Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

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Meet the Experts - Children's Lit
2/21/2014

Talk to the writers of blah blah blah
Location: Vieth Consulting
11973 Sweetwater Dr
Grand Ledge, MI 48837


Online Registration has closed for this event



Common Core and More!
7/17/2014

Geographic Member/Other Cost: $100

Full/CE Member Cost: $50



Morning: Collection Development for the Common Core


����-Presenter:Mary Schreiber from Cuyahoga County Public Library



Afternoon:Youth Service's Best Practices


�������-Share, Borrowm, and Copy all of the best ideas in youth services.


Location: New NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236

There are currently 22 spots remaining out of 35





Book Look Plus
7/22/2014

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $80
Full/CE Member Cost:             $40
Join ust to look at the latest books, several free books and more.
Presenters:  TBA

 
Location: Wayne County Public Library
220 West Liberty St
Wooster, OH 44691

There are currently 48 spots remaining out of 50





Summer Reading for Superheroes
1/16/2015

Special Pricing:  $30 for all, this includes lunch!
Presenter Fee:  $20

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Summer Reading 2015! 
Join your colleagues as they explore the different directions to take this theme and other ideas for summer reading programs.  Hear ideas for school visits, programs, end of summer parties and more!  This workshop is for all youth including teens.    Bring YOUR ideas to share throughout the day as well.

Where your cape!  (You might win a prize!)
 
Location: Reed Memorial Library
167 E. Main Street
Ravenna, OH 44266


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Summer Reading for Superheroes
2/6/2015

Special Pricing:  $30 for all includes lunch!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Summer Reading 2015! 
Join your colleagues as they explore the different directions to take this theme and other ideas for summer reading programs.  Hear ideas for school visits, programs, end of summer parties and more!  This workshop is for all youth including teens.    Bring YOUR ideas to share throughout the day as well.
Where your cape!  (You might win a prize!)
 
Location: Wayne County Public Library
220 West Liberty St
Wooster, OH 44691


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Summer Reading for Superheroes
2/20/2015

Special Pricing:  $30 for all includes lunch!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Summer Reading 2015! 
Join your colleagues as they explore the different directions to take this theme and other ideas for summer reading programs.  Hear ideas for school visits, programs, end of summer parties and more!  This workshop is for all youth including teens.    Bring YOUR ideas to share throughout the day as well.
Where your cape!  (You might win a prize!)
 
Location: Westlake Porter Public Library
27333 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145

There are currently 4 spots remaining out of 50





Family Programming: Making Mixed Age Groups Work
3/5/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25


Family life plays an important role in the development of the literacy skills of its members. Multigenerational programs offers flexibility in staffing and program offerings as well as opportunities to promote family based literacy-building skills.

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 7 spots remaining out of 25





Youth Services Chat
4/2/2015

FREE

If you've ever been interested in sharing ideas with other youth services staff, but didn't have the time or opportunity, now is your chance! We will be hosting a Youth Services Chat.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 26 spots remaining out of 50





Best Children’s Books of 2014
4/9/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25

 
  • Be up to date on recently released board books, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction books for children
  • Pair new items to create storytimes and other programs

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 18 spots remaining out of 25





Storytime Boot Camp: Implementing learning activities and experiences in your storytimes
5/5/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25


 In this webinar, Amy Schardein will give you practical ideas for creating simple learning activities and experiences to be shared by parents and children as a part of your early literacy programming.

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 13 spots remaining out of 25





Youth Services Symposium XXVI: Spark Your Imagination
5/7/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $180
Full/CE Member Cost:              $  90


The morning starts with Kristen Simmons, author of the Article 5 series.   This will be followed by a best practices session to include out of the box programming for children and teens.  Lastly, the day will end with sparking your imagination and those of your customers.
 
Location: Kent State University
Student Center
Kent, oh 44242

There are currently 113 spots remaining out of 150





Storytime Boot Camp: Baby Story Times
5/12/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25


Doing a baby story time is quite different from doing any other story times. Learn what other experienced youth services staff have done in their programs for this very unique age group!
 
Location: Online
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236

There are currently 38 spots remaining out of 40





Storytime Boot Camp: Toddler and Preschool Story Times
6/2/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25


Toddlers and Preschoolers may seem close in age, but they take in information and interact very differently. Learn what other experienced youth services staff have done to engage these age groups during story time.

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 40





Storytime Boot Camp: Sensory Story Times
6/9/2015

Geographic Member/Other Cost:    $50
Full/CE Member Cost:             $25


Sensory Story Time is an interactive and educational program that can be enjoyed by all children, but is especially designed for children with sensory integration challenges. Learn what this story time is all about and how you can implement it at your library.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 33 spots remaining out of 40





Youth Services Chat
7/2/2015

FREE

If you've ever been interested in sharing ideas with other youth services staff, but didn't have the time or opportunity, now is your chance! We will be hosting a Youth Services Chat.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 36 spots remaining out of 50





Summer Library Symposium
7/14/2015

Cost:                                     $ 85
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $ 67.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $ 50
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $ 15


NEO will once again be partnering with Kent State University,  School of Library and Information Sciences to present our Summer Library Symposium.  This year’s focus will be on diversity in books.

