A Note from the Executive Director As summer reading season begins across Northeast Ohio, we want to wish all of our member libraries the very best for a successful and memorable summer ahead. Summer reading is one of the busiest times of the year for library staff, but it is also a season of creativity, connection, and meaningful community impact.
Whether your library is embracing the “Unearth a Story” theme or creating a theme of your own, we hope your programs are well attended and that your communities discover all of the amazing programs, services, and experiences your library has to offer. Libraries across the region have exciting plans for summer kickoff celebrations, including petting zoos, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and engaging events that will continue throughout the summer. Thank you to all of the library staff who dedicate so much time and energy to planning, preparing, decorating, coordinating, and showing up each day to create memorable experiences for your communities. Your work helps make summer reading a tradition that families look forward to year after year. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this summer. Happy Summer Reading! Ragan |
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| Nominate a Star Now! Nominations are now open for the 2026 NEO-RLS Star Awards. This is an opportunity to recognize the outstanding work happening in libraries across our region by nominating an exceptional colleague, volunteer, or leader whose contributions are making a meaningful impact in their library and community.
Award categories include Rising Star (less than 5 years of service), Shooting Star (5–20 years of service), and Super Star (more than 20 years of service). Visit the to submit your nomination and access tips for writing a strong nomination.
The submission deadline is June 30, 2026. If you would like feedback before submitting, send a draft of your nomination to ragan.snead@neo-rls.org by June 15. |
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| Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative Updates and Upcoming Webinar TeachingBooks and the State Library of Ohio recently conducted a user survey for those who are registered for the Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative. The feedback was helpful as we plan future communications, webinars, and resources.
If you aren’t sure if you are registered or can’t find your account information, email help@teachingbooks.net. Or visit Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative home page to sign up.
Register now for Getting Started with the Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative on June 16 at 3:30 p.m. At the 45-minute webinar, participants will learn the basics of the tool including how to analyze the children’s and young adult books in your collections, programs, displays, and more. Attendees will leave prepared to integrate these tools into their collection management routines. Register for June 16 webinar.
The Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative is a collaborative project of the State Library of Ohio and TeachingBooks.net. The project is funded by Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) federal funds granted to the State Library of Ohio.
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| Register Now For the National Maker Collective Conference 2026 (Supported by OhioNet)
The National Maker Collective is thrilled to invite you to our very first in-person conference, The National Maker Collective Conference 2026. Whether you’re running a makerspace in a community center basement or a university innovation lab, dreaming about launching your first space, volunteering on weekends, or simply curious about what makes the maker movement tick, you belong here. This conference is built by makerspace people, for makerspace people. All backgrounds, all experience levels, all welcome.
This event is hosted by the National Maker Collective, an organization for makerspace people to find community, exchange ideas, tackle challenges together, and build relationships that strengthen the maker movement. We exist for makerspaces of all kinds, creating a national community that’s as diverse and creative as the makers themselves.
This event will be held at the Greene County Career Center, 532 Innovation Dr., Xenia, OH 45385 on July 25, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST.
Free parking is available in the venue parking lot.
Registration is $50 and includes lunch. Please make a lunch selection at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/s7D53Azk2C
This event is supported by OhioNet. If you have questions about registration, please contact ohionet@ohionet.org. If you have questions about the conference, please contact nationalmakercollective@gmail.com.
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| Celebrating Summer Reading
This month's spotlight is on all the libraries kicking off summer reading! Whether your library is following the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Unearth a Story theme, the iREAD Plant a Seed, Read theme, or something else, NEO-RLS is here to support you during the busy months ahead.
We'd love to see how you are getting your community excited for reading this summer. Email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald@neo-rls.org any programs, marketing, photos, or anything else you'd like to share!
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