From the State Library of Ohio

Libraries continue to respond to the unparalleled challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative and creative solutions and an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of library service. The State Library understands these challenges and is here to help Ohio libraries develop and enhance programs and services to meet the needs of their communities. Ohio LSTA grants are an essential part of our service, and we encourage all types of libraries to submit proposals for Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants within the following four categories:  

Data Management and Analytics: Create strong libraries and communities by defining outcomes, developing assessments, drawing conclusions from data, data visualizations, and/or managing and using data to make better decisions.
Literacy: Supports the library role in the learning experience where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms and tools, and it encompasses early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, and other types of literacy.
Outreach and Partnerships: Assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of providing services to users and potential users, and in reaching individuals at a range of locations and through a variety of methods.
STEM (or STEAM): Provides for innovative and adaptable projects which will include creative, educational, programmatic and/or instructional elements designed to increase skills and knowledge for student success.

"After pausing the competitive grant program in 2021 to launch the economic stimulus-fueled ARPA Outreach Grant initiative, the State Library is thrilled to once again offer this grant opportunity,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity of the Ohio library community that will certainly be on display throughout all of the future-focused applications received.”

All types of Ohio libraries are eligible to apply for LSTA funds. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost.  Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. November 14, 2022. Please note applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly. Information about the Ohio LSTA grant program can be found at  library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants.

Information about the LSTA Competitive Grant is available at library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants/competitive-grants/.

Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for funding in December 2022 and the implementation period is January 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023.

Questions may be addressed to LSTA@library.ohio.gov. 

#CLEReads YA Book Festival

Cleveland Public Library, Main Library Louis Stokes Wing, 525 Superior Avenue

Saturday, October 22, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Cleveland Public Library hosts the #CLEReads YA Book Festival, with the theme of “Beyond our Borders: Highlighting the beauty of our diverse communities.” The festival aims to promote literacy and foster a deep love for reading in the Cleveland community, emphasizing the importance of championing diversity in what we read and recommend to others. 

Over a dozen notable authors will be there, including George M. Johnson, Angeline Boulley, and Malinda Lo. Check out the entire lineup and register here:

https://cpl.org/clereads/

(registration is free and is required)

The Ohio Department of Health has published a new Community Wellbeing: Social Determinants of Health dashboard. The dashboard provides insight into community conditions that can inform local decision-making, including by the library. It uses data from the Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Community Survey. These data are from the census tract and county levels. Users can filter the data on five domains including:

Economic vitality;
Neighborhood and physical environment;
Health care access and quality;
Education access and quality; and
Social and community environment.

The data also captures more than 100 key community attributes such as single parenthood, chronic diseases and children living in poverty. An index is available in the dashboard to see a comprehensive list of attributes and metrics.

Explore the Community Wellbeing dashboard here: https://data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/social-determinants-of-health


From the State Library of Ohio Libraries continue to respond to the unparalleled challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative and creative solutions and an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of library service. The State Library understands these challenges and is here to help Ohio libraries develop and enhance programs and services to meet the needs of their communities. Ohio LSTA grants are an essential part of our service, and we encourage all types of libraries to submit proposals for Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants within the following four categories:   Data Management and Analytics: Create strong libraries and communities by defining outcomes, developing assessments, drawing conclusions from data, data visualizations, and/or managing and using data to make better decisions. Literacy: Supports the library role in the learning experience where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms and tools, and it encompasses early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, and other types of literacy. Outreach and Partnerships: Assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of providing services to users and potential users, and in reaching individuals at a range of locations and through a variety of methods. STEM (or STEAM): Provides for innovative and adaptable projects which will include creative, educational, programmatic and/or instructional elements designed to increase skills and knowledge for student success.   "After pausing the competitive grant program in 2021 to launch the economic stimulus-fueled ARPA Outreach Grant initiative, the State Library is thrilled to once again offer this grant opportunity,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity of the Ohio library community that will certainly be on display throughout all of the future-focused applications received.” All types of Ohio libraries are eligible to apply for LSTA funds. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost.  Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. November 14, 2022. Please note applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly. Information about the Ohio LSTA grant program can be found at  library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants. Information about the LSTA Competitive Grant is available at library.ohio.gov/services-for-libraries/lsta-grants/competitive-grants/. Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for funding in December 2022 and the implementation period is January 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023. Questions may be addressed to LSTA@library.ohio.gov.  #CLEReads YA Book Festival Cleveland Public Library, Main Library Louis Stokes Wing, 525 Superior Avenue Saturday, October 22, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm The Cleveland Public Library hosts the #CLEReads YA Book Festival, with the theme of “Beyond our Borders: Highlighting the beauty of our diverse communities.” The festival aims to promote literacy and foster a deep love for reading in the Cleveland community, emphasizing the importance of championing diversity in what we read and recommend to others.  Over a dozen notable authors will be there, including George M. Johnson, Angeline Boulley, and Malinda Lo. Check out the entire lineup and register here: https://cpl.org/clereads/ (registration is free and is required) The Ohio Department of Health has published a new Community Wellbeing: Social Determinants of Health dashboard. The dashboard provides insight into community conditions that can inform local decision-making, including by the library. It uses data from the Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Community Survey. These data are from the census tract and county levels. Users can filter the data on five domains including: Economic vitality; Neighborhood and physical environment; Health care access and quality; Education access and quality; and Social and community environment. The data also captures more than 100 key community attributes such as single parenthood, chronic diseases and children living in poverty. An index is available in the dashboard to see a comprehensive list of attributes and metrics. Explore the Community Wellbeing dashboard here: https://data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/social-determinants-of-health
Newsletter - NEO-RLS News-October 19, 2022