[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: Say Hello To Our New Board Members

Wed Jul 22 13:20:25 EDT 2026

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[August 2026 Active Learning Community Meetins. Markerspace, August 18. PR/Marketing, August 19. Book Discussion, August 26.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556306625&mm=161299148339>

[Ragan Headshot]

A Note from the

Executive Director

We would like to take a moment to extend our appreciation to our outgoing Board members, Jennifer Buch, Director of Huron Public Library, and Robin Bartley, Director of Wickliffe Public Library, whose terms concluded on June 30, 2026.

During their three years of service, Jennifer and Robin dedicated their time, expertise, and leadership to guide NEO-RLS and support our member libraries. Their thoughtful contributions and commitment have strengthened the organization, leaving a lasting impact. Thank you both for your service!

We are also happy to welcome our new Board members, who were sworn in during our July Board Meeting. Lorena Stearns, Director of Hubbard Public Library; Andrew Harant, Director of Cuyahoga Falls Library; and James Tolbert, Director of Milan-Berlin Library District.

Thank you for your willingness to serve. We look forward to working with you all and are excited for the fresh perspectives and ideas you will bring to the Board. Welcome aboard!

We would also like to congratulate our 2026–2027 Board Officers:

  *   President: Melissa Mallinak, Director, Loudonville Public Library
  *   Vice President: Katie Cooley, Adult Services Manager, Westlake Porter Public Library
  *   Secretary: Marisha Sullivan, Librarian, Holden Forests & Gardens

Thank you for taking on these leadership roles. We appreciate your commitment to NEO-RLS and look forward to another successful year under your guidance.

Have a great day!

Ragan

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!

July

Strategies for Leading Library Staff Through Disruptive Change (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556307847&mm=161299148339>

7/29/2026

August

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Cozy Sci-Fi & Fantasy<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556309069&mm=161299148339>

8/4/2026

Managing Change Fatigue (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556310291&mm=161299148339>

8/5/2026

The Myths and Misconceptions of Socioeconomic Status in the U.S. (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556311513&mm=161299148339>

8/12/2026

Makerspace Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556312735&mm=161299148339>

8/18/2026

Public Relations and Marketing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556313957&mm=161299148339>

8/19/2026

Access is Customer Service: Community Belonging in Public Library (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556315179&mm=161299148339>

8/20/2026

Strengthening Staff Communication Across Generations (F)  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556316401&mm=161299148339>

8/26/2026

Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556317623&mm=161299148339>

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=556318845&mm=161299148339>

9/2/2026

IT Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556320067&mm=161299148339>

9/3/2026

Safety and Security in Libraries (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556321289&mm=161299148339>

9/9/2026

Directors/Deputy Directors Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556322511&mm=161299148339>

9/9/2026

A Science of Reading Reader's Advisory Overview For All Staff (F) <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556323733&mm=161299148339>

9/10/2026

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556324955&mm=161299148339>

9/10/2026

Allyship with PFLAG:Ten Steps to Becoming an Ally with Colleagues, Friends and Family <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556326177&mm=161299148339> (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556326177&mm=161299148339>

9/16/2026

Training/Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556327399&mm=161299148339>

9/16/2026

Make Meetings Matter: Purpose, Clarity, and Reducing Meeting Overload <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556328621&mm=161299148339> (F)

9/23/2026

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556329843&mm=161299148339>

9/24/2026

Back to the Book XXV: Elevating Book Clubs, Inclusive Romance, and Author Connections<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556331065&mm=161299148339>

9/29/2026

Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556332287&mm=161299148339>

9/30/2026

October

Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556333509&mm=161299148339>

10/1/2026

AI Traffic Light: Flipping the Narrative (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556334731&mm=161299148339>

10/6/2026

Pride is 365: Providing Year-Round LGBTQIA+ Programming and Services (A)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556335953&mm=161299148339>

10/7/2026

Lights, Camera, Content: Creating Social Media Videos with Ease (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556337175&mm=161299148339>

10/8/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556338397&mm=161299148339>

10/8/2026

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556339619&mm=161299148339>

10/13/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556340841&mm=161299148339>

10/15/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556342063&mm=161299148339>

10/27/2026

Inclusive Meetings That Work: Online, Hybrid, and Neuro-Inclusive Meeting Practice (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556343285&mm=161299148339>

10/28/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556344507&mm=161299148339>

[Strategies for Leading Staff Through Disruptive Change. July 29. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556345729&mm=161299148339>

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Get Involved with NEO-RLS!

