[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Cheers to Northeast Ohio Libraries Strengthening Our Communities

Wed Nov 5 13:49:50 EST 2025

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Newsletter%20Header%20Update.png]

[Here's what happened in October: 16 Events Provided; 695 registered for live events; 241 registered for the archived webinar library]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465936059&mm=138803390665>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Ragan%20Snead.jfif]

A Note from the

Executive Director

If your community held elections yesterday, I hope you were able to get out and vote! Many libraries across our region and throughout the state play an important role in supporting this process by serving as polling locations and designated voter registration agencies. This is just one more example of how libraries remain vital partners in civic engagement and indispensable to their communities.

I want to extend congratulations to our member libraries whose levies passed yesterday!

  *   Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library
  *   Oberlin Public Library
  *   Massillon Public Library
  *   Tuscarawas County Public Library
  *   Newcomerstown Public Library
  *   Henderson Memorial Public Library
  *   Carnegie Public Library, East Liverpool

Each successful levy represents more than just funding. It reflects the trust, appreciation, and confidence your patrons have in the work you do every day. Through lifelong learning, equitable access, and opportunities for all, our libraries continue to uplift and strengthen the communities they serve.

Have a great day!

Ragan

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

November

Storytime Beyond the Basics: Virtual Panel Discussion <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465937281&mm=138803390665> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465937281&mm=138803390665>

11/6/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Library Users<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465938503&mm=138803390665> (I)

11/12/2025

Building Strong Volunteer Programs: Library & Friends Group Perspectives <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465939725&mm=138803390665> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465939725&mm=138803390665>

11/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465940947&mm=138803390665>

11/13/2025

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465942169&mm=138803390665>

11/18/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Practicing Gratitude <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465943391&mm=138803390665> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465943391&mm=138803390665>

11/24/2025

December

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Historical Literary Fiction<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465944613&mm=138803390665>

12/2/2025

You’re Not Alone: The Power of Peer Support in Management <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465945835&mm=138803390665> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465945835&mm=138803390665>

12/4/2025

Technical Services and Collection Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465947057&mm=138803390665>

12/4/2025

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465948279&mm=138803390665>

12/9/2025

The Power of Storytelling and Empathy-Centered Communication <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465949501&mm=138803390665> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465949501&mm=138803390665>

12/10/2025

Special Libraries Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465950723&mm=138803390665>

12/10/2025

Life Art: A New Horizon, Library Edition <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465951945&mm=138803390665> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465951945&mm=138803390665>

12/11/2025

Excel Drop-in Q & A (Excel Nerds and Novices welcome)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465953167&mm=138803390665>

12/16/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Reconnecting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465954389&mm=138803390665> (F)

12/17/2025

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465955611&mm=138803390665>

[Building Strong Volunteer Programs. November 13, 2025. 10 am - 11 am.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465956833&mm=138803390665>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Announcements.jpg]

NEO-RLS Will Be At ALAO and OLC

Conference season is here, and we can’t wait to connect with you in person! NEO-RLS will be at the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Conference at Table #1 and the Ohio Library Council (OLC) Convention at Booth #507. Stop by to say hello, learn more about how NEO-RLS supports libraries across the region, and pick up some of our latest resources (and maybe a little swag, too!).

[As a thank you to Mychal Threets we are collecting library cards from across the region. Please send your library card to NEO-RLS/P.O. Box 1021/Twinsburg, OH 44087. Please mail by Nov 14]

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465958055&mm=138803390665>

Register Now for Continuing Education Cohort Opportunity in Digital Curation

The State Library of Ohio recently announced that the Library Juice Academy Digital Curation Cohort <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465959277&mm=138803390665> program is returning in 2026. This initiative offers 15 Ohio library staff members or cultural heritage professionals the opportunity to complete coursework and earn a Digital Curation Certificate from Library Juice Academy. Participants will be selected through a competitive application process, with the State Library overseeing their enrollment in the six-course series. The award-winning Digital Curation Certificate from Library Juice Academy is crafted to develop skills in areas such as digitization, digital preservation, metadata creation, and beyond. This program is ideal for individuals interested in this field, regardless of their previous experience.

Applications are available on the State Library website<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465960499&mm=138803390665> and are due November 16, 2025.  Those chosen for the cohort will be informed in December 2025, with classes set to commence in February 2026. All selected members must attend the mandatory introductory meeting on January 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. which will be held online.

[Chair Yoga for Library Workers: Practicing Gratitude. November 24, 2025. Online via zoom.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465961721&mm=138803390665>

[OhioNet]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465962943&mm=138803390665>

Register now for "How to Recognize and Combat Soft Censorship" on November 18

This webinar will explore the subtle menace of soft censorship, where external pressures, self-censorship, and quiet biases influence the selection, access, and removal of materials in school libraries.

School librarians play a pivotal role in ensuring diverse and inclusive collections, but the fear of controversy, budget constraints, and community expectations can lead to the quiet exclusion of important voices and topics.

This event — led by Tara Cooper, Library Media Specialist at Columbus City Schools — is geared towards a K-12 setting but relevant to all library types. Register using the button link below to attend the webinar live, or view a recording of the event.

Register now.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465964165&mm=138803390665>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=465965387&mm=138803390665>

Stark Library Wins Community Partner Award for Seed Bank Project

Stark Library recently received the first-ever Community Partner Award from The Ohio State University Extension - Stark County Master Gardener Volunteers. This award recognizes the library’s contributions to the annual Community Seed Bank project, a collaborative initiative between Stark County Master Gardener Volunteers, OSU Extension, the Main Library, and Stark Friends of the Library.

2026 will mark the 13th year of the project, which cultivates learning, growth, and resilience—both in the gardens and Stark County community. Congratulations!

Email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org?subject=Library%20Spotlight> if you have a story from your library you want to share.

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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | P.O. Box 1021 | Twinsburg, OH 44087

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