As we prepare for the winter season, take time to slow down and reconnect with what grounds you. This gentle chair yoga class combines mindful movement, breathwork, and guided reflection to help you develop a gratitude practice that supports stress relief and overall wellness. Discover how focusing on gratitude can calm the mind, ease tension, and boost resilience during the colder months.
Learning Objectives:
Learn gentle seated movements and breathwork techniques to support relaxation and reduce stress.
Explore the benefits of gratitude as a wellness practice, particularly during the shorter days of winter season.
Develop simple, sustainable ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.
Presenter:
Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This penultimate session will explore historical literary fiction through guided discussions to identify popular authors, titles, tropes, & trends. A reading list & questions will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles and questions. The GRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure.
This webinar is a practical and compassionate training designed to help organizations and individuals respond effectively when a tragic event, such as gun violence or loss of life, impacts their community. With a focus on supporting young patrons, families and staff, this session explores immediate and long-term strategies for communication, emotional support, and trauma-informed responses. Participants will learn how to prepare in advance, respond with empathy, and care for themselves and others in the wake of tragedy.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key components of an organizational response plan for supporting youth, families, and community members during and after a tragic event.
Describe strategies for individual self-awareness and self-care in the face of trauma and grief, especially for frontline staff.
Explain the importance of advance planning and communication protocols to ensure a compassionate and coordinated response to community trauma.
Presenter:
Lizzy Sullivan, Educator and Youth Advocate
Lizzy Sullivan is an experienced educator and student advocate who has spent over a decade teaching in K-12 schools. Recognized as Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the District, Lizzy helps school districts and students thrive by supporting well-being through literacy-centered curriculum, nutrition programs and mental health support. She works to promote equity and lasting change in her classrooms and community.
Becoming a manager is a significant step, bringing exciting new challenges and shifts in how you approach your work yet, it often comes with a surprising sense of isolation. The familiar camaraderie with coworkers fades, leaving you feeling alone when navigating tough decisions or problem-solving. This feeling is especially true for middle managers, who often find themselves caught balancing the needs of front-line staff with the directives of administration. In this interactive workshop, we'll dive into the key issues faced by managers, particularly those in middle management, and explore practical strategies for building stronger peer support. You'll leave the workshop with a clear understanding of the mutual respect, open communication, and shared sense of purpose needed for robust peer relationships. You'll also be equipped with actionable strategies to cultivate an environment where you and other managers can freely share experiences, learn from one another, and collaboratively find solutions that benefit everyone.
Learning Objectives:
Have a clear understanding of the mutual respect, open communication, and shared sense of purpose
Cultivate an environment of sharing, learning, and collaborating
Presenter: Mary Frankenfield has worked in the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library system for more than 20 years. During her time at MRCPL, Mary has worked as a page, a clerk, a children's librarian, and a branch manager. She has been in her current position as Deputy Director for a little over seven years. Among her many other duties, Mary has an active role in employee training and development and has presented workshops for NEO-RLS, OLC, and the more info...
We’re excited to unveil a fresh approach to professional connection and collaboration. Our traditional networking meetings are now Active Learning Communities—dynamic spaces designed for shared learning, real conversation, and practical support.
Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. You'll also get a guided introduction to our new message boards, which will help keep the conversation going long after the meeting ends.
This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hilllary Brown.
We’re excited to unveil a fresh approach to professional connection and collaboration. Our traditional networking meetings are now Active Learning Communities—dynamic spaces designed for shared learning, real conversation, and practical support.
Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. You'll also get a guided introduction to our new message boards, which will help keep the conversation going long after the meeting ends.
This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Storytelling and empathetic communication are powerful, often underestimated tools in marketing and outreach. Centering empathy for your patrons' needs and experiences in your communication strategies will enhance the efficacy of your reach and will help you better understand who you’re serving. Applying storytelling best practices alongside empathy-centered communication will ensure you’re drawing in your audience meaningfully and sustaining their engagement, and your patrons will better understand how your library can meet their needs. Stories also will help your key stakeholders, such as funders and legislators, understand the value of your library. You’ll leave this session with clear communication strategies and tools that simultaneously support your community and your services.
