[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Have you joined us for Coffee & Contemplation yet?

Wed Sep 3 13:28:14 EDT 2025

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[Back to the Book is returning October 9, 2025]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440680985&mm=133124553813>

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A Note from the

Marketing and Engagement Coordinator

Pumpkin spice season is here and what better time to savor a warm cup and a thoughtful moment?

That’s the spirit behind our new weekly social series, Coffee & Contemplation. Every Friday morning, we share a simple question on social media to encourage connection and community. Sometimes it’s light and fun (“Are you a morning person or a night owl at work?”) and other times it’s reflective (“What’s your biggest win from the past month?”).

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It’s a cozy way to connect with library peers, share ideas, learn from each other, and celebrate the creativity and hard work happening in all the libraries across our region.

I’d love for you to join us! Follow us on Facebook<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440682207&mm=133124553813> and LinkedIn<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440683429&mm=133124553813> and add your voice to the conversation each week.

Have an idea for a question for the series? You can share it by emailing me at jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org>.

Cheers,

Jill

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Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

September

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440684651&mm=133124553813>

9/4/2025
Lead with Clarity: Intentional Communication for Library Supervisors<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440685873&mm=133124553813> (I)

9/10/2025

Makerspace Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440687095&mm=133124553813>

9/11/2025

The Power of Civility: Elevating Standards and Transforming Service<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440688317&mm=133124553813> (I)

9/11/2025

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440689539&mm=133124553813>

9/12/2025

Do More with Less: Modern Category 2 E-Rate Strategies for Libraries<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440690761&mm=133124553813>

9/17/2025

Canva II: Designing Impactful Flyers and Print Materials <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440691983&mm=133124553813> (I)

9/17/2025

Introduction to Storytime: Planning for Success<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440693205&mm=133124553813> (I)

9/23/2025

Chair Yoga for Library Workers Series: Roles and Right Actions <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440694427&mm=133124553813> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440694427&mm=133124553813>

9/24/2025

Public Relations and Marketing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440695649&mm=133124553813>

9/25/2025

Time Management: Overcoming Procrastination <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440696871&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440696871&mm=133124553813>

9/30/2025

October

 2025-2026 Leadership Academy <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440698093&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440698093&mm=133124553813>

10/1/2025

Cybersecurity for IT and Mangers <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440699315&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440699315&mm=133124553813>

10/2/2025

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440700537&mm=133124553813>

10/7/2025

Doing What Matters: Values in the Library <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440701759&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440701759&mm=133124553813>

10/8/2025

 Directors/Deputy Directors Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440702981&mm=133124553813>

10/8/2025

Back to the Book XXIV: Blurred Lines: A Genre-Blending Discussion <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440704203&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440704203&mm=133124553813>

10/9/2025

NEW! Academic Library Directors Active Learning Community In-Person<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440705425&mm=133124553813>

10/10/2025

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusin & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440706647&mm=133124553813>

10/14/2025

Marketing and Outreach: Creating Engagement and Awareness <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440707869&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440707869&mm=133124553813>

10/15/2025

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440709091&mm=133124553813>

10/15/2025

A Deeper Dive into the Science of Reading-Repeated <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440710313&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440710313&mm=133124553813>

10/16/2025

Holding My Own: Lessons Learned as a Neurodivergent Library Leader <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440711535&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440711535&mm=133124553813>

10/21/2025

Safe Space - LGBTQ+ Cultural Competence Training<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440712757&mm=133124553813> (F)

10/23/2025

NEO-RLS Open House -Featuring Mychal Threets<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440713979&mm=133124553813>

10/28/2025

Thriving at Work: Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440715201&mm=133124553813> (F)

10/30/2025

November

Time Management: Eliminating Time Wasters and Staying Organized <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440716423&mm=133124553813> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440716423&mm=133124553813>

11/4/2025

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440717645&mm=133124553813>

11/4/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Library Users<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440718867&mm=133124553813> (I)

11/12/2025

Building Strong Volunteer Programs: Library & Friends Group Perspectives <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440720089&mm=133124553813> (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440720089&mm=133124553813>

11/13/2025

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440721311&mm=133124553813>

11/13/2025

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440722533&mm=133124553813>

11/18/2025

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440723755&mm=133124553813>
[Modern Category 2 E-Rate Strategies for Libraries, september 17]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440690761&mm=133124553813>

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Social Media Collaboration for Library Card Sign-Up Month

With libraries under attack recently, a few library marketers are coming together and showing unity with a positive social media message. For Library Card Sign-Up Month, they are asking other libraries to create content that showcases what Ohioans can do with their library cards through a chain of videos.

