A Note from the Executive Director
Monday, the NEO-RLS team had the pleasure of attending staff day events at Oberlin Public Library and Barberton Public Library. During our visits, we shared updates on NEO-RLS programs and services, highlighted upcoming events, and introduced new offerings. We also welcomed the chance to gather feedback and answer questions. |
We value every opportunity to be out in the region. Meeting library staff, seeing their spaces, and hearing directly from our members about how NEO-RLS can continue supporting their goals motivates us as we strive to strengthen the services and resources we provide.
If you’d like us to visit your library, we’d be happy to schedule time with you. We can present at a staff day, host a one-hour meet-and-greet, or arrange a one-on-one visit with the director. Request a visit here.
We look forward to connecting with more of you across the region! Ragan |
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| New Date for Directors' Retreat
Due to some conflicts that we have been made aware of we have changed the Directors' Retreat to Thursday and Friday, April 30 and May 1, 2026.
How do you lead a library when the technological ground is shifting? The 2026 Directors' Retreat: Navigating the AI Horizon-A Leadership Roadmap for Library and Staff Readiness will prepare you for just that. Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a present reality already shaping library workflows, vendor tools, and patron expectations. For library leaders, the primary challenge isn’t just understanding the technology, but leading people through the uncertainty it creates.
Click this event link with more information and to register. |
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Attend an Information Session about Library Leadership Ohio and Apply!
The State Library of Ohio and OhioNet are pleased to announce Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) 2026. The Library Leadership Ohio program spans nearly 30 years and includes hundreds of alumni in a variety of positions in libraries across Ohio and across the country. LLO supports great libraries by developing great leaders. Offering exceptional programs focused on personal development and transferable leadership skills, LLO fosters connections and collaboration within Ohio’s library community.
Library Leadership Ohio will be held July 21-23 at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center, in Logan, Ohio. Applications for the program open Wednesday, February 18. The event will be facilitated by OhioNet and The State Library of Ohio. A one-hour virtual information session about Library Leadership Ohio will be held on February 23 at 3:30 pm EST. Register for the information session here.
LLO welcomes library staff currently working in public, school, special, and academic libraries; all are eligible to apply. The LLO selection committee is seeking individuals with a commitment to the profession; the potential to lead and innovate in their current position and beyond; a passion for libraries; and willingness to explore the impact they can have in their communities. To apply, visit https://libraryleadershipohio.org/about/application-process/?
If you have any questions, please contact Erin Kelsey, Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio, at ekelsey@library.ohio.gov or 614-644-6889. |
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| READ On! Ohio Award for Children & Teens Nominations Now Open
The Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) is once again sponsoring the READ On! Ohio Award for Children & Teens. The nomination window opened Monday, February 16, and nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 23.
The READ On! Ohio Award for Children & Teens is an award given to a maximum of sixteen students enrolled in Ohio K-12 schools who demonstrate an enthusiasm for reading. Each recipient receives a $25 gift card from Barnes & Noble, a certificate, and an opportunity to attend the awards celebration at the annual OELMA Conference, held in November at OCLC, northwest of Columbus. This is a special year for the READ On! Award and for OELMA, as 2026 marks OELMA’s 50th anniversary, a significant milestone marking five decades of advocacy for school librarians and school libraries.
2026 is also the fifth year that public library staff have been invited to nominate students for this award. OELMA is grateful for the enthusiastic support of public library staff in nominating their students. Visit the OELMA website for more details on the award and use the files in the Resource Folder to publicize the award, share with your coworkers, and prepare to nominate students!
Questions? Reach out to Susan Yutzey at oelmasdy@gmail.com. |
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| Stark Library Receives $5,000 Grant from Stark Community Foundation Congratulations to Stark Library which recently received a $5,000 grand from the Women's Fund, an endowment of the Stark Community Foundation. This generous support will help power our Summer Fun School program—keeping children engaged, inspired, and learning all summer long while breaking down barriers to educational access in vulnerable communities.
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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