We invite NEO-RLS members to volunteer for our Board Committees, Advisory Groups, or Annual Star Awards Selection Group.

Volunteering is open to library staff at all levels and is a great opportunity to share your expertise, develop leadership skills, and help shape NEO-RLS programs and services.

Visit our Board Committees<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556346951&mm=161299148339> and Advisory Groups<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556348173&mm=161299148339> pages to learn more, or contact Ragan Snead at ragan.snead at neo-rls.org<mailto:ragan.snead at neo-rls.org> with questions or to volunteer.

[A Science of Reading reader's Advisory Overview For All Staff. September 10, 2026.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556323733&mm=161299148339>

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]

Register Now for Early Literary 101 Workshop - September 22

In-person workshop at the Lee Road Branch of Heights Libraries, 2345 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights on September 22, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Presented by Ohio Ready to Read<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556349395&mm=161299148339>, Early Literacy 101 is a full-day workshop open to all Ohio public library workers and offered at no cost to attendees. EL101 is for new and seasoned library workers in children’s services and outreach. It’s great for anyone who plans and presents storytimes, and for anyone who wants to learn how to help children get ready to read. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities.

Registration is required. Register here<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556350617&mm=161299148339>.

[Allyship with PFLAG. September 16, 2026. Register Now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556351839&mm=161299148339>

[Ohio Ready to Read Logo]

Present at OhioNet's Human Resources Summit – Proposals Due July 31!

OhioNet invites proposals to present at our upcoming Human Resources Summit<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556353061&mm=161299148339>. This in-person event, hosted at OhioNet in Westerville, OH on September 30, 2026, will explore the opportunities and challenges of supporting a strong library workforce.

We are looking for presentations that highlight the following, or similar, topics:

  *   Recruitment and retention strategies
  *   Employee wellbeing and workplace culture
  *   Performance management and employee development/training
  *   Onboarding and offboarding approaches
  *   Succession planning and leadership development
  *   Compensation, benefits, and workforce trends
  *   Navigating employment law and HR compliance
  *   Navigating hybrid or flexible work environments

Proposal Guidelines:

  *   Title of Presentation: A concise and engaging title.
  *   Abstract: Up to 250 words summarizing the content of your presentation and its relevance to the summit.
  *   Presenters: Name, title, and affiliation of proposed speaker(s).
  *   Format(s) of presentation you would be willing to accept as a speaker:
  *   10-minute lightning round presentation
  *   20-minute standalone presentation
  *   Panel session participant
  *   Technical Requirements: Any special equipment, set-up, or accessibility needs that we should consider.

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026

Submission Instructions: Please submit your proposal using this form<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556354283&mm=161299148339>. Selected speakers will be notified by August 14, 2026. Complimentary registration will be provided to one speaker per accepted proposal. Please send questions to ohionet at ohionet.org<mailto:ohionet at ohionet.org>.

[Guided reading Roundtable (GRRT) Cozy Sci Fi & Fantasy. August 4.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556355505&mm=161299148339>

[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556356727&mm=161299148339>

Cleveland Public Library Takes the Spotlight In New adidas Ad

Cleveland Public Library's historic Main Branch can be seen in new ad for adidas and Cleveland Cavalier Donovan Mitchell. Visit Cleveland Public Library's Facebook page to view the ad.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556357949&mm=161299148339>

Coming soon from Cleveland Public LIbrary is a new immersive All In 216 NBA Championship exhibit <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556359171&mm=161299148339> which is opening July 25.

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=556360393&mm=161299148339> to create your own account.

[Reserve our Technology and Wellness Kits]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556361615&mm=161299148339>
[Continuing Education @ a Glance]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556362837&mm=161299148339>
[NEO-RLS Jobline]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556364059&mm=161299148339>
[Message Boards Getting Started Guide]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=556365281&mm=161299148339>

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