[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Register Now For Our 2026 Technology Conference

[Jill Grunenwald]

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Newsletter%20Header%20Update.png]
 
[Allyship with PFLAG: Ten Steps to Becoming an Ally with Colleagues, Friends, and Family. September 16. Online via Zoom.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563891579&mm=163099366967>
 
[Ragan Headshot]

A Note from the

Programs & Services Associate



Libraries provide so many essential services to their communities, perhaps primary among those is their leadership in navigating new technologies. As new tech emerges, people of walks of life turn to libraries for support and instruction. Librarians, Technology Trainers, and IT professionals in libraries must constantly develop their skills and learn new information quickly to navigate an ever-changing technology landscape. Today, the pace of innovation can make it challenging to stay current on the latest technology tools and trends while ensuring that information practices aligned with the mission and values of the library. With this in mind, we are excited to announce the 2026 NEO-RLS Technology Conference: Proceed with Caution and Confidence.



We’ll begin the day with an engaging keynote presentation from Alison Macrina, Executive Director of the Library Freedom Project, as she takes a critical look at AI use in libraries. Her presentation, informed by a LFP’s recent survey on “AI in libraries,” will examine the increasing uses of AI in libraries and the impacts on our patron communities. She will discuss how to navigate the wide range of opinions held by library staff and their communities regarding AI, and how to create a path forward that best serves your library and its patrons.



Following the keynote, we’ll move into the first of two breakout sessions where attendees can choose to learn about current trends in Information Privacy or Social Engineering in Cybersecurity.  After a break for lunch, we’ll move into our second breakout session with a choice to dive deep into Adopting AI Policies or Understanding Security Controls.



We’ll then hear a short presentation from Cuyahoga County Office of Consumer Affairs’ Scam Squad and learn about the services available to keep patrons safe from a variety of scams. Then we will move into round table discussions covering everything from technology budgets to open-source communities. We’ll end the day with an engaging panel featuring local IT experts, who will bring real-world, regionally relevant perspectives to the conversation.



The conference is just a few months away, and we will be adding more great speakers and breakout session descriptions in the coming weeks. We already have a jam-packed day offering diverse perspectives, practical advice, and tested strategies you can use. Please mark your calendars for November 12 and plan to join us for an unforgettable day of learning and connection.



Register here now: Technology Conference 2026: Proceed with Caution and Confidence<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563892801&mm=163099366967>



Best wishes,

Hillary

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!



August

Makerspace Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563894023&mm=163099366967>

8/18/2026

Public Relations and Marketing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563895245&mm=163099366967>

8/19/2026

Access is Customer Service: Community Belonging in Public Library (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563896467&mm=163099366967>

8/20/2026

Strengthening Staff Communication Across Generations (F)  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563897689&mm=163099366967>

8/26/2026

Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563898911&mm=163099366967>

8/26/2026



September

Respect + Resilience: Applying the Mentor Mindset to Improve Teen Engagement for All Staff (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563900133&mm=163099366967>

9/2/2026

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563901355&mm=163099366967>

9/3/2026

Safety and Security in Libraries (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563902577&mm=163099366967>

9/9/2026

Directors/Deputy Directors Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563903799&mm=163099366967>

9/9/2026

A Science of Reading Reader's Advisory Overview For All Staff (F) <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563905021&mm=163099366967>

9/10/2026

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563906243&mm=163099366967>

9/10/2026

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563907465&mm=163099366967>

9/11/2026

Allyship with PFLAG:Ten Steps to Becoming an Ally with Colleagues, Friends and Family <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563908687&mm=163099366967> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563908687&mm=163099366967>

9/16/2026

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563909909&mm=163099366967>

9/16/2026

NEW! Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responisiblities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Euclid)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563911131&mm=163099366967>

9/22/2026

Make Meetings Matter: Purpose, Clarity, and Reducing Meeting Overload <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563912353&mm=163099366967> (F)

9/23/2026

NEW! Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Canfield)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563913575&mm=163099366967>

9/23/2026

NEW! Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Tuscarawas)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563914797&mm=163099366967>

9/24/2026

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563916019&mm=163099366967>

9/24/2026

Back to the Book XXV: Elevating Book Clubs, Inclusive Romance, and Author Connections<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563917241&mm=163099366967>

