[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Join us for a critical discusson on library advocacy and more

Wed Mar 26 13:58:48 EDT 2025

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A Note from the

Executive Director

The recent executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has sparked concerns about the future of federal support for libraries. IMLS has long played a crucial role in funding library initiatives, expanding access to resources, and supporting innovation across the country. The potential loss of this support and ongoing threats against librarians signals a challenging moment for our profession. Now more than ever, we must consider how to protect and advocate for the future of libraries.

Join Us for a Critical Discussion: Non-Partisan Coalition Building and Advocacy for Libraries<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383358187&mm=119661451095>

Tuesday, April 1st, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Kent State University’s Reinberger Children’s Library Center

In this climate, we must ask: What does the future of librarianship look like? How can we strengthen our coalitions and advocate more effectively for libraries and the communities they serve? This gathering will provide a space for reflection, conversation, and action as we navigate these uncertain times together. We hope you’ll add your voice to the discussion.

Ragan

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Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

April

NEW! Join Us for a Critical Discussion: Non-Partisan Coalition Building and Advocacy for Libraries<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383358187&mm=119661451095>

4/1/2025

Customer Service Conference: Perspectives, Possibilities, and Practices (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383359409&mm=119661451095>

4/3/2025

Sharpening Your Excel Skills (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383360631&mm=119661451095>

4/8/2025

Training / Staff Development Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383361853&mm=119661451095>

4/8/2025

The Adult Programming Equation (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383363075&mm=119661451095>

4/9/2025

IT Networking Meeting - Online Via Zoom<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383364297&mm=119661451095>

4/9/2025

AI Ethics: A Library Perspective<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383365519&mm=119661451095>

4/16/2025

Book Discussion Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383366741&mm=119661451095>

4/16/2025

Quiet Leadership:
Foster your identity as an introverted or quiet leader to inspire beyond words (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383367963&mm=119661451095>

4/17/2025

Adult Services Virtual Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383369185&mm=119661451095>

4/29/2025

Managing Challenging Interactions with Colleagues and Staff (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383370407&mm=119661451095>

4/30/2025

May

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Mystery Fiction<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383371629&mm=119661451095>

5/6/2025

Time Management Yours and Theirs<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383372851&mm=119661451095>

5/7/2025

A Day for Collection Management and Technical Services<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383374073&mm=119661451095>

5/8/2025

Google Forms: Gather all the Things for Action<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383375295&mm=119661451095>

5/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383376517&mm=119661451095>

5/13/2025

2025 Directors' Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383377739&mm=119661451095>

5/22/2025-5/23/2025

Outreach Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383378961&mm=119661451095>

5/28/2025

Construction and Facilities Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383380183&mm=119661451095>

5/29/2025

June

Genealogy Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383381405&mm=119661451095>

6/3/2025

Special Libraries Network Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383382627&mm=119661451095>

6/11/2025

Designing for Diversity in Your Library's Communications (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383383849&mm=119661451095>

6/12/2025

Makerspace Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383385071&mm=119661451095>

6/12/2025

Quiet Leadership 2.0: Distinguish your leadership capabilities, build confidence, and pathways to find support as a quiet leader<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383386293&mm=119661451095>

6/18/2025

[View Full Calendar]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383387515&mm=119661451095>

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Board Nominations Opening Soon!

Board nominations will open soon! Nomination forms will be sent via email on April 1st. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for more details on the board nomination and election process.

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2024 Ohio Summer Library Program Report now available

The 2024 Ohio Summer Library Program report has arrived! Each year, the State Library of Ohio asks Ohio public library systems to report on your summer activities and results. Based on data from libraries responding to the 2024 Ohio Summer Library Program (SLP) evaluation survey:

In 2024, 396,842 people participated in an Ohio public library's summer library program, including 256,473 children, 43,558 teens, and 96,811 adults.

  *   This is a 1% decrease from total reported participation in 2023 (399,818).
  *   Summer library programs for teens and adults have become nearly universal, with 97% of responding libraries offering SLP for teens and 91% offering SLP for adults.

In 2024, total reported attendance at Ohio library programs and events that took place during SLP was 1,141,842, including 679,173 attendees at children's programs, 62,528 at teen programs, 126,122 at adult programs, and 274,019 at all-ages programs.

  *   This is an increase of 22.5% over total program attendance in 2023 (931,788).
  *   Teen program attendance jumped nearly 50% from 2023 (42,448), and attendance in all categories rose significantly this year.

The numbers are only a tiny part of the story of Ohio libraries' amazing summer programs. See the full report for stories, observations, and lots of photos from libraries all around the state!

You can view, download, and print the report here in a PDF format<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383389959&mm=119661451095>, or view and read the report in a digital magazine format here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383391181&mm=119661451095>.  The report will also be linked from the Ohio Summer Library Program page<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383392403&mm=119661451095> on the State Library website.

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The Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) call for conference session proposals is open until April 15. This year’s conference theme is " Read. Learn. Evolve." The OELMA conference, taking place in central Ohio on November 14-15, centers the essential role that school libraries play in amplifying diverse voices, promoting inclusivity, and cultivating a culture of empathy and understanding.

OELMA seeks conference presentation proposals from public librarians and public library workers, recognizing the power of collaboration and of sharing knowledge and support across library types. OELMA welcomes presentation proposals on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  *   Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
  *   Cultivating digital literacy and information literacy skills
  *   Incorporating social justice and anti-racism initiatives into library programming
  *   Fostering a love for reading and literacy engagement
  *   Utilizing technology to enhance library services and resources
  *   Collaboration (such as between public and school libraries!)
  *   Creating inclusive and welcoming library spaces for all students
  *   Implementing innovative programs to engage and inspire students

Interested in sharing a presentation with Ohio’s school library community? Submit your proposal here by April 15<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383396069&mm=119661451095>.

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Stow-Monroe Falls Public Library's popular all-ages programs gets a SWEET shoutout

One of SMFPL's most popular all-ages programs is getting a SWEET shoutout! The PEEPS® Brand is featuring SMFPL's 2025 PEEPS® Diorama Contest on its website, along with other libraries, museums, and organizations nationwide that celebrate PEEPS® art. Check it out at www.peepsbrand.com/art-diorama-contests/<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383397291&mm=119661451095>

Want to see your library featured in the NEO-RLS newsletter or on our website<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=383398513&mm=119661451095>? Email Jill Grunenwald (jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org?subject=Library%20Spotlight>) to share your library's story!

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