[OPLINLIST] NEO-RLS News: The NEO-RLS 2025-2026 Annual Report Is Now Available

[Jill Grunenwald]

[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/c2036c03-dbf6-4270-99c5-7afb8a06e2b9/NEOL/Newsletter%20Header%20Update.png]
 
[Congratulations to the graduates of the 2026 New Supervisors' Academy]
 
[Melissa Headshot]

A Note from the

Executive Director



The NEO-RLS 2025-2026 Annual Report is here! Our team is happy to share a look at what we accomplished together over the past year. Thanks to your membership and continued participation, NEO-RLS remains a strong and collaborative resource for the library community across Northeast Ohio. Here are some highlights:



Launched new message boards to support peer-to-peer collaboration, information sharing, and problem-solving.



Added three new Active Learning Communities: Workplace Wellbeing, Training & Staff Development, and Middle Management.



Welcomed Mychal Threets, the new host of Reading Rainbow and a passionate advocate for Library Joy, as the featured speaker at our 2025 Annual Open House.



Introduced library staff meet-and-greets to provide an informal opportunity for staff to connect with NEO-RLS, ask questions, and learn more about their membership benefits.



Enhanced the membership portal to make it easier for members to access continuing education opportunities, member transcripts, and organizational updates.



Expanded professional development opportunities through the 2026 Customer Service Conference and the 2026 Directors’ Retreat.



The full report also includes financial data, detailed participation stats, and the 2025-2026 Star Award winners. You can read it here: NEO-RLS 2025-2026 Annual Report.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579811795&mm=167284742629>



We look forward to creating more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection in the year ahead.



Ragan

Exciting Events & CE You Can’t Miss!



September

Beyond the Stamp-Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public (Tuscarawas)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579814239&mm=167284742629>

9/24/2026

Genealogy Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579815461&mm=167284742629>

9/24/2026

Back to the Book XXV: Elevating Book Clubs, Inclusive Romance, and Author Connections<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579816683&mm=167284742629>

9/29/2026

Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579817905&mm=167284742629>

9/30/2026



October

Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579819127&mm=167284742629>

10/1/2026

AI Traffic Light: Flipping the Narrative (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579820349&mm=167284742629>

10/6/2026

Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT): Cozy Mystery & Horror<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579821571&mm=167284742629>

10/6/2026

Pride is 365: Providing Year-Round LGBTQIA+ Programming and Services (A)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579822793&mm=167284742629>

10/7/2026

Lights, Camera, Content: Creating Social Media Videos with Ease (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579824015&mm=167284742629>

10/8/2026

Middle Management Active Learning Community<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579825237&mm=167284742629>

10/8/2026

Academic Library Directors Active Learning Community Meeting (In Person)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579826459&mm=167284742629>

10/9/2026

Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579827681&mm=167284742629>

10/13/2026

 2026-2027 Leadership Academy (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579828903&mm=167284742629>

10/14/2026

Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579830125&mm=167284742629>

10/15/2026

Why Microlearning Works: Building a Culture of Continuous Learning (F)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579831347&mm=167284742629>

10/27/2026

Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting  <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579832569&mm=167284742629>

10/27/2026

Inclusive Meetings That Work: Online, Hybrid, and Neuro-Inclusive Meeting Practice (I)<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579833791&mm=167284742629>

10/28/2026



November

Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579835013&mm=167284742629>

11/3/2026

Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579836235&mm=167284742629>

11/10/2026

Technology Conference 2026: Proceed with Caution and Confidence<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579837457&mm=167284742629>

11/12/2026



December

Guided Reading Roundtable (GRRT): Cozy Healing & Romance<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579839901&mm=167284742629>

12/1/2026

Build Your Network: Adult Literacy At Your Library<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579841123&mm=167284742629>

12/10/2026

View Full Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579842345&mm=167284742629>
 
[girls who code logo]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579843567&mm=167284742629>

Good News! DISC Assessment Fee Discounted for the 2026-2027 Leadership Academy



We are happy to share due to the generosity of Aegis 360 and Ned Parks that the DISC Assessment is now $58 dollars.  The new service charge for the event is $238 which includes six meals.  Those that have already registered have received an email instructing them to reduce their invoice by $12.  If a new invoice is needed please email Melissa Lattanzi<mailto:lattanzm at neo-rls.org?subject=DISC%20Invoice>.  If the academy is paid for their will be a credit issued.