 
Location: Kent State University
Main Library -First Floor
Kent, OH 44242

There are currently 13 spots remaining out of 29





copy of Off the Beaten Path: Take Your Storytimes in New Directions
8/27/2015

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Are you stuck in a storytime rut, turning to the same themes over and over again? What if you could see your favorites books a new way when you pair them with titles or activities you may not have previously considered? Reclaim your storytime mojo!
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 25 spots remaining out of 25





Off the Beaten Path: Take Your Storytimes in New Directions
8/27/2015

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Are you stuck in a storytime rut, turning to the same themes over and over again? What if you could see your favorites books a new way when you pair them with titles or activities you may not have previously considered? Reclaim your storytime mojo!
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
9/24/2015

Cost:  $15  for  all. 
Lunch included
Limited to 30

This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.
 
Location: New NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236

There are currently 7 spots remaining out of 30





Library Ambassador: Leading a K-12 Faculty Outreach Initiative (Mostly) on Your Own
9/24/2015

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


K-12 teachers and public librarians serve the same students, and share a common desire to equip those students for success in reading, information literacy, and academic research. So why is it often incredibly difficult to partner with schools? How do you communicate the library’s relevance and value to teachers, and become each other’s allies?


 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Youth Services Chat
10/1/2015

FREE

If you've ever been interested in sharing ideas with other youth services staff, but didn't have the time or opportunity, now is your chance! We will be hosting a Youth Services Chat.

Competency:  Public Service
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 13 spots remaining out of 25





Back to the Book Jr.: Youth Readers' Advisory and Programming
10/26/2015

Cost:                                     $165
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $127.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $ 90
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $ 15
Lunch included
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Do you ever have trouble finding the right book to recommend to a child? Would you like to become more familiar with what’s popular in different genres? Then you’re in luck! Our popular Back to the Book program is expanding! Introducing  Back to the Book, Junior!  The focus of this program will be Reader’s Advisory in various genres. Presenters will also be sharing programs they have done based on specific books. You'll even hear all about what it's like to serve on the Newbery and Geisel Award committees. Register today!

 
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 54 spots remaining out of 100





Summer Reading Workshop
11/6/2015

Cost:                                     $30
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $26.25
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $22.50
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $15
(
Summer Reading Program workshops are held in partnership with the State Library of Ohio and funded in part through LSTA funds)
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!!
Join your colleagues as they explore the different directions to take this theme and other ideas for summer reading programs.  Hear ideas for school visits, programs, end of summer parties and more!  This workshop is for all youth services staff.   Don’t forget to bring YOUR ideas to share throughout the day as well.

 
Location: Reed Memorial Library
167 E. Main Street
Ravenna, OH 44266

There are currently 8 spots remaining out of 50





Best Websites and Online Resources for Children: Home Help Made Easy
11/12/2015

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


This overview of what’s new, useful, and reliable in children’s online resources will refresh your inventory of go-to suggestions with targeted recommendations and practical application suggestions.

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 13 spots remaining out of 25





Summer Reading Workshop
11/13/2015

Cost:                                     $30
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $26.25
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $22.50
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $15
(
Summer Reading Program workshops held in partnership with the State Library of Ohio and funded in part through LSTA funds)
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!!
Join your colleagues as they explore the different directions to take this theme and other ideas for summer reading programs.  Hear ideas for school visits, programs, end of summer parties and more!  This workshop is for all youth services staff.   Don’t forget to bring YOUR ideas to share throughout the day as well.

 
Location: Wayne County Public Library
220 West Liberty St
Wooster, OH 44691


Registration has Closed for this event.



Youth Readers Advisory Webinar: Make the Connection-Tips, tricks and basics of readers advisory in a busy digital world
1/1/2016

Do you ever find it challenging to recommend a good book that will delight and awe your young patrons? Would you like to learn more about the basics of readers advisory? This webinar will teach you the basics of readers advisory and help you on the road to recommending their next great book.

Presenters:
Carrie Burrier,  Youth Services Coordinator, Akron-Summit County Public Library
Kathleen Marten,  Youth Services Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Build a Better World with Upcycled Materials
1/1/2016

Spring is almost upon us.  Now is a good time take stock of where we are with our programs and our programming.  Maybe you are ready to spend some time straightening up your back room?  From those audio visuals that need to be surplussed to the boxes and bags lying about, pay attention to what you are throwing away. Are we looking at what we have in the most creative ways?  Upcycling is the process of re-purposing items into more interesting or creative uses. This webinar will explore new learning possibilities using old items we have cluttering the back room.  Create interesting displays, develop programs or programming for any number of groups in your library including Makerspace activities.  Turn bottle caps into stools, plastic sacks into rugs, boxes into displays and games, or those video cases or chip tins into a number of manipulatives.  Fast-paced session with tutorials, working examples and a lists of resources.

