A Note from the

Executive Director

Do you know someone making a difference in the Northeast Ohio library community? Whether it’s an exceptional colleague, a dedicated volunteer, or an inspiring leader, now is the time to recognize their contributions. 

Nominations are now open for the 2025 NEO-RLS Annual Awards! The nomination process remains simple, with one form available under the Awards tab on our website. You can also include multimedia—such as videos or PDFs—to showcase your nominee’s impact. 

2025 Award Categories: 

Rising Star – Less than 5 years of service 

Shooting Star – 5 to 20 years of service 

Super Star – More than 20 years of service 

Deadline for Submissions: June 30, 2025 

Award winners will be selected by a panel of NEO-RLS members, trustees, and a representative from the State Library of Ohio. Awards will be presented at the 2025 NEO-RLS Open House.

Visit the Awards tab on our website to see last year’s winners and find inspiration for your nomination. 

Nominate a star today! 

Ragan 

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

May

Google Forms: Gather all the Things for Action

5/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting

5/13/2025

2025 Directors' Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support

5/22/2025-5/23/2025

Outreach Networking Meeting

5/28/2025

Construction and Facilities Networking Meeting

5/29/2025

June

Genealogy Networking Meeting

6/3/2025

NEW! Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Mount Gilead

6/3/2025

Mental Health First Aid

6/10/2025

Special Libraries Network Meeting

6/11/2025

 Human Resources/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting (In-Person)

6/11/2025

Human Resources/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting (Virtual)

6/11/2025

Special Libraries Networking Meeting

6/11/2025

Designing for Diversity in Your Library's Communications (I)

6/12/2025

Makerspace Networking Meeting

6/12/2025

Quiet Leadership 2.0: Distinguish your leadership capabilities, build confidence, and pathways to find support as a quiet leader

6/18/2025

July

Practical Budget Management: How to Avoid Disaster, Make Smart Moves, Report Responsibly, and Stress Less About your Budget

7/16/2025

Stress Management for Real Life: Evidence-Based Ways to Heal, Recharge, and Find Balance

7/29/2025

August

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Romance

8/5/2025

NEW! Excel Drop-In Q&A

8/6/2025

Time Management: Scheduling and Prioritization (I)

8/20/2025

Addition to the 2025 Directors' Retreat. Still time to register!

We have added our Friday morning session, Sharing Your Library’s Story.  We all know libraries do amazing work. Unfortunately, they are often called upon to do that work with less and less. As a library director one of your primary responsibilities is to share the value of your library with stakeholders and ensure that everyone in your community understands the benefits that libraries offer. In this session we’ll discuss how you can use data, data visualization, storytelling, and the simple act of listening to uncover key strategies for effectively communicating what your library does and why it matters.  This will be presented by Kirstin Krumsee and Jeff Regensburger of the State Library of Ohio. 

 The retreat is Thursday and Friday, May 22 & 23, 2025 at Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center in Geauga County.  This retreat is for directors and assistant/deputy directors. Click this event link for more information and to register.

Save the date for the next Back to the Book 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 9th for Back to the Book XXIV! This year's theme is Blurred Lines:  A Genre-Blending Discussion. 

More information coming soon!

State library monthly report now available

The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report is available. This edition features recent updates, upcoming programs, information, and resources designed to support patrons and community partners. This month includes information on the annual ODNfest, increased usage of several resources, and announcements about State Librarian Mandy Knapp's ongoing Listening Tour.

View the report here.

RESCHEDULED - Introduction to Network of National Libraries of Medicine Resources

Event Rescheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 10am.

Join us for this virtual event to learn about the free health information resources available to you through the Network of National Libraries of Medicine.  This webinar will be presented by Bobbi Newman, Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for Region 6. Topics covered in this webinar will include an introduction to resources available through NNLM.org, including resources to help patrons locate reliable health information, continuing education opportunities and information about the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.  This program is geared towards introducing public library staff to consumer health reference resources.

Zoom link will be provided upon registration, and the program will include time for a Q&A. 

Register here.

Registration is now open for 2025 OPC Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2025 OPC Symposium, taking place on Friday, August 1st at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Join us for a full day of engaging presentations, demonstrations, workshops, and professional networking. Registration includes a box lunch and complimentary parking.

Event Details & Full Program:
View the 2025 Symposium Program »

Register Here:
Register for the Symposium »

Ohio voters approve 100% of public library levies

This week's spotlight is on the NEO-RLS libraries who passed their levies in the May 6 election:

• Akron Summit County Public Library
• Barberton Public Library
• Gnadenhutten Public Library
• Lorain Public Library System
• Louisville Public Library
• Marvin Memorial Library
• Perry Public Library

Even amid uncertainty over state-level library funding, Ohioans made their priorities clear by approving 100% of public library levies across the state. This shows voters value their libraries and recognize them as sound investments and trusted stewards of public resources.

Read more about the success of Ohio public library levies here.

Email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald@neo-rls.org if you have a story from your library you want to share.

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