a registration fee).
Consider attending the OAN’s next Quarterly Meeting on Wednesday, May 22 here at the State Library, 274 E. First Ave, Columbus. Registration is free for Individual and Organizational OAN members and $35 for others and includes lunch. Learn more and register. |
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| Amplifying Voices: Inclusivity and Community Building in Digitization and Digital Preservation When: 04 Jun 2024 2:00 PM, EDT
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the SCAig 2024 Annual Workshop, “Amplifying Voices: Inclusivity and Community Building in Digitization and Digital Preservation.” This workshop will take place on Tuesday, June 4th from 2-3 pm EST on Zoom. A recording will be made available after the event for those unable to attend.
Joining us as our presenters are: - Alyssa Pierce, Digital Preservation Manager, Case Western Reserve University, presenting: “Doing the Work: Incorporating DEI into Digitization and Preservation”
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Dr. Jazma Sutton, Assistant Professor, Miami University, presenting: “Teaching with Digital Archives and Local Libraries: The Jennie Elder Suel and Black Women of Oxford Digital Collection"
For more information about our presenters and their talks, please visit our webpage.
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