9/29/2026

Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563918463&mm=163099366967>

9/30/2026



October

Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563919685&mm=163099366967>

10/1/2026

AI Traffic Light: Flipping the Narrative (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563920907&mm=163099366967>

10/6/2026

Pride is 365: Providing Year-Round LGBTQIA+ Programming and Services (A)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563922129&mm=163099366967>

10/7/2026

Lights, Camera, Content: Creating Social Media Videos with Ease (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563923351&mm=163099366967>

10/8/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563924573&mm=163099366967>

10/8/2026

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563925795&mm=163099366967>

10/13/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563927017&mm=163099366967>

10/15/2026

Why Microlearning Works: Building a Culture of Continuous Learning<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563928239&mm=163099366967>

10/27/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563929461&mm=163099366967>

10/27/2026

Inclusive Meetings That Work: Online, Hybrid, and Neuro-Inclusive Meeting Practice (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563930683&mm=163099366967>

10/28/2026



November

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563931905&mm=163099366967>

11/3/2026

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563933127&mm=163099366967>

11/10/2026

NEW! Technology Conference 2026: Proceed with Caution and Confidence<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563892801&mm=163099366967>

11/12/2026

Storytime Foundations Workshop<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563934349&mm=163099366967>

11/19/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563935571&mm=163099366967>
 
[Makerspace Active Learning Community Meeting. August 18]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563936793&mm=163099366967>
 
[https://90c9e5fb53.sdkmedia.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Announcements.jpg]

Registration Now Open for Notary Training



You will want to follow the instructions to send payments and emails to Roger Rill.



Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Euclid<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563911131&mm=163099366967>

9/22/2026

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Canfield<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563913575&mm=163099366967>

9/23/2026

Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-Tuscarawas<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563914797&mm=163099366967>

9/24/2026

 

Mark Your Calendar for the 2026-2027 Leadership Academy



The 2026-2027 Leadership Academy starts on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Keep an eye on our newsletter and website—registration opens soon!

 
[PR and Marketing Active Learning Community. August 19, 2026.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563938015&mm=163099366967>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]

State Library Monthly Report Now Available



The latest edition of the State Library Monthly Report is now available. This month's report includes continued strong usage across several key services, along with news about the State Library's new Columbus locations 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=563939237&mm=163099366967>

 
[Make Meetings Matter. September 23, 2026. Online via Zoom.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563940459&mm=163099366967>
 
[Scam Squad logo]

Meet Cuyahoga County Consumer Affairs/Scam Squad



The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs investigates consumer complaints against companies and runs Scam Squad, a task force made up of local state and federal agencies with a presence in the County. Our investigators provide one-on-one assistance to Cuyahoga County residents reporting fraud, scams, or identity theft. Scam Squad is a free resource for libraries can use to help patrons learn about and report scams. At the Scam Squad site, cuyahogacounty.gov/scamsquad, you can download and share the Scam Squad Guide, read about current scams, find an Internet Safety page stocked with tips for keeping devices safe, and download or print tipsheets about specific scams.



Encourage patrons who have encountered scams to contact Scam Squad by calling 216-443-SCAM (7226) or filing a report online at cuyahogacounty.gov/scamsquad<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563941681&mm=163099366967>.

 
[AI Traffic Light: Flipping the Narrative. October 6. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563920907&mm=163099366967>
 
[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563942903&mm=163099366967>

OLC Announces 2026 Awards and Honors Recipients



The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Awards and Honors, recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on Ohio's public libraries and the communities they serve.



Two staff members from NEO-RLS member libraries were recognized:



Steven Haynie, Branch Manager, South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch, Cuyahoga County Public Library received the Service Excellence Award.



Emmie Troyer, Mobile Services Supervisor, Tuscarawas County Public Library received the Emerging Leader Award.



Congratulations! See the full list of OLC Awards and Honors Recipients here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563944125&mm=163099366967>



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 to share!

 

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563945347&mm=163099366967> to create your own account.

 
[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563946569&mm=163099366967>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563947791&mm=163099366967>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563949013&mm=163099366967>
[Message Boards Getting Started Guide]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=563950235&mm=163099366967>
 
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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System | P.O. Box 1021 | Twinsburg, OH 44087


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