A Note From the
Executive Director
I am excited to share updates from the recent NEO-RLS Board of Trustees July Meeting, marking the start of our new fiscal year. This meeting was particularly significant as we welcomed Gerry Vogel, the Assistant Director of Avon Lake Public Library, as the newest board member representing Zone 3 libraries. Gerry brings a wealth of experience and a passion for library services that will undoubtedly enrich our board.
In addition to our usual agenda, this meeting included a valuable DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) training session. The board and NEO-RLS staff participated in an insightful workshop on recognizing bias and microaggressions, facilitated by the Kent State Department of People, Culture, and Belonging. This training is crucial in our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within our organization and the libraries we serve.
We are enthusiastic about the year ahead and eager to continue supporting our library community.
Have a great day! Ragan |
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| Can't Make a Webinar-No Worries!
We have received many emails asking if the webinar is going to be recorded. Most webinars are recorded. If the webinar is not being recorded it is stated on the website within the details section of the event page.
If you register for a webinar and are unable to attend at the time of the webinar you do not need to notify NEO-RLS that you will not be able to attend. You will automatically be sent the archived recording normally within 24 hours of the webinar. This will come as an email with the Subject Line: Recording, Required Survey, & Materials -Webinar Name. If you do not see it in your email you will want to check your Junk/Spam Email folder sometimes it ends up in there. After the information about the survey is a link to the Dropbox which contains slides, a video webinar, and a CC webinar as well as a transcript, an audio only version and the chat box file. You will want to click on the video webinar and download this to view it in its entirety as Dropbox only allows you to view 30 minutes. If you have any questions please email Melissa Lattanzi or Jeff Laser and they will be able to assist you.
Explore our Circulating Technology and Wellness Kits
Need ideas for your upcoming fall and winter programming? Check out our Circulating Technology and Wellness Kits for inspiration! Our newest offerings include a Mobile Podcast Studio Kit and a VR & AR Experiences kit. A recent borrower of the VR & AR Experiences kit had this to say: "Renting these kits gave us the opportunity to share some newer technology with our small rural community. We were able to provide this fun experience to teens, adults, and staff who otherwise would not have access to this type of technology. When we brought the kits to the senior centers, we had them watch different 360 YouTube videos including tours of different countries, and even ocean exploration videos. From these experiences, the seniors remembered past trips and memories and shared them with us and one another."
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"Charlene Helsel-Kather, MLIS has served as the Supervisor of Technical Services and Circulation of Hubbard Public Library located in Hubbard, Ohio since November 2018. In this role, she has numerous and diverse responsibilities including facilitation of all the services that the library provides, as well as maintaining technical services and circulation. She works 'behind-the scenes' to ensure that all library operations run efficiently and effectively, including, for example, obtaining materials from other libraries. She also collects and evaluates data on all aspects of library operations, and she has excellent knowledge and insight on the needs of each library population, from children to teens/young adults, adults, seniors and intergenerational. She exemplifies the mission of Hubbard Public Library, i.e., "…to provide free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technologies that enrich, educate and empower the individuals of our diverse community." She advocates for assistance of library patrons in many realms, whether searches for materials, finding tutors for patrons who need assistance with school or studies, or seeking potential grant sources for the library or its associated Friends nonprofit organization. Recently (June 2024), Charlene ("Charlie") has been honored by the author James Patterson. Specifically, with the release of his latest nonfiction title, "The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians," Patterson has honored nominated American Library Association members with tributes in recognition of the amazing work they provide to their communities. Congratulations Charlie!"
Submitted by Cynthia Hirtzel
If you would like to submit your staff spotlight please click this link. |
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| Teen Think Tank
Registration is now open for Teen Think Tank, Friday, September 13, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (305 Wick Ave, Youngstown).
Going strong twice a year since 2013, Teen Think Tank is a librarian-led event and a great opportunity for teen librarians to get together and share ideas, insights, and opinions. The goal is for you to leave with at least one new contact and a handful of new ideas for programs, decorations, crafts, books, and more. Expect a lot of hands-on opportunities so you get to try games, make crafts, etc. - all ideas and experiences you can take back to your library.
This is a FREE event. Lunch is on your own. You can bring your lunch, have food delivered, or go eat out at a nearby restaurant. Register here: https://forms.gle/bC74xLEY8TiGAsNd7
Learn more about Teen Think Tank: www.teenthinktank.net
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, August 7 at the State Library of Ohio, 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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| CyberOhio Cybersecurity Grant Applications Open
CyberOhio has opened applications for a Cybersecurity Software and Services Grant for local government entities. Public libraries are eligible to apply for up to $20,000 to fund specific cybersecurity software and services.
Grant recipients must contribute a 20% local match. Eligible projects include endpoint detection and response, multi-factor authentication, email security solutions, security operations center as a service, or consulting services to implement security controls. Example products and services are listed in the Grant Application Guidance, but other similar solutions are also eligible. Applicants can submit only one application, but may request funding for multiple projects. Applications are open from July 22 - September 16, 2024. Grant projects must be completed between December 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.
More information, including guidance and a sample application, are available at CyberOhio:
https://cyber.ohio.gov/priorities/assisting-local-government-entities/assisting-local-governments
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