[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Highlights from Our First Meet & Greet. Schedule Yours Today!

Wed Apr 8 14:35:00 EDT 2026

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[Customer Service Conference. April 23.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519836035&mm=152255169109>

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A Note from the

Marketing & Engagement Coordinator

Last week, NEO-RLS had the pleasure of visiting Girard Free Library for our first in-person Meet & Greet. During our visit we got to speak directly with the staff at Girard and hear about their priorities for the library. We also shared the services available to them through NEO-RLS, highlighted upcoming webinars and events, and welcomed questions and feedback about our organization and their membership. (And also gave away some swag!)

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Our Meet & Greets are one of the many opportunities we have to connect with our members, and it was certainly the highlight of my week. I loved hearing about the projects everyone is working on, upcoming books folks are excited about (with apologies to my already long TBR), and putting faces to names.

If you’re interested in having NEO-RLS visit your library, fill out the interest form today<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519837257&mm=152255169109>. We can come for a Meet & Greet like this, present at your next staff day, or meet one-on-one with your director.

Looking forward to connecting with you soon!

Jill

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

April

From Insight to Impact: Using Data to Grow Library Cardholders (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519838479&mm=152255169109>

4/9/2026

Podcasts as Programming: Reaching Busy Parents on Their Time (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519839701&mm=152255169109>

4/14/2026

Beyond the Stamp: Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Avon Lake)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519840923&mm=152255169109>

4/15/2026

Technical Services and Collection Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519842145&mm=152255169109>

4/15/2026

Beyond the Stamp: Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Geauga West Branch, Chesterland)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519843367&mm=152255169109>

4/16/2026

Beyond the Stamp: Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public - (North Canton)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519844589&mm=152255169109>

4/17/2026

Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519845811&mm=152255169109>

4/23/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519847033&mm=152255169109>

4/29/2026

From Maker to Market: Supporting Next Steps for Entrepreneurial Makers (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519848255&mm=152255169109>

4/29/2026

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519849477&mm=152255169109>

4/30/2026

2026 Directors’ Retreat: Navigating the AI Horizon: A Leadership Roadmap for Library and Staff Readiness <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519850699&mm=152255169109> (I)

4/30/2026-5/1/2026

May

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519851921&mm=152255169109>

5/5/2026

High-Impact Programs that Bring Families Back to the Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519853143&mm=152255169109> (I)

5/12/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519854365&mm=152255169109>

5/13/2026

How Images Manipulate Us<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519855587&mm=152255169109> (F)

5/14/2026

June

Special Libraries Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519856809&mm=152255169109>

6/3/2026

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting - In-Person<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519858031&mm=152255169109>

6/5/2026

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Networking Meeting - Via Zoom  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519859253&mm=152255169109>

6/5/2026

NEW! Canva Drop-In For All<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519860475&mm=152255169109>

6/9/2026

Community Care for Burned-Out Library Workers<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519861697&mm=152255169109> (I)

6/11/2026

Personalized Reference vs. Standardized Reference: When to Use the Right Reference Skills<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519862919&mm=152255169109> (I)

6/17/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519864141&mm=152255169109>
[Register now for our Beyond the Stamp Notary Programs]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519865363&mm=152255169109>
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Youth Library Program Share Form

We’re excited to share a new, easy way for Youth Services members to highlight and share programs they’ve led! You can now use our Google Form to tell others about your past programs, including what worked well, lessons learned, and ideas others might be able to replicate.

Access the form here: https://forms.gle/U2mA3rbQdfrwVcqF8<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519866585&mm=152255169109>

Whether it’s a successful event, a creative activity, or a seasonal program you’d recommend others try, we’d love for you to share your experience. Your contributions help build a stronger, more collaborative community by inspiring and supporting fellow members.

For easy access, this form will also be pinned on the Youth Services Active Learning Community message board on our website. Be sure to check it out and share your programs!

 Last Call for Notary Training

In cooperation with NEO-RLS, the Ohio Society of Notaries is continuing our 2026 statewide tour of librarian notary classes in Avon Lake, Chesterland, and North Canton!  You will need to send in your registration as mentioned in the instructions.  This is not a NEO-RLS event; therefore membership levels do not apply.  Everyone pays the same fee.

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Avon Lake<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519840923&mm=152255169109>

4/15/2026

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Geauga West Bran…<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519843367&mm=152255169109>

4/16/2026

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-North Canton<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519844589&mm=152255169109>

4/17/2026

[From Maker to Market: supporting next steps for entrepreneurial makers. April 29. Online via Zoom]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519848255&mm=152255169109>

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State Library Monthly Report

The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report, which highlights recent updates, upcoming programs, and resources to support our patrons and community partners. This month's report includes continued strong usage across several key services, along with news about the State Library's Columbus location and information about recent activities and presentations from the State Library team. You can view the full report here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519867807&mm=152255169109>

[High-Impact Programs That Bring Families Back to the Library. May 12.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519853143&mm=152255169109>

[ACRL Logo]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519869029&mm=152255169109>

Don't miss 'Foundations of Workplace Accommodations' on April 14

Establish a strong understanding of workplace accommodations with our upcoming webinar, "Foundations of Workplace Accommodations" on April 14. This session will provide an overview of the accommodation process and responsibilities during an employee's request for a workplace accommodation.

Date: April 14, 2026

Time: 3-4 PM ET

What You'll Learn:

  *   An overview of the workplace accommodation process
  *   Management's responsibilities during the interactive process when responding to an employee accommodation request
  *   The current legal landscape concerning accommodation requests for pregnancy and religious beliefs
  *   How relevant case law applies in practice

Learn more and register here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519870251&mm=152255169109>

[Click here to access instructions for the NEO-RLS Message Boards.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519871473&mm=152255169109>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519872695&mm=152255169109>

Hubbard Public Library's Mary Anne Russo Wins I Love My Librarian Award

Mary Anne Russo, who recently retired from library service after 42 years, transformed the Children’s Room at Hubbard Public Library from a dark basement into a vibrant, welcoming space that inspires learning and imagination. Through a thoughtful redesign featuring natural light, dedicated program areas, and a sensory garden, Russo created a hub for families and children.

Learn more about Mary Anne and all the winners of the I Love My Librarian Award here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519873917&mm=152255169109>

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=519875139&mm=152255169109> to create your own account.

[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519876361&mm=152255169109>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519877583&mm=152255169109>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519878805&mm=152255169109>
[Message Boards Getting Started Guide]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=519871473&mm=152255169109>

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