A Note from the

Continuing Education Coordinator

Let’s dig up some fun at NEO-RLS’s Summer Reading Program Workshops, Unearth a Story.  We are thrilled to share an exciting line-up designed to spark your creativity and connect you with your peers. Each of these workshops is held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg. At this year’s events you will have more dedicated time to interact with your colleagues sharing and developing innovative ideas for programs, incentives, and reading tracking methods. Plus, every workshop features inspiring presentations from the State Library and our popular Program Palooza! 

Children's Summer Reading Workshop: Unearth a Story 
Wednesday, 1/14/2026 

Start off the morning by learning best practices and pro tips for effectively engaging children directly from an experienced school visit panel. Before lunch we will embark on creating some theme centered decorations.  We will end the day with Excavating the Stacks: Unearth a Story Booklist.

Teen Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story 
Wednesday, 1/28/2026 
Your day kicks off with a lively game of Trivia, featuring sample questions and themes you can adapt for your own programs. Before lunch you will have the opportunity to create cardboard stand-ups. The day ends with Do More with Less! Twenty-Five programs under $25.

Adult Summer Reading Workshop: Unearth a Story 
Thursday, 2/12/2026 
Did someone say murder? Kicking off the morning with a bang, we present a Murder Mystery Game—and show you exactly how to create and implement one for your own library.  Next, TikTok isn’t just for teens, learn how to create a simple summer reading TikTok to market your library effectively. We will wrap up the day with Programming during tough times: Free, Cheap, and Recycled.

Check out the announcements section of this week's newsletter for more details about the programming palooza as well as a call for those that have unique programs to present.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your colleagues—it’s the perfect way to ensure your summer reading program is a resounding success!

We’ll see you there, 

Melissa

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

December

TODAY! Special Libraries Active Learning Community Meeting

12/10/2025

Life Art: A New Horizon, Library Edition (I)

12/11/2025

 A Deeper Dive Into the Science of Reading

12/11/2025

Excel Drop-in Q & A (Excel Nerds and Novices welcome)

12/16/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Reconnecting (F)

12/17/2025

January

HR and Legal Update: Recent Changes in the Law and Trends Impacting Public Libraries (I)

1/7/2026

Strategic Leadership (I)

1/8/2026

Cultivating Well-Being: Creating a Supportive and Thriving Library Workplace (I)

1/13/2026

Children's Summer Reading Workshop: Unearth a Story (I)

1/14/2026

Top 25 Titles of 2025 (F)

1/22/2026

Teen Summer Reading Program: Unearth a Story (I)

1/28/2026

The AI Advantage: Next-Gen Project Management (I)

1/29/2026

February

Don’t Go There: How to Avoid and Disengage from Controversial Conversations with Patrons and Staff (I)

2/4/2026

Leading From the Middle: Managing Up and Down Simultaneously (I)

2/11/2026

Adult Summer Reading Workshop: Unearth a Story (I)

2/12/2026

It’s About Time: Supporting Neurodivergent Employees with Time Management in the Workplace (I)

2/24/2026

NEW! AI’s Environmental Impact (I)

2/26/2026

March

NEW! Library Programming with AI: Using AI to Help Create Impactful and Memorable Library Programs (I)

3/3/2026

Interested in Sharing a Unique Program?

Each summer reading workshop will include a program palooza.  The program palooza is where one or two people share their program at a table for about 8 minutes and then those at the table have 5 minutes to ask questions. The attendees then move to another table and the person sharing presents again.  We do about 6 rounds of this with a break in-between.  We will do our best to have a Zoom session with all presenters so that they have opportunity to hear one another.  

If you are interested in sharing your unique program for either the children, teen, or adult summer reading workshop please email Melissa Lattanzi no later than December 19th. 

State Library Monthly Report Available

The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report is now available and features recent updates, upcoming programs, information, and resources designed to support 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.

Register Now for Opening Doors Online: The Basics of Web Accessibility

Is your library beginning to think seriously about website accessibility—but you're not sure where to begin? As awareness and legal requirements continue to grow, understanding your responsibilities is the essential first step.

In this session, we’ll discuss the core guidelines used to evaluate web accessibility in the United States and offer practical first actions you can take right away. You’ll learn about common pitfalls to avoid, how to start building a strong foundation for an inclusive online experience, why commercial accessibility overlays fall short, and how to approach PDFs responsibly and effectively. We're allowing plenty of time for questions in this 90-minute webinar. (As long as you register, you'll get a link to the recording!)

Learn more and register here.

Westlake Porter Public Library's Hear Me Roar Program Featured on Ideastream

Recently, Westlake Porter Public Library's Hear Me Roar program was featured on Ideastream. This nonprofit program gives Parkinson’s patients an opportunity to read to children to strengthen their vocal cords. 

Visit the Ideastream website to learn more about this program.

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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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | P.O. Box 1021 | Twinsburg, OH 44087