Generally at this time of year I am feeling a bit nostalgic about the past year.  This year however, I feel as though 2021 can’t arrive quickly enough and I know many others are feeling the same.  Despite all of the stressors of the year, at NEO-RLS we have been constantly gratified by the many positive emails that we have received from members, the thanks that have come our way, the amazing amount of participation, and the incredibly generous interest you have shown in sharing your challenges and solutions with others.  We are so fortunate in our region to be able to support each other and learn from each other.   The NEO-RLS office will be closed Thursday, December 24^th through Sunday, January 3^rd.  This will be the last newsletter until we return on January 4^th.  As a fun aside, last week I read about the establishment of the first Little Free Library in Antarctica.  It was established by scientist, Dr. Richard Schnell, and Antarctica was the only remaining continent in the world without a Little Free Library.  You can read more about it here.  I wish you all the very best in the New Year and hope that your holidays are safe, relaxing and joyful!  Enjoy! 

Betsy Lantz

Please take a moment to share CE at a Glance with your staff.  There is something for everyone.

Date Change:  
1/5/2021
What the Heck Happened? 2020 Employment Law Update: Part I
2/23/2021
Sort It Out! : Using In-House Classification Systems to Maximize Comics and Graphic Novels
2/24/2021
Arresting the Time Robbers in Your Life
2/25/2021
Addressing the Challenges of Retaining Institutional Knowledge
3/2/2021
Professional Writing Online Workshop Series - March 2, 2020 - May 18, 2020
3/3/2021
Bystander Intervention in the Library

Would you like to hear what your fellow directors around the state are doing in the midst of the current surges in COVID cases?  Would you like to be able to discuss your challenges and share your solutions?  The four state regional library systems (NEO-RLS, NORWELD, SERLS and SWON) in conjunction with the State Library of Ohio invite you to a statewide directors’ Network Meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  Wendy Knapp, State Librarian, will share information from the State Library and Evan Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development, will moderate the discussion.  This event is free and open to all.  Please register so that we can ensure an optimal experience. 

2021-2022 Letters of Intent Due December 31st Thank you to the libraries that have already returned their Letters of Intent for 2021-2022!  We appreciate your timely response and your continued support.  If you haven’t already returned your Letter, please do so by December 31, 2020.  Together we are maximizing library potential!

Looking for Submissions of Summer Reading Tapas Learning We plan to have a Tapas Learning page dedicated to summer reading.  If you have an idea or a program to share around summer reading, please contact Melissa Lattanzi.  This page will be for all ages:  children, teen and adult.  A Tapas Learning video can be anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes.  Click HERE to view our Tapas Learning Page.

The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the 2021 Summer Library Program (SLP) Grant.  The purpose of the grant program is to empower libraries to enhance their 2021 SLP/SRPs with library-led activities that spark creativity and productivity, engage individuals, and benefit their communities. Libraries may apply for up to $1500 in federal LSTA funds to support their SLP.  Local matching funds are not required for this grant.

Did you hand out Summer Reading prizes in 2020? The stats committee of the Collaborative Summer Library Program is interested to know how you handed out summer reading prizes safely during the pandemic. Photos are definitely encouraged. Please email Amie Adams and include the following:   Your name, library, if you purchased CSLP incentives, and any other information you'd like to share.   Your photos and stories might just show up in an upcoming CSLP newsletter!

Crosby Kemper, Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), recently sent a letter to State Health Departments across the country. The purpose of the letter was to raise awareness of the work of IMLS and OCLC to help collections-based institutions such as museums, libraries, and archives reduce the spread COVID-19. Stephanie McCloud, Director of Health, Ohio Department of Health, received the letter which detailed IMLS and OCLC science-based research findings and resources available that may help guide decision making. The letter described results of the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) project testing to determine the length of time the virus remains on a variety of collections materials. Director Kemper encouraged health directors and other policy makers to consider the study’s findings when determining reopening guidelines.

The Reinberger Children's Library Center at Kent State University presents its Seventh Annual Mock Caldecott Night on Friday, January 22, 2021 from approximately 4:00–6:30 pm. This free online workshop will offer an opportunity to discuss our collective selection of some of the top 2020 picture books and choose a winner and honor books for the Caldecott Awards. All are welcome to join for what is sure to be an interesting and fun discussion.