Learning objectives:
Identify your unique audiences.
Understand how to better communicate how your library can meet your audience’s needs.
Gain confidence in interviewing and storytelling.
Presenter:
Deborah Hakes leads marketing and communications for Georgia Public Library Service, which was named Library Journal's 2020 Marketer of the Year. She is a communications leader with expertise in storytelling and building brands for nonprofits, public health, and libraries. Hakes has served on the board for the Library Marketing and Communications Group since 2021, including currently as vice president.
She has a passion for amplifying the voices of those who do good and telling stories that drive people to take action and has spent her career at state, national, and globally-focused nonprofit organizations. She began her career at The Carter Center in former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s communications office, telling stories and raising awareness of international programming. At Welcoming America, she built the communications department from the ground up for a growing, new nonprofit. Currently at Georgia Public Library Service, she works to broaden awareness of the value of public libraries to build engagement and support, and she provides counsel to libraries to build their own communications expertise.
We’re excited to unveil a fresh approach to professional connection and collaboration. Our traditional networking meetings are now Active Learning Communities—dynamic spaces designed for shared learning, real conversation, and practical support.
Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. You'll also get a guided introduction to our new message boards, which will help keep the conversation going long after the meeting ends.
This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hillary Brown.
We will dive a little deeper into the actionable strategies for libraries to support the science of reading in their communities. Explore how libraries can integrate the key principles of phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension into programming and services. Learn how to create environments that foster early literacy development for children and caregivers through outreach, storytimes, resources, and other programming. You will leave with a toolkit of ideas and resources to help enhance your library’s early literacy efforts.
Learning Objectives:
Understand what the science of reading is and what it tells us about how children learn to read
Learn how to share literacy messages with families in storytime and other programming
Discuss how libraries can support students, families, and schools through collection development and programming
**While it’s not required, background knowledge of the Every Child Ready to Read program is encouraged or attending an Early Literacy 101 workshop in the past would be helpful. The EL101 (ECRR) workshop goes over the six early literacy skills which are also the main components behind the science of reading.
The afternoon will consist of a round-table discussion of storytimes and sharing. Bring your best stortytime to share with the group. Be prepared to share a storytime with a small group at your table.
Presenter:
Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees the Ready for School program. Through this program, staff visit parents and caregivers to help prepare families for school. She oversees library literacy efforts by providing staff, parent, and educator workshops. She is an Every Child Ready to Read and Reimagining School Readiness trainer presenting workshops throughout Ohio. She provided storytime and other programming in both in-person and virtual capacities. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education as well as several certificates in reading and early literacy education. She has presented at numerous regional, state and national conferences. She also presents for local schools and organizations and represents Stark Library on radio and television programming.
This presentation will plumb the depths of human potential by asking folks, what if we consider our contemporary society through the lens of living life as art? And what if libraries are the perfect synergistically aligned conduits for this enriching energy? What if art has been with us since the dawn of civilization as a gift just waiting to be opened completely and utilized to its fullest extent? What if the concept and practice of living life as art offers us a mind and heart opening portal to better understand the nature of reality and the full capacities that human beings hold within themselves?
Learning Objectives:
Learn about the very beginning of art history to our current day and age showing how art has gone through a transformation from object to concept to now possibly people as art
Explore how this eureka understanding unlocks an infinite well of powerful energy that can be harnessed to good ends to live one's life in the most inspired and fulfilling way
Begin to see how this gift energy can potentially strengthen, support, catalyze, revitalize, renew and supercharge library workers and libraries all around the world
Tap into the awesome power of the gift energy that the understanding and practice of life art truly offers and see how it aligns perfectly with the mission, vision and values of libraries
Presenter:
Jon Keppel holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sound Art from The Ohio State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Distinction and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University with a focus on adult services in the context of public libraries through the lens of living life as art. He is currently a librarian which is how he expresses his life art professionally in addition to independently inspiring through his writings, talks, guided meditations, music, and art. more info...
