A Note from the

Executive Director

Is It Time to Start Thinking About Your Library’s Next Strategic Plan? 

Strategic planning might feel like something to tackle “later,” but now is the ideal time to begin laying the foundation for your next plan. This summer, we had the pleasure of wrapping up a strategic plan with the University of Akron Libraries, and we’re currently collaborating with Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. Working alongside library staff, board members, and community partners is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. 

At NEO-RLS, we believe strategic planning should be more than just a document to file away. It should be meaningful, inclusive, and actionable.  Every library is unique, and our customizable planning process reflects that. We offer staff retreats, community focus groups, and in-person sessions designed to help you develop clear, achievable goals that inspire progress. 

And remember, Gold member libraries receive 4 hours of consulting free each year! If you’re thinking about your next plan, let’s connect and get your library on our schedule. 

Contact me at ragan.snead@neo-rls.org to learn more or to set up a time to chat.  

Have a great day! 

Ragan 

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

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

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

9/11/2025 Corrected Date

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

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

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

October In-person Events You Will Not Want to Miss 

2025-2026 Leadership Academy – Starts Wednesday, October 1
Build and refine your leadership skills with sessions on balancing vision and implementation, decision-making, and developing others to create alignment across your organization.

Register now.

Back to the Book XXIV: Blurred Lines – Thursday, October 9
Explore genre-blending trends with HarperCollins’ Lainey Mays, learn creative approaches for book discussions, and enjoy a virtual author talk with Kara Loo and Jennifer Young, co-authors of?Alice Chen’s Reality Check. Register now.

A Deeper Dive into the Science of Reading (Repeat) – Thursday, October 16
Take a deeper look at strategies for integrating phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension into library programs and services to strengthen early literacy efforts. This is a repeat of last March’s event. Register now.

Safe Space: LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Training – Thursday, October 23
Gain tools and knowledge to create more inclusive, respectful spaces by understanding terminology, bias, and best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Register now.

NEO-RLS Open House featuring Mychal Threets – Tuesday, October 28
Celebrate member achievements, hear updates from the State Library, and connect with peers, leaders, and committees at this networking and recognition event. Register now.

Register Now for ODNFest

The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce ODNFest will be returning on September 30, 2025. ODNFest will be held in person at the State Library of Ohio in Columbus, Ohio.

Date: September 30, 2025
Location: State Library of Ohio, 274 E. 1st Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Time: 9:30-4
Event Cost: $35

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.  Ample free parking is available at the State Library of Ohio.

Learn more and register here.

The Science of Reading in Ohio Libraries: A Survey

In an effort to discover how Ohio libraries are responding to the Science of Reading, Library SPARK invites you to participate in a state-wide survey open from Sept. 8- Dec 8. Regardless of your role, institution, or experience with the Science of Reading, Library SPARK wants to hear from you. 

Library SPARK is an ILEAD 2025 project made possible by the State Library of Ohio and OhioNet, with federal funds from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Questions or comments? Contact us at LibrarySPARK25@gmail.com. 

Welcome Back Students, Staff, and Educators

A new school year is here, and we want to give a big shout-out to the academic and K–12 libraries welcoming students back across Northeast Ohio. NEO-RLS isn’t just for public libraries: we’re proud to support all libraries in our region, including schools, colleges, and universities. Whether it’s training, resources, or a community of peers, we’re here to help you make this year a success!

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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