Meet Mychal Threets at our October Open House!
 

A Note from the

Executive Director

 

Like many families, my son went back to school this week after a summer that flew by way too fast. With the new school year comes new opportunities, not just in the classroom but also at the library! 

 

Even before the first day of school, my son’s 4th-grade teacher shared Wickliffe Public Library’s slate of tween programming with our class chat. He jumped at the chance to sign up for activities like Candy Games and Let’s Cook! It reminded me that while summer reading may be over, library staff continue working hard to create engaging afterschool programs, partner with local schools to provide resources, and connect with students through classroom visits. 

 

These efforts are especially vital in districts like mine, where the school no longer has its own library. Libraries truly fill an important gap in supporting students’ learning and curiosity. 

 

Is your library launching any exciting or innovative programs for students this year? We’d love to share them! Email jill.grunenwald@neo-rls.org with your stories, programs, or photos so we can highlight the great work happening across our region. 

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful school year! 

 

Ragan 

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

 

August

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

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting

9/4/2025
Lead with Clarity: Intentional Communication for Library Supervisors (I)

9/10/2025

Makerspace Active Learning Community Meeting

9/11/2025

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Active Learning Community Meeting

9/12/2025

Do More with Less: Modern Category 2 E-Rate Strategies for Libraries

9/17/2025

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

9/22/2025

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

9/17/2025 

Introduction to Storytime: Planning for Success (I)

9/23/2025

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

9/24/2025

Public Relations and Marketing Active Learning Community Meeting

9/25/2025

Time Management: Overcoming Procrastination (I)

9/30/2025

 

October

 2025-2026 Leadership Academy (I)

10/1/2025

Cybersecurity for IT and Mangers (I)

10/2/2025

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting

10/7/2025

Doing What Matters: Values in the Library (I)

10/8/2025

 Directors/Deputy Directors Active Learning Community Meeting

10/8/2025

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

10/9/2025

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusin & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting

10/14/2025

Marketing and Outreach: Creating Engagement and Awareness (I)

10/15/2025

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting

10/15/2025

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

10/16/2025

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

10/21/2025

Safe Space - LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Training (F)

10/23/2025

NEW! NEO-RLS Open House -Featuring Mychal Threets

10/28/2025

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

10/30/2025

 

November

Time Management: Eliminating Time Wasters and Staying Organized (I)

11/4/2025

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting

11/4/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Library Users (I)

11/12/2025

Building Strong Volunteer Programs: Library & Friends Group Perspectives (F)

11/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting

11/13/2025

IT Active Learning Community Meeting

11/18/2025

View Full Calendar
 
Members of Makerspace, Genealogy, HR/Fiscal Officers and Marketing/PR Active Learning Communities can test the message boards before they launch. Email hillary.brown@neo-rls.org if you are interested
 

Ohio Libraries Invited to Submit Proposals for 2025 LSTA Competitive Grant

 

The State Library of Ohio is proud to support Ohio's libraries in developing programs and services that address the needs of their respective communities while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the values and principles of library service.

LSTA grants are an essential part of the State Library's service, and we encourage eligible Ohio libraries to submit proposals for the State Library of Ohio's LSTA Competitive Grant. This grant initiative supports Ohio's LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027 and invites proposals that address at least one of the following three focus areas:

 

Library as Community Anchor 
Literacy
Outreach and Engagement 

Eligible libraries of all types are welcome to apply here.  Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost. Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. October 20, 2025. Please note: applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly.

Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for approval in December 2025 and the implementation period is January 1, 2026 - August 31, 2026.

View information about the Ohio LSTA grant program here.

 

Questions may be addressed to LSTA@library.ohio.gov.

 
Do more with less: Modern Category 2 eRate Strategies for Libraries. September 17 at 10 AM
 

Register now for OhioDIG September Road Trip Meeting September 4

 

Please join the Ohio Digitization Interest Group for the September in-person road trip meeting at 10 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Ohio Genealogical Society in Bellville, Ohio.

 

Topic:  Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Ask (or Share!) About Digital Repositories: A Discussion

Join cultural heritage professionals from around the state to discuss the evergreen topic of digital repositories! This meeting will be a group discussion, rather than a formal presentation-- so bring your questions and challenges, as well as any new platforms, features, or creative uses of existing platforms to share with the group.

 

Registration is open until Sept 2, 2025 at 5pm, or until room capacity of 50 is reached. 

 

Register and learn more here.

 

Ashtabula County Public Library Celebrates Geneva Branch Expansion

 

Congratulations to Ashtabula County Public Libray for the recent grand opening of their Geneva Branch expansion! See photos from the event on their Facebook page.

 

State Librarian Mandy Knapp was in attendance at the ribbon cutting of the new space, which includes an upgraded Makerspace made possible by funding from the State Library of Ohio.

 

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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