Join us for a session to have your Excel questions answered. Here is an opportunity to share tips and ask questions about Excel. Do you want to learn more about quickly navigating in Excel? Excel formula basics? Using automatic color coding to create a printable work schedule based on staff availability? Summarize data you’ve exported from another system like your ILS? Power Query basics? You may email questions and files ahead of time to Melissa Lattanzi or just join us on Zoom for the conversation. Keep in mind when sharing your files to protect the innocent.
Facilitators:
Scott Trimmer currently serves as the Director of the Learning Commons at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, where he has been since 2014. Scott enjoys helping people use technology to meaningfully improve their lives. His staff jokes that there’s very little Scott doesn’t try to organize in a spreadsheet. While serving for more than ten years as the go-to person to answer Excel questions at a 1000+ employee University, he picked up a number of Excel tips and tricks. In recent years, Scott has developed or assisted in the creation of variety of Excel tools to facilitate administrative tasks and dashboards, simplifying workflows and making data available to less tech-savvy folks in the organization.
With a degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Organizational Leadership, Scott has effectively used Excel to enhance data accessibility in a manner that benefits his organizations.
The cold winter months can be isolating. Pause and reconnect with your body, mind, and community in this gentle chair yoga class. Through slow, mindful movement and breathwork, you’ll cultivate a deeper sense of presence and connection with yourself, your community and the natural world around you.
Learning Objectives:
Use gentle movements and breath techniques to enhance physical and mental relaxation.
Cultivate a deeper connection to the self through focused awareness.
Foster a sense of community and connection by embracing practices that support openness and presence.
Presenter:
Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
This webinar is also part of the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy.
This Webinar will provide a brief overview of strategic leadership, provide you with tools to infuse strategic thinking into your library operations, and will discuss strategic leadership in an ever changing world.
Learning objectives:
Participants will learn the difference between strategy and leadership skills vs operations and management skills, and will understand the importance of weaving these critical skills together.
Participants will learn several integral tools for infusing their management style with strategic thinking.
Participants will discuss trends and potential impacts on future library operations
Presenter:
Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
Library work can be meaningful and rewarding but comes with unique challenges that can impact well-being, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional labor. This presentation will explore the systemic causes of workplace stress, the role of psychological safety, and practical strategies to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment. Presenter:
Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
Thankfully, the library is still a safe place for interacting and connecting with others. But what happens when the conversations become uncomfortable and controversial? How do you remove yourself from the unwanted drama, or at least disengage, if you can’t remove yourself?
Learning Objectives:
Two easy to use phrases to set boundaries with and redirect unwanted patron conversations
Two respectful phrases to use the get yourself out of an unwanted conversation
Three agreements staff can make with each other to remove politics, religion and other hot topics from the workplace
How to recover from being involved in the controversy
This program will use “real library life” examples of controversial and unwanted conversations and how to handle them.
Presenter:
Andrew Sanderbeck is a respected presenter, coach, and consultant. He has worked with library organizations for more than 20 years.
He champions Meliorism (mÄl′yÉ-rÄz″Ém), the belief that we can contribute to positive change and improve the world through acts of love, creativity, compassion, and kindness. He now resides in Wadsworth, Ohio with his wife, Michelle, and enjoys visiting his grandchildren in Pennsylvania.
Do you have more than one boss at your library? Do you have lots of responsibility but little authority? Are you working between multiple departments? Are you looking to improve your communication skills with your managers and your direct reports? If you said yes to any of these questions then this webinar can help you communicate better and manage up, and down.
Learning Objectives:
Communication techniques for communicating with upper management and employees
Prioritizing tasks and setting goals
Performance evaluation strategies: How to better give and receive feedback
Time management concerns: How to organize and prioritize your time to meet multiple (and sometimes competing) goals
Planning and organizing meetings from "the middle"
Presenter:
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie is the author of four books: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming (2018), Digital Citizenship: Teaching and Practice from the Field (2019), Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries (2020), and Becoming a Digital Parent: A Practical Guide to Help Families Navigate Technology (2021). She is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others.
