A Note from the Executive Director
NEO-RLS continues to support libraries across the region through tailored consulting services designed to meet their unique needs. Recently, we partnered with Medina County District Library to deliver a customized Leading with Confidence session for their leadership team. This dynamic workshop focused on the role and traits of great supervisors and included interactive performance management role play to help strengthen leadership practices and build confidence in managing teams.
We are also excited to begin working with the University of Akron Libraries as they embark on their next strategic planning cycle. Our facilitation is engaging both library staff and leadership while incorporating valuable feedback from the broader campus community to ensure a well-rounded and actionable plan. Whether you’re looking for help with strategic planning, staff day programming, or customized consulting tailored to your team’s goals, NEO-RLS is here to support you.
To learn more about our services, visit neo-rls.org or reach out to Ragan Snead at ragan.snead@neo-rls.org.
Let’s work together to maximize library potential! Ragan |
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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 Nominate a Rising Star, Shooting Star, or Super Star today!
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| LSTA Conservation/Preservation Grant 2024 Workshop is May 20th
The State Library of Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Preservation Council (OPC), is pleased to announce the availability of LSTA funds of up to $4,999 for libraries to conserve a single item or preserve a small, discrete group of items within their collections. The item(s) selected for conservation/preservation should be unique, valuable (culturally or monetarily), and as a cultural artifact speak to the mission and values of the applying institution. Additionally, as a cultural artifact or collection it should reflect some element of the historic and artistic record of Ohio. This is in accordance with goals outlined in The State Library of Ohio’s Five Year LSTA Plan. All analog formats, including book and paper, object, and artwork are appropriate.
Under this special program, prospective applicants must attend the workshop on May 20, 2025 workshop or submit the opt-out form indicating they attended the May 2024 workshop by May 20th, in order to submit a grant application. This workshop will prepare applying institutions for submitting a successful application. By attending the workshop, prospective applicants will gain knowledge of the criteria for selecting materials for conservation/preservation, basic evaluation considerations, finding a conservator, working with conservators, contracts and insurance, and treatment documentation.
Workshop
Registration for the workshop is now open and closes when the maximum capacity has been reached or until 12 hours before it begins. |
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| Apply Now for the 2025-2026 Yiddish Book Center Public Libraries Program
Applications are now open for Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion Through Yiddish Literature, a program of the Yiddish Book Center that will allow participating libraries to host meaningful discussions about Yiddish literature. Apply here by July 14, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in August.
Forty libraries will be selected to lead conversations about religion, assimilation, identity, and immigration. Applications will be assessed by a review panel of Yiddish Book Center and American Library Association staff members. Participating libraries will receive a collection of Yiddish literature in translation, reading guides to support the discussion, funding for supplementary programming, and on-site training for one reading group facilitator at the Yiddish Book Center in Massachusetts.
ALA invites public libraries to attend a free webinar on May 21 at 12:00 p.m. CST to learn about the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries Program, the application guidelines, and requirements and eligibility for the grant. Register here. |
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| Cleveland Public Library Turns 100; Celebrates with Alice in Wonderland-inspired Bash
Cleveland Public Library marked its 100th birthday this past Saturday with a celebration straight out of a storybook. The historic Main Library transformed into a scene from Alice in Wonderland, welcoming guests of all ages to step “through the looking glass” for a day of literary-themed festivities. Attendees were encouraged to dress as their favorite book characters while enjoying live performances, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities throughout the building. Read the full story 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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