[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Registration for 2026-2027 Leadership Academy is Now Open!

Wed Aug 19 12:32:57 EDT 2026

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

[September Active Learning Community Meetings]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566312361&mm=163677457285>

[Ragan Headshot]

A Note from the

Continuing Education Coordinator

I am happy to announce that registration is now open for the 2026-2027 Leadership Academy<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566313583&mm=163677457285>! Based on your feedback, we’ve updated the Academy structure. Your input clearly highlights the power of face-to-face connection, so we’re moving to an all in-person format focused on interactive workshops. This year’s academy begins on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Twinsburg Public Library and ends May 2027. The academy consists of 6 sessions focusing on three key areas: leadership, communication, and staff development. The Academy is appropriate for new supervisors in multi-type libraries and for those who want a refresher or are considering leadership.

Your leadership journey begins with foundational self-discovery via the DISC Assessment, before transitioning directly into actionable frameworks like A Step-by-Step Guide to Difficult Conversations and the core principles of Strategic Leadership. Because true influence happens at every level of an organization, Leading from the Middle and Better Together: Building Teams That Work will prepare you to navigate modern library challenges. The last two sessions centering on Empathetic Leadership and Psychological Safety alongside strategies for Creating a Growth Mindset, this academy ensures you are ready to lead with both confidence and deep compassion. Last year’s participants had this to say:

"This was an excellent course to help leadership- oriented individuals finetune their skills."

"The in- person sessions were really helpful, the topics covered and the speakers were great. As someone just about to move into their first leadership role in the library hearing from other participants was invaluable."

Registration and Information<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566313583&mm=163677457285>

There is a limit of 30 seats, you want to register early.

We look forward to seeing you,

Melissa

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

August

Access is Customer Service: Community Belonging in Public Library (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566314805&mm=163677457285>

8/20/2026

Strengthening Staff Communication Across Generations (F)  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566316027&mm=163677457285>

8/26/2026

Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566317249&mm=163677457285>

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=566318471&mm=163677457285>

9/2/2026

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566319693&mm=163677457285>

9/3/2026

Safety and Security in Libraries (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566320915&mm=163677457285>

9/9/2026

Directors/Deputy Directors Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566322137&mm=163677457285>

9/9/2026

A Science of Reading Reader's Advisory Overview For All Staff (F) <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566323359&mm=163677457285>

9/10/2026

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566324581&mm=163677457285>

9/10/2026

Human Resource/Fiscal Officer Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566325803&mm=163677457285>

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=566327025&mm=163677457285> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566327025&mm=163677457285>

9/16/2026

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566328247&mm=163677457285>

9/16/2026

Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responisiblities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Euclid)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566329469&mm=163677457285>

9/22/2026

Make Meetings Matter: Purpose, Clarity, and Reducing Meeting Overload <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566330691&mm=163677457285> (F)

9/23/2026

Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Canfield)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566331913&mm=163677457285>

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=566333135&mm=163677457285>

9/24/2026

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566334357&mm=163677457285>

9/24/2026

Back to the Book XXV: Elevating Book Clubs, Inclusive Romance, and Author Connections<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566335579&mm=163677457285>

9/29/2026

Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566336801&mm=163677457285>

9/30/2026

October

Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566338023&mm=163677457285>

10/1/2026

AI Traffic Light: Flipping the Narrative (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566339245&mm=163677457285>

10/6/2026

NEW! Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Cozy Mystery & Horror<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566340467&mm=163677457285>

10/6/2026

Pride is 365: Providing Year-Round LGBTQIA+ Programming and Services (A)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566341689&mm=163677457285>

10/7/2026

Lights, Camera, Content: Creating Social Media Videos with Ease (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566342911&mm=163677457285>

10/8/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566344133&mm=163677457285>

10/8/2026

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566345355&mm=163677457285>

10/13/2026

NEW! 2026-2027 Leadership Academy (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566313583&mm=163677457285>

10/14/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566346577&mm=163677457285>

10/15/2026

Why Microlearning Works: Building a Culture of Continuous Learning (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566347799&mm=163677457285>

10/27/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566349021&mm=163677457285>

