A Note from the Executive Director
As we begin a new year, the NEO-RLS staff would like to extend our best wishes to all of our members. We’re looking forward to another year of supporting libraries and library staff across the region and beyond through meaningful continuing education, opportunities for connection, and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our members. From webinars and networking to resource sharing and customized consulting, our goal remains the same: to help you feel supported, inspired, and connected.
We also recognize that the work you do is not always easy. Libraries continue to navigate change, challenges, and uncertainty, while continuing to serve as vital community partners. NEO-RLS remains committed to fostering a strong, supportive network where members can lean on one another during difficult times, as well as celebrate moments of growth and success together. Looking ahead, we’re excited about new initiatives launching this year that are designed to increase member engagement and create more opportunities for participation, collaboration, and feedback. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon. Thank you for the important work you do and for being part of the NEO-RLS community. We’re excited for the year ahead and all that we’ll accomplish together. Ragan |
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| Still in Need of Volunteers
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. This is great way to dip your toe into giving a presentation. You present to a small group and there are no slides, it is just a conversation.
If you are interested in presenting your unique program, we still need 2 more presenters for teen, and 3 more presenters for adult summer reading workshops. Please email by Tuesday, January 20th for teen and by Wednesday, February 4th for adult. We appreciate your consideration.
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Mark Your Calendar Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 23, 2026 for the second Customer Service Conference. This year we will focus on Communication and Credibility. Watch the newsletter for registration coming soon! |
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| State Library Monthly Report Now Available
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.
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Register Now for Managing Facilities Change on a Shoestring Budget
Leading organizational transformation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with limited resources and a workforce facing multiple simultaneous disruptions. This presentation shares practical, cost-effective strategies for making change not just bearable, but actually engaging and fun—even in the most challenging circumstances.
Drawing from real-world experience managing the perfect storm of organizational upheaval—simultaneous reorganization, relocation, and facility renovation (the “3Rs”)—this session demonstrates how creative leadership can transform resistance into enthusiasm without breaking the budget. When your team is forced to adapt to new roles, new locations, and new environments all at once, traditional change management approaches often fall short.
You’ll discover innovative techniques for injecting energy and positivity into change initiatives, including low-cost morale boosters, creative communication strategies, and team-building activities that actually work. Learn how to leverage humor, gamification, and celebration to help your workforce not just survive change, but thrive through it. From turning moving day into a community event to creating renovation excitement rather than renovation fatigue, these approaches prove that engagement doesn’t require expensive consultants or elaborate programs.
January 27, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Register here. |
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Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Reimagines Neighboorhood Library
Recently, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County was featured on WKBN news for the opening of its new Michael Kusalaba branch.
The Michael Kusalaba branch officially opened earlier this month as a Family Place Library, the first of its kind in the region. It’s part of a national network focused on early childhood development, parent support and learning for the whole family. Library staff spent months reimagining the space, reorganizing collections, opening sight lines and creating defined areas for children, parents, teens and adults. One of the bigger changes was a brand new play area designed just for young children.
Learn more about this exciting initiative 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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