It's not too late to register for the 2026-2027 Leadership Academy! <https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579828903&mm=167284742629>  We start on Wednesday, October 14th. Registration and Information<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579828903&mm=167284742629>

 
[Pride is 365. October 7. Register now.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579844789&mm=167284742629>
 
[https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/pub/8ziy/om4q4zpg/w1d/6ti/pek/NewStateLibrary_1.png]

2026 Ohio LSTA Competitive Grant Application Help Available During Upcoming Open Office Hours



Do you have questions about the 2026 Ohio LSTA Competitive Grant<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579846011&mm=167284742629> or application process? State Library of Ohio staff will be hosting two drop-in, online Office Hour sessions. Those sessions will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 2:00 p.m.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579847233&mm=167284742629> Visit the State Library’s Events Calendar<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579848455&mm=167284742629> for more information.



Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants are an essential part of the State Library’s service, and we encourage eligible Ohio libraries to submit proposals for our LSTA Competitive Grant. The Ohio LSTA grant program is funded through the independent federal agency Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) via their Grants to States program.

 
[Genealogy Active Learning Community meeting. September 24. Online via Zoom]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579849677&mm=167284742629>
 
[Tree Tale Tellers Logo]

New Funding Opportunity Opens for Appalachian Ohio’s Public Libraries



Looking for a way to strengthen your library's role as a community gathering place The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), in partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, is offering grants of up to $20,000<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579850899&mm=167284742629> to support public library projects in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Coshocton, Mahoning and Trumbull counties that strengthen civic engagement and bring community members together in meaningful ways. Grant applications are open from September 10 through October 22, 2026, and must be submitted online through the FAO Foundation Cloud Community Portal. Funded projects must be completed by July 31, 2027. A webinar for interested libraries will be held at noon on September 30, 2026.



If you’re interested, this grant can be used to provide Mental Health First Aid<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579852121&mm=167284742629> (MHFA)  training for staff, volunteers and community partners.  A 2025 study of librarians<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579853343&mm=167284742629> found that MHFA increased mental health literacy, professional confidence, and staff members' ability to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges because it equips staff with practical skills while helping create a more welcoming and supportive environment for patrons and employees alike.



The real value is what happens after the training. Libraries can use MHFA as a catalyst for civic engagement by bringing participants together to identify next steps that address local needs. Ideas may include creating a mental health resource corner, hosting a community resource fair, developing partnerships with behavioral health organizations, creating a county-specific referral guide, or engaging residents in planning future library programs. This approach directly supports the grant's goal of strengthening civic life by turning learning into action and giving community members a voice in shaping local solutions.



If this sounds like a project that will benefit your community, feel free to email<mailto:mhfirstaidoh at gmail.com> the Statewide Mental Health First Aid Collaborative<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579854565&mm=167284742629> by October 1st.  W would be happy to partner with your library and provide instructors, sample grant language, a letter of support and technical assistance for your project as we have worked with many libraries over the years and see the benefit this training brings.

 
[Workplace Wellbeing Active Learning Community meeting. October 1.]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579855787&mm=167284742629>
 
[Library Spotlight]<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579857009&mm=167284742629>

Ohio Leads the Nation in Library Checkouts



This week's spotlight is for all of you! According to recently released data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts. Ohio residents checked out more than 13 library items per person in Fiscal Year 2024, which was more than twice the national average. Learn more here.<https://mms.neo-rls.org/ct.php?lid=579858231&mm=167284742629>



Congratulations Ohio libraries!



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'd like to share.

 

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