Each library is invited to create a 15-40 second vertical (reel-style) video stating a few things patrons can do with their library card. The video would start with someone catching a library card, saying a few things you can do with said card, then tossing it off to the left for the next library to ‘catch.’ With numerous libraries participating, it will create a chain across the state!

For those interested, there are a few instructions and tips for creating your video.

Instructions:

Please add your library to this Google Sheet<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440724977&mm=133124553813> with the topics you plan to share in your video and an anticipated post date in September (it doesn't have to be set in stone).

In this Google Drive Folder<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440726199&mm=133124553813>, there is an example template you can follow with instructions on what side to throw/catch the card. Plus, a mini "script" where you will fill in the details for your library.

When posting your video, please include the hashtags #OhioLibrariesUnite and #LibraryCardSignUpMonth

When you're finished with your video, please upload the MP4 file to the Google Drive Folder, so at the end of the month, they can be edited together to share! It will look like everyone is throwing library cards to each other across the state.

Tips:

  *   If you have a giant library card - use it! They're MUCH easier to catch.
  *   If you don't have a big card, that's okay. You can print out an 11x17 of our card design and glue it to a piece of cardboard.
  *   If you have great hand-eye coordination and can catch your normal-sized card - more power to you!
  *   Also, if you have contacts at other libraries, feel free to forward on this information and invite them to participate, too. The more the merrier!
  *   Please let Danielle Welling-Harris from Cuyahoga Falls Library dwelling at fallslibrary.org<mailto:dwelling at fallslibrary.org> or Chloe from Barberton Public Library chloe.zofchak at barbertonlibrary.org<mailto:chloe.zofchak at barbertonlibrary.org> if you have any questions.

[Register now for our open house featuring Mychal Threets]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440727421&mm=133124553813>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440728643&mm=133124553813>

Register Now for Teenagers (Part 3): Teenagers in Groups

Topics Covered:

  *   Why teens behave differently in front of other teens
  *   Why teens feel less responsible for their actions when in a group
  *   Eight strategies you can use to manage teen group behavior

Date: September 11, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM ET

Register here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440729865&mm=133124553813>

A former director of a Chicago homeless shelter, Ryan Dowd is the author of The Librarians Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone. He travels all over the United States speaking to libraries about how to best help homeless patrons using empathy and respect. He also provides training to police departments, nonprofits and other organizations on how to compassionately manage problematic behavior from troubled individuals.

If you have trouble accessing the training or upcoming webinar, email Erin Kelsey<mailto:ekelsey at library.ohio.gov>, Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio.

[What's what happened in August: 8 events progvided; 420 registered for live events; 250 registered for archived webinars]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440731087&mm=133124553813>

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The OPLIN Circuit Fall Issue is Now Available

In this issue:

  *   New cybersecurity requirements for public libraries
  *   E-Rate training: Save the date!
  *   E-Rate hotspot lending update
  *   Northstar renewal, encouragement
  *   INFOhio invites public librarians to IPartner program
  *   If maintenance will take your circuit down

See the fall issue here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440733531&mm=133124553813>

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Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library Announces Community Fridge

The Noble Neighborhood Branch of Cleveland Heights-University Heights now has a Community Fridge. This wonderful community resource provides fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, unopened nonalcoholic beverages, commercially packaged meals, dry goods, plant-based meat alternatives, prepackaged breads and pastries, and frozen foods. Donations are accepted by community organizations and library customers.

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.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440734753&mm=133124553813> to create your own account.

[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440735975&mm=133124553813>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440737197&mm=133124553813>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=440738419&mm=133124553813>

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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | 12701 Ravenwood Dr | Chardon, OH 44024

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