A Note from the Executive Director
We’re excited to share that the NEO-RLS 2025-2028 Strategic Plan is now available! This plan represents the collective input and collaboration of our entire community. Throughout 2024, we held focus groups with members, conducted surveys, and worked closely with our Board of Trustees to identify priorities and opportunities that will shape the future of NEO-RLS.
As part of this work, we’ve updated our Mission, Vision, and Values to better reflect our purpose and priorities: -
Mission: NEO-RLS provides excellent, accessible development opportunities for staff and organizations and dynamic collaborative possibilities to the diverse Northeast Ohio library community.
- Vision: NEO-RLS is the catalyst for maximizing library potential.
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Values: Member-Driven, Inclusive, Relevant, Agile, and Inspiring
The new plan is built around three strategic goals: -
Goal 1: Boost Visibility and Increase Awareness
We’ll work to strengthen NEO-RLS’s presence in the library community and enhance communication with members. - Goal 2: Emphasize Staff Value and Champion Success
We’re committed to fostering an environment of continuous feedback, cultivating a supportive culture, and prioritizing staff retention and recruitment. - Goal 3: Strengthen Collaboration Within the Region and Across the State
By establishing intentional partnerships, dedicating time and resources, and leveraging collaborations, we aim to enhance the benefits and services we provide to members.
Over the next three years, this plan will guide our efforts as we work to support your library’s success through expanded training, improved services, and new opportunities for engagement.
Explore the full plan at NEO-RLS 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. Have a great day! Ragan |
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| We Invite You to Serve On a NEO-RLS Board Committee or Advisory Group
Have you thought about changes you would like to see at NEO-RLS? If so, we want to encourage you to volunteer for one of our or . Contact by August 29th if you have questions or are interested in volunteering. We would love to have you join us!
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Register Now For Reimagining School Readiness - August 28, 2025
The Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit is a suite of research-backed resources created for library staff to help families prepare children ages birth to 8 years for success in school and in life.
This workshop will be held in person at: Licking County Library's Downton Newark Location 101 W. Main St., Newark, OH 43055
Through an interactive presentation with hands-on activities, this training will introduce library staff to the research, practical implications, and resources offered in the toolkit. This training is for library staff who work with children from ages 0 to 8 years and their families.
Learn more and register here. |
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| Call for Proposals: Books Unbanned Programming Funding. Apply by July 18 Brooklyn Public Library's Books Unbanned is offering limited funding to libraries in the United States to launch programming for teens and young adults focused on the freedom to read. BPL will award one-time contracted funding in amounts of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 (totaling $50,000). Proposals are open to all types and sizes of libraries within the United States. In awarding funds, BPL will pay particular attention to libraries serving small and rural communities, and/or communities facing significant challenges with book censorship. The final selection of partners will be based on community need, programming goals and opportunities for teen engagement. Learn more here. |
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| In Memoriam
NEO-RLS is saddened to share the passing of a cherished member of our library community. Mary Jane Camplese-Zilbauer, who recently passed at the age of 88, dedicated over 33 years of service in cataloging at Harbor-Topky Memorial Library. Her meticulous work and deep commitment helped shape the foundation of access to knowledge for generations of library users. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of working with her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the entire Harbor-Topky Memorial Library staff. |
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Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Wins Prestigious 2025 John Cotton Dana Award and a $10,000 prize for “All E, All Free” eMedia Awareness Campaign
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library is proud to announce that its Marketing Department has been awarded the 2025 John Cotton Dana Award, the most prestigious honor in library marketing and public relations. Presented by the American Library Association (ALA) and EBSCO Information Services, the award comes with a $10,000 prize funded by the H.W. Wilson Foundation. The award was formally presented at the John Cotton Dana Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia.
The award recognizes the library’s “All E, All Free” eMedia Awareness Campaign, a year-long initiative designed to bridge the gap in public understanding of the library’s extensive digital offerings, including eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, and more, all available for free with a library card. Learn more about the award and view other library winners 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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