Hillary Brown, Program and Services Associate, NEO-RLS, is also a certified yoga teacher and former children’s librarian with over a decade of experience in public libraries. She specializes in making yoga accessible to all and is passionate about supporting the well-being of library workers through mindful movement, meditation and breath work. Hillary believes that, like libraries, yoga should be welcoming to everyone.
Lizzy Sullivan, Educator and Youth Advocate
Mary Frankenfield has worked in the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library system for more than 20 years. During her time at MRCPL, Mary has worked as a page, a clerk, a children's librarian, and a branch manager. She has been in her current position as Deputy Director for a little over seven years. Among her many other duties, Mary has an active role in employee training and development and has presented workshops for NEO-RLS, OLC, and the
Deborah Hakes leads marketing and communications for Georgia Public Library Service, which was named Library Journal's 2020 Marketer of the Year. She is a communications leader with expertise in storytelling and building brands for nonprofits, public health, and libraries. Hakes has served on the board for the Library Marketing and Communications Group since 2021, including currently as vice president. 
Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees the Ready for School program. Through this program, staff visit parents and caregivers to help prepare families for school. She oversees library literacy efforts by providing staff, parent, and educator workshops. She is an Every Child Ready to Read and Reimagining School Readiness trainer presenting workshops throughout Ohio. She provided storytime and other programming in both in-person and virtual capacities. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education as well as several certificates in reading and early literacy education. She has presented at numerous regional, state and national conferences. She also presents for local schools and organizations and represents Stark Library on radio and television programming.
Jon Keppel holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sound Art from The Ohio State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Distinction and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University with a focus on adult services in the context of public libraries through the lens of living life as art. He is currently a librarian which is how he expresses his life art professionally in addition to independently inspiring through his writings, talks, guided meditations, music, and art.
Scott Trimmer currently serves as the Director of the Learning Commons at Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern Campus, where he has been since 2014. Scott enjoys helping people use technology to meaningfully improve their lives. His staff jokes that there’s very little Scott doesn’t try to organize in a spreadsheet. While serving for more than ten years as the go-to person to answer Excel questions at a 1000+ employee University, he picked up a number of Excel tips and tricks. In recent years, Scott has developed or assisted in the creation of variety of Excel tools to facilitate administrative tasks and dashboards, simplifying workflows and making data available to less tech-savvy folks in the organization.
Melissa Lattanzi, Continuing Education Coordinator, NEO-RLS
Paula Miller has served as Director/Administrator in four states –Baltimore County Public Library and Eastern Shore Regional Library (both MD), Pikes Peak Library District (CO), Westlake Porter Public Library (OH), and Dover Public Library (DE). Most recently, she molded BCPL’s role as a community hub and instrument of democracy, and she oversaw the development and opening of award-winning and state-of-the-art Library 21c in Colorado Springs. Enamored by libraries since her first shelving job at age 16 at Kent Free Library, she believes our public libraries are critical community resources that bring people together and that serve as bridges to opportunities in individuals’ lives. She is focused on identifying new and emerging needs, roles, and connections that keep our libraries relevant and effective.
Bobbi L. Newman is a librarian, Certified Wellness Practitioner, workplace well-being consultant, and advocate for healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplaces. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and teams not only work but thrive. With nearly a decade of experience, two published books on workplace wellness, and a Certificate in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University, Bobbi’s approach is evidence-based and grounded in real-world experience.
Andrew Sanderbeck is a respected presenter, coach, and consultant. He has worked with library organizations for more than 20 years. 
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie is the author of four books: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming (2018), Digital Citizenship: Teaching and Practice from the Field (2019), Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries (2020), and Becoming a Digital Parent: A Practical Guide to Help Families Navigate Technology (2021). She is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others.