[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Directors' Retreat recap, June networking meetings, and more

Wed May 28 16:17:51 EDT 2025

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[June networking meetings]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406728937&mm=125454879775>

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A Note from the

Executive Director

During a time of uncertainty, this year’s Director’s Retreat was a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and focus on the bigger picture. The retreat created a space for honest, thoughtful, and forward-thinking conversations among library leaders.

Mark Swaim-Fox, President and CEO of The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, kicked things off with a straightforward and timely discussion about the current political and legal realities surrounding DEI work. His session helped clarify what effective DEI efforts actually look like and how they contribute to healthier and more effective organizations. It also gave attendees a chance to talk openly about the pushback many are experiencing and how to respond thoughtfully.

In the afternoon, Katie Jenkins from NAMI Greater Cleveland focused on workplace wellness, a topic from which we can all benefit. Her session covered how to manage stress, support staff, and create a more resilient workplace. Her tools and suggestions were practical and easy to implement.

On Friday, Jeff Regensburger and Kirstin Krumsee from the State Library of Ohio walked us through ways to tell the library’s story more effectively. They shared strategies for using data and narrative to show impact and communicate value to stakeholders, a reminder that strong messaging is key, especially in tough times.

I had the pleasure of facilitating the closing discussion, where participants shared what stuck with them throughout the retreat and what actionable steps they are taking back to their libraries.

Thanks to everyone who attended and to our wonderful speakers. The retreat was a chance to reset, learn from one another, and leave with practical next steps. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year. You can help us plan for the next retreat by filling out our brief survey here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406730159&mm=125454879775>.

Have a great day!

Ragan

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

May

Construction and Facilities Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406731381&mm=125454879775>

5/29/2025

June

Genealogy Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406732603&mm=125454879775>

6/3/2025

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Mount Gilead<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406733825&mm=125454879775>

6/3/2025

Mental Health First Aid <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406735047&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406735047&mm=125454879775>

6/10/2025

Special Libraries Network Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406736269&mm=125454879775>

6/11/2025

Human Resources/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting (In-Person)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406737491&mm=125454879775>

6/11/2025

Human Resources/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting (Virtual)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406738713&mm=125454879775>

6/11/2025

Designing for Diversity in Your Library's Communications <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406739935&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406739935&mm=125454879775>

6/12/2025

Makerspace Networking Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406741157&mm=125454879775>

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=406742379&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406742379&mm=125454879775>

6/18/2025

July

Practical Budget Management: How to Avoid Disaster, Make Smart Moves, Report Responsibly, and Stress Less About your Budget <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406743601&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406743601&mm=125454879775>

7/16/2025

Confident and Clear: Building Effective Communication in the Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406744823&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406744823&mm=125454879775>

7/22/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Mindful Awareness <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406746045&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406746045&mm=125454879775>

7/23/2025

Stress Management for Real Life: <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406747267&mm=125454879775> Evidence-Based Ways to Heal, Recharge, and Find Balance <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406748489&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406748489&mm=125454879775>

7/29/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues and Staff<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406749711&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406749711&mm=125454879775>

7/30/2025

August

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Romance<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406750933&mm=125454879775>

8/5/2025

Excel Drop-In Q&A<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406752155&mm=125454879775>

8/6/2025

How Libraries Can Build Connections to Combat Loneliness<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406753377&mm=125454879775>

8/7/2025

From Conflict to Collaboration: A Practical Guide for Communicating Through Disagreement<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406754599&mm=125454879775> (I)

8/12/2025

Time Management: Scheduling and Prioritization <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406755821&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406755821&mm=125454879775>

8/20/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Change the Narrative by Cultivating Opposite Thought <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406757043&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406757043&mm=125454879775>

8/27/2025

September

Lead with Clarity: Intentional Communication for Library Supervisors<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406758265&mm=125454879775> (I)

9/10/2025

The Power of Civility: Elevating Standards and Transforming Service<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406759487&mm=125454879775> (I)

9/122/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Roles and Right Actions <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406760709&mm=125454879775> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406760709&mm=125454879775>

9/24/2025

Time Management: Overcoming Procrastination <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406761931&mm=125454879775> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406761931&mm=125454879775>

9/30/2025

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406763153&mm=125454879775>
[Confident and Clear: Buildin Effective Communication in the Library. July 22 online via Zoom]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406764375&mm=125454879775>

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Still a Few Seats Remaining

It is not too late to register for the June 10th, Mental Health First Aid<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406765597&mm=125454879775> online workshop.

Mental Health First Aid is a training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.  This course will run 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.  There will be two hours worth of pre-work before the live instructor-led online workshop.  This course is limited to 30.  Register for this class only if you are able to attend. This class will not be archived. Click this event link<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406765597&mm=125454879775> for more information and to register.

Calling All Storytime Superstars!

Got a knack for planning spectacular storytimes? We want to learn from you! Share your secrets and tell us how you captivate your community one story hour at a time.

Reach out to Hillary Brown at hillary.brown at neo-rls.org<mailto:hillary.brown at neo-rls.org> to get in on the fun!

[Beyond the Stamp in Mount Gilead. June 3, 2025]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406766819&mm=125454879775>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406768041&mm=125454879775>

State Library of Ohio Board Approves Over 2.1 Million Dollars in Federal Grants

During its May meeting, the State Library of Ohio Board approved grants totaling more than 2.1 million dollars in federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, distributed to the State Library via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The approved grants include:

$234,000 for the operation of the <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406769263&mm=125454879775> Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406769263&mm=125454879775>

$341,208 for eighteen public libraries in Ohio that serve rural communities to employ a dedicated technology trainer through the <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406770485&mm=125454879775> Guiding Ohio Online<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406770485&mm=125454879775> grant program<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406770485&mm=125454879775>

$1,534,922 for the <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406771707&mm=125454879775> Ohio Web Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406771707&mm=125454879775> core set of library databases available to all Ohioans through their public, school, and academic libraries.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406771707&mm=125454879775>

Learn more here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406772929&mm=125454879775>

[Quiet Leadership 2.0. June 18, 2025. Online via Zoom]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406774151&mm=125454879775>

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There Is Still Time To Register For SLA 2025

Join top information professionals, librarians, and knowledge leaders from around the world at the SLA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, June 7–10 in Pittsburgh, PA! This year’s event is designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and connections you need to lead with impact.

Conference highlights include:

  *   2 inspiring keynotes
  *   40+ breakout sessions
  *   Community events & meetups
  *   AI solutions roundtables
  *   Lunch & Learn opportunities
  *   and so much more!

See all of the conference events and register here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406775373&mm=125454879775>.

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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's (CSLP) Color Your World<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406776595&mm=125454879775> theme, the iREAD Level Up at Your Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406777817&mm=125454879775> theme, or something else entirely, 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 at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org?subject=Library%20Spotlight> any programs, marketing, photos, or anything else you'd like to share.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=406779039&mm=125454879775> to create your own account.

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