[SEO-Members] State Library Board Selects Two Exceptional Ohio LSTA Grantees

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

The State Library of Ohio Board is proud to recognize two Exceptional Grantees for their innovative use of federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and awarded by the State Library. These projects demonstrate the powerful impact of strategic investment in Ohio's libraries and students.

Peer-to-Peer Reading Program
Sylvania Southview Library Media Center - $4,402

      The Library Media Center at Southview High School<https://www.sylvaniaschools.org/southviewhighschool_home.aspx> used LSTA funds to launch an innovative peer-to-peer reading and makerspace program. This initiative pairs typically developing peers with special needs students for weekly collaborative sessions that combine literacy development (through paired reading strategies) and hands-on makerspace activities. The program emphasizes a participation model, where all students engage as equals in shared learning experiences rather than adopting helper/recipient roles.

      This program shows the impact school media centers can have on the lives of all students by creating opportunities not just to learn but also to grow. The strong programming components and thoughtful execution make this project a model for what library media centers can do to support all their students.

      This program has transformed the library into a hub of universal belonging, fostering schoolwide cultural shifts toward acceptance while directly supporting IEP goals through research-backed peer interventions. The inclusion of adaptive seating and partnership-driven activities demonstrates how intentional design can create equitable learning environments where all students thrive. The peers who participated in the program found the experience invaluable. This group of students not only read to the special needs students but also engaged in makerspace activities with them. The typically developed peers would ask questions and treat the special needs students as equals. One peer commented that "working with some of the students and getting to know them well and being able to communicate by playing and spending time with them feels like it helped them open up more to others," while another peer shared that "spending time with the students, it really made my day!" The special education teacher remarked that the program had a positive impact on her students and knowing that there were others in the building accepting her students meant a great deal to them. The introduction of rocking chairs into the reading and makerspace program significantly improved student focus and engagement during stories and activities. Prior to the rocking chairs, students would try to rock in regular wooden chairs, leading to movement and restlessness during activities. With the new rocking chairs, students remain seated and appear more focused on the story and activity.

      The reading and makerspace program made a positive impact not only on the typically developed peers but the special needs students as well. It allowed students with very different life experiences to interact and learn from one another. Both groups of students saw positive outcomes of the program, as did the teachers who were involved. Because of these findings, there is justification for continuing the program next school year. The findings also help the library see where they can improve on the program to maximize the experience for both the typically developed peers and the special needs students.

"What makes this Peer-to-Peer Reading Program stand out is its thoughtful design and measurable impact: research-based peer collaboration, adaptive learning environments, and authentic relationship-building that empower all students to thrive," remarked State Library of Ohio Board President Drew Wichterman.  "It demonstrates how a library media center can transform a school's culture through intentional, student-centered innovation."

Reviving Our Libraries One Book at a Time
Northern Buckeye Education Council - $4,953

      The Northern Buckeye Education Council leveraged LSTA funds to purchase Cover One book repair machines, rotating them among 30-member school districts across northwest Ohio. At a time when many districts face limited or nonexistent book replacement budgets, this simple yet powerful solution is keeping books in students' hands.

      As of September 8, 2025
*       Machines have been used by eleven school libraries and one public library
*       Nearly 500 books have been repaired
*       More than $15,000 in estimated replacement costs have been saved

      This initiative demonstrates that sometimes the most straightforward solutions create the greatest impact. By equipping trained staff with shared repair tools, the project strengthens long-term collection sustainability and equitable access to materials.

      The impact is equally compelling. One seventh grader expressed joy at receiving a repaired favorite book, saying they thought it was "gone forever." Each restored book represents renewed access to literacy, imagination, and learning.

      Although the machines arrived late in the school year, early results show tremendous promise. As the rotation expands, the Council anticipates extending the life of 3,000-5,000 books in the first year alone - preventing up to 50% of damaged titles from being discarded and avoiding an estimated $31,000-$52,000 in replacement costs.
      The project not only preserves valuable materials but also builds lasting staff expertise in book repair and conservation, ensuring sustainable impact well beyond the grant period.

"By empowering districts with shared repair tools, the Reviving Our Libraries One Book at a Time project restores thousands of books to circulation, preserving student access to reading while modeling true stewardship of public resources," observed State Library of Ohio Board President Drew Wichterman. "It delivers a high-impact, cost-effective solution to a challenge faced by school libraries across Ohio"

These exceptional projects exemplify the mission of the State Library of Ohio and the transformative power of LSTA funding. Whether fostering inclusive peer learning environments or preserving critical library collections, both grantees demonstrate innovation, stewardship, and a steadfast commitment to serving Ohio's communities.

The Board applauds these grantees for their leadership and looks forward to seeing their continued impact across the state.

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Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Director, Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
274 E. 1st Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
Tel: 614.644.6875
marshams at library.ohio.gov<mailto:marshams at library.ohio.gov>
library.ohio.gov<https://library.ohio.gov/>



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