A Note from the
Marketing & Engagement Coordinator
One of my favorite things about Ohio is the rich history of writers and authors that runs through our state. Ohio is the birthplace and home of Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Prize winners, short story writers, comic book authors and screenwriters, and every type of tale in between. The list of genres and authors represented by the Buckeye State has more nooks to discover than the Cuyahoga River.
While it feels unfair to name a favorite, it would be hard to find an Ohio author whose name holds more esteem than Toni Morrison. Born in Lorain, Ohio in 1931, Morrison’s accolades include the Nobel Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and even a USPS Forever Stamp.
From February 18, 2026 through February 18, 2027, Ohio will celebrate the life, literature, and legacy of Toni Morrison. Throughout the year events are being held by libraries and other organizations like virtual book clubs, author talks, movie screenings of Morrison adaptations, and more. Many NEO-RLS member libraries already have events on the official calendar:
- Sula Community Read, February 10. Lorain Public Library System.
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Reach for the Star Storytime & Craft, February 18. Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library.
- Toni Morrison Day Book Discussion: Beloved, February 18. Sandusky Library.
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Toni Morrison: The Pieces I am Documentary Viewing, February 19. East Cleveland Public Library
- True Story: A Nonfiction Book Club, February 24. Cuyahoga Falls Library
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A Toni Morrison Community Read-Out. June 11. Shaker Heights Public Library
- And She Was Loved: A Celebration of Toni Morrison with Andrea Pinkney, September 17. Cleveland Public Library.
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Reading Recitatif: An Evening with Toni Morrison, September 30. Ritter Library at Baldwin-Wallace University.
NEO-RLS is excited to support our library partners celebrating Toni Morrison and looking forward to seeing what events everyone hosts over the next year!
Learn more about this exciting state-wide initiative and how your library can get involved by visiting the Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison website. Have a great week! Jill |
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| Register Today for the New Supervisors' Academy
February 25th will be here before we know it. Register today for the ever-popular New Supervisors' Academy. The Academy is appropriate for new supervisors in all types of libraries and for those who want a refresher. The Academy runs from February through September and consists of 7 in-person workshops. Programs will focus on three key areas: leadership, communication, and staff development. Past participants had this to say:
"It was fantastic. As a very new supervisor, being in a room with so many different people was so helpful and informative. Each session was very informative and helpful, and I am very glad I got to attend."
"I thought it was a great academy. Having been a supervisor, for many years in different fields, I was uncertain that I would learn new skills. I was pleasantly surprised that I did take away new, valuable tips, tricks and strategies."
The starts on . Click this event for more information. Deadline to register is Friday, February 20th.
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Applications Open for 2026 Summer Library Program Grants
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the?2026 Summer Library Program (SLP) grant application is now open. The purpose of this Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant initiative is to empower libraries to enhance their 2026 summer programs with activities that spark creativity and learning, engage individuals of all ages, and benefit their communities. This grant is made possible with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Sunday February 22, 2026. The grant term runs from April 1 – August 31, 2026. The grant application process requires the completion of an online application.
Libraries may apply for up to $2,000 in federal LSTA funds to support summer programs for children, teens, and/or adults. Grant funds may be used for purchasing program materials, supplies, and contractual services for presenters and programs offered to the community during the 2026 summer. For detailed guidelines on the use of awarded funds, please refer to the?FAQs page?. Applying libraries are encouraged to collaborate with other community entities, organizations, or agencies that also serve the targeted age groups.
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| Register Now for Using Data to Negotiate Salary in Library Land: Where To Find It, When It Is Relevant and How It Can Be Used
Are you looking for a new job, but the postings don’t include the salary? How do you know what pay you should expect? What if your needs don’t match what’s offered? Don’t worry, grab your facts!
Zac Grisham, who conducts research on salaries and compensation, will share tools and tips to help determine what compensation may be offered as well as how you can use data to support salary negotiation. In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn about free tools that bring together census and other local data to create a picture and explore what your experience may add. He will discuss negotiation power and help attendees use the tools and figure out what situations negotiating your salary or other forms of compensation can help you put your best foot forward.
Whether you’re exploring salary ranges after gaining experience in the field or preparing for your first professional role, this workshop will equip you with strategies and resources to research compensation data and identify salaries aligned with your experience and location!
Advance registration is required and a portion of the workshop will be recorded & made available post event. The interactive portion will not be recorded. Register now here. Visit NLN’s website for more information. |
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| Cleveland Public Library Teams Up with Cleveland Browns for Cleveland Reads
Cleveland Public Library recently teamed up with the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Browns Foundation for their Cleveland Reads Winter Literacy & Attendance Challenge. The 2026 Winter Literacy + Attendance Challenge is a citywide reading initiative designed to keep students engaged, learning, and showing up during the winter months. As part of the broader One Cleveland effort, this challenge combines daily reading habits with school attendance through a game-style bingo format that motivates students from Pre-K through grade 12 to participate, track progress, and earn rewards along the way.
Learn more at clevelandreads.com.
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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