10/27/2026

Inclusive Meetings That Work: Online, Hybrid, and Neuro-Inclusive Meeting Practice (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566350243&mm=163677457285>

10/28/2026

November

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566351465&mm=163677457285>

11/3/2026

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566352687&mm=163677457285>

11/10/2026

Technology Conference 2026: Proceed with Caution and Confidence<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566353909&mm=163677457285>

11/12/2026

Storytime Foundations Workshop (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566355131&mm=163677457285>

11/19/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566356353&mm=163677457285>

[Back to the Book XXV. September 29, 2026.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566335579&mm=163677457285>

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Still in Need of Unique Book Clubs

One of the focuses of this year’s Back to the Book event is Book Discussion Groups.  Our program will feature insights on evaluating your current groups, alongside a fast-paced "lightning round" to feature some of the most unique book clubs.  Do you lead an interesting or unconventional discussion group? We’re looking for 10-minute presentations to feature in our lineup. If you're ready to share your ideas, please contact Melissa Lattanzi.<mailto:lattanzm at neo-rls.org>

[Technology Conference: Proceed With Caution and Confidence. November 12. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566353909&mm=163677457285>

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 New Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative (OCAI) Webinars This Fall

The State Library and Teaching Books are partnering to host a new slate of Ohio Collections Analysis Initiative<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566357575&mm=163677457285> (OCAI) webinars this fall.

On September 15 at 3 p.m., join The State Library of Ohio and TeachingBooks for Fitting Collections Analysis into Your Busy Work Day. Join us to examine real world situations and work tasks where the TeachingBooks’ Collection Analysis tools can help you maximize your limited time. Rather than another thing on your to-do list, leave with examples of how the tools can support and optimize your collection work from display creation to purchasing.

Register for the September 15 webinar here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566358797&mm=163677457285>.

[Meeting Webinar Bundle]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566312361&mm=163677457285>

[NVMM Logo]

National Veterans Memorial and Museum program opportunities and Story Collection

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) in Columbus offers several opportunities for libraries and other organizations to engage their communities. All these things can be done for both youth and adult audiences. The NVMM can generally travel within a 30-mile radius to present in-person programs, though exceptions can be made for specific programs and events. Virtual programs and the Story Collection are available to libraries anywhere.

  *   In-person or virtual group tours and field trips: Developed for school field trips, these can also be adapted as library programs. Details are here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566360019&mm=163677457285> and questions may be directed to education at nationalvmm.org<mailto:education at nationalvmm.org>.
  *   "Hybrid field trips": For those who cannot visit the museum, but still want a hands-on, in-person experience. The NVMM provides a PowerPoint presentation of its permanent exhibition space, along with items from its Education Collection to touch and try on. Contact the email address above for details.
  *   Various veteran/military focused presentations: Like the hybrid tours but tailored to a specific theme or subject matter. The NVMM can customize presentations and workshops for people based around a variety of topics, given enough time to create them. Contact the email address above for details.
  *   NVMM Story Collection: A great way for those with a current or former military service member's story to record and share it to the NVMM digital collection. All those touched by military service, including active service members, Veterans, spouses, children, friends, and community members are invited to participate. Adding these conversations becomes part of the NVMM and broadens the stories we share.

It is completely free to do! Learn more: NVMM Story Collection - National Veterans Memorial Museum<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566361241&mm=163677457285>

[Literacy Under the Lights with the Akron Rubberducks. Purchase reduced cost ticket now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566362463&mm=163677457285>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566363685&mm=163677457285>

2026 Summer Reading Success Stories

Thank you to the libraries that shared their success stories from 2026 Summer Reading! We love seeing the work all of you are doing in your communities to promote reading for all ages.

Visit our website here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566364907&mm=163677457285> to read the stories and email our Marketing & Engagement Coordinator Jill at jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org<mailto:jill.grunenwald at neo-rls.org?subject=Library%20Spotlight> to share your own.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566366129&mm=163677457285> to create your own account.

[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566367351&mm=163677457285>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566368573&mm=163677457285>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566369795&mm=163677457285>
[Message Boards Getting Started Guide]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=566371017&mm=163677457285>

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