A Note from the

Continuing Education Coordinator

We are excited to announce Back to the Book XXIV: Blurred Lines: A Genre-Blending Discussion.  This will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg. 

The day kicks off with Lainey Mays from HarperCollins, who will share insights into current trends in genre fusion and offer a sneak peek at what’s next in the publishing world. Next, we dive into the comeback of Cozy Everything.

After lunch, we will have a collaborative brainstorming session where we’ll exchange ideas on genre-blending and book discussions. Next, we will explore the ever-popular rise of romantasy—where romance meets fantasy in bold, unexpected ways.
 
We’ll close the day with an exciting virtual author talk featuring Kara Loo and Jennifer Young, co-authors of Alice Chen’s Reality Check, as they discuss their unique approach to storytelling and genre-crossing narratives.You won't want to miss this one! 

Click this event link for information and to register. 

See you there! 

Melissa 

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

July

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

7/16/2025

Confident and Clear: Building Effective Communication in the Library (I)

7/22/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Mindful Awareness (F)

7/23/2025

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

7/29/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues and Staff (F)

7/30/2025

August

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Romance

8/5/2025

Excel Drop-In Q&A

8/6/2025

How Libraries Can Build Connections to Combat Loneliness

8/7/2025

Jamborees and Gentle Reminders: Bolstering Usability of LibGuidesThrough Employee Development Opportunities (I)

8/7/2025

From Conflict to Collaboration: A Practical Guide for Communicating Through Disagreement (I)

8/12/2025

Time Management: Scheduling and Prioritization (I)

8/20/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Change the Narrative by Cultivating Opposite Thought (F)

8/27/2025

September

Cybersecurity for Library Staff (F)

9/3/2025
Lead with Clarity: Intentional Communication for Library Supervisors (I)

9/10/2025

Canva II: Designing Impactful Flyers and Print Materials (I)

9/17/2025 

The Power of Civility: Elevating Standards and Transforming Service (I)

9/22/2025

Introduction to Storytime: Planning for Success (I)

9/23/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Roles and Right Actions (F)

9/24/2025

Time Management: Overcoming Procrastination (I)

9/30/2025

October

NEW! Cybersecurity for IT and Mangers (I)

10/2/2025

NEW! Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Literary Fiction

10/7/2025

NEW! Doing What Matters: Values in the Library (I)

10/8/2025

NEW! Back to the Book XXIV: Blurred Lines: A Genre-Blending Discussion (I)

10/9/2025

NEW! Marketing and Outreach: Creating Engagement and Awareness (I)

10/15/2025

NEW! A Deeper Dive into the Science of Reading-Repeated (I)

10/16/2025

NEW! Holding My Own: Lessons Learned as a Neurodivergent Library Leader (I)

10/21/2025

NEW! Safe Space - LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Training (F)

10/23/2025

NEW! Thriving at Work: Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library (F)

10/30/2025

Welcome Our New Board Members!

We are excited to welcome the newest members of the NEO-RLS Board of Trustees for 2025! 

Pam Matthews, Zone 3 Library Representative

Meghan Harper, Academic Library Representative

Laura Ponikvar, Academic Library Representative

Carrie Kibby, At-Large Representative

Cheryl Slater, Zone 5 Library Representative

We look forward to their leadership and contributions as we continue to support and strengthen libraries across Northeast Ohio. 

State Library Monthly Report Available Now

The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report is now available, featuring recent updates, upcoming programs, information, and resources designed to support our patrons and community partners. This month includes ongoing usage of several resources, as well as activities and presentations from the State Library.

You may view the report here.

Your Input Requested for 2028 SLP Slogan and 2029 Summer Program Theme!

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is collecting feedback on the top eight slogan options for the 2028 Mythical Creatures summer library program theme and on the top ten theme ideas for summer 2029.

The CSLP Theme & Slogan Committee has created a survey so you can review the options and share your opinions. The survey invites you to rate and comment on each of the 2028 slogan options and each of the proposed themes for 2029. If you participate, you do not have to provide a rating or comment for every option. You do not have to provide comments at all, but any comments will provide insights and help guide the selection process at the CSLP Annual Meeting in early August.

Access the CSLP theme and slogan survey here. The survey will be open through Sunday, July 29. All public library workers are welcome and encouraged to complete the survey.

You can find a full list of past and future CSLP themes and slogans here.

Geauga County Public Library is Making Summer Reading Bright and Bold

Summer Reading is in full swing, and we’re loving the creativity from our member libraries!

Geauga County Public Library is bringing the Color Our World theme to life with these colorful displays. Their program is a great example of how libraries are engaging their communities in fun and meaningful ways all summer long. View more of the photos on the NEO-RLS website here.

Thanks to Paula W. from Geauga County Public Library for sharing these great photos! Want to be featured? Tag us on social media or send your photos to our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald@neo-rls.org. 

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