Presenter:  Vandy Pacetti-Donelson is a nineteen-year veteran in education, a former Teacher of the Year, and now an instructional technologist/school librarian from Auburndale, Florida.  As a former English teacher and school librarian, Vandy is a passionate library advocate, a frequent speaker about instructional technology and school librarianship, and sponsor of professional development. Look for her book on Sewing in Your Makerspace coming out in 2017. You can follow her on Twitter @VandyPD.  

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 6 spots remaining out of 50





Graphic Novels for All Patrons
1/1/2016

With more kids, teens, and adults asking for them, graphic novels are a growing area in libraries and popular culture. With increasing options ranging from the kid-friendly “Sisters” to adult-oriented “Saga,” American comics are becoming more accessible, diverse, and critically acclaimed. As well as hooking young readers, graphic novels are providing new opportunities for maturing fans and capturing new audiences. Discover the evolving American comics scene primarily outside of manga, as well as popular and under the radar titles that will have your patrons of all audiences wanting more. Presented by Nick Fagan, Head of Adult Services at the Middlefield Library and  graphic novel selector for Geauga County Public Library.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Youth Readers Advisory Webinar: Fiction, Non-Fiction and Graphic Novels
1/1/2016

Would you like to learn more about pairing fiction with non-fiction titles? Do you want to be able to recommend graphic novels to your young patrons but not sure where to begin? Then join us for this webinar as we introduce pairing fiction with non-fiction titles, and graphic novels.

Presenter: Amanda Murphy, Youth Services Assistant Manager, Warren-Trumbull County Public Library

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Picture This
3/3/2016

Cost:                                     $165
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $127.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $ 90
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $ 15
Lunch included
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Ever wonder what goes into illustrating a children’s book?  Need some new picture book inspired program ideas? Then join us for a day of fun and learning featuring keynote speaker Jenny Campbell!  Jenny is a children’s illustrator and the author of the nationally syndicated cartoon strip, Flo & Friends.

 
Location: Hudson Office
1580 Georgetown Road
Hudson, Oh 44236

There are currently 21 spots remaining out of 30





copy of Youth Services Afterschool Boot Camp: Afterschool Activities
3/9/2016

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Following the success of YS Story time boot camp, we bring you another great webinar series geared towards youth services. The focus of these webinars will be Youth Services: Afterschool. 


In this final webinar in the YS Bootcamp Series, join Sherry Seiler, Teen Room & Program Coordinator at Bucyrus Public Library as she presents some wonderful afterschool activity ideas!

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 50 spots remaining out of 50





Youth Services Afterschool Boot Camp: Afterschool Activities
3/9/2016

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


Following the success of YS Story time boot camp, we bring you another great webinar series geared towards youth services. The focus of these webinars will be Youth Services: Afterschool. 


In this final webinar in the YS Bootcamp Series, join Sherry Seiler, Teen Room & Program Coordinator at Bucyrus Public Library as she presents some wonderful afterschool activity ideas!

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 50





Best Children’s Books of 2015
3/10/2016

Cost:                                     $50
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $37.50
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $25
Cost w/ Gold Discount            FREE
(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


This overview of must have board, picture, chapter, and nonfiction books covers under the radar choices for programs and class visits, coverage of un-reviewed items, and suggestions for almost every facet of your collection. Program ideas and pairings and an extensive bibliography are also included
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 4 spots remaining out of 25





Best Practices in Youth Readers’ Advisory: Guiding them to their next great book
4/19/2016

Cost:                                    $80
Cost w/ Bronze Discount         $60
Cost w/ Silver Discount           $40
Cost w/ Gold Discount            $  0

(It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO Discounts are pro-rated! Call us today to sign up!)


 Do you ever find it challenging to recommend a great book that will delight and awe your young patrons? Fear no more! In this workshop you will learn how to conduct a successful readers’ advisory interview, hear some great recommendations for different genres and even have a chance to share some of your personal favorites!
 



 
Location: NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Youth Services Chat
7/28/2016

FREE

If you've ever been interested in sharing ideas with other youth services staff, but didn't have the time or opportunity, now is your chance! We will be hosting a Youth Services Chat.


 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 32 spots remaining out of 50





A Day for School Librarians
8/9/2016

Join us for a day of fun and learning at A Day for School Librarians! This workshop is geared towards library media specialists, however, topics covered are applicable to public libraries and anyone in library services is welcome to register and attend!

Featured Speakers:

Maria Trivisonno: Teen Librarian, Cuyahoga County Public Library- Maria will be doing a literature update and sharing diverse middle grade, tween and teen selections.


Vandy Pacetti-Donelson: Master Librarian, Ultimate Medical Academy, Tampa, Florida. Vandy will be presenting "Upcycling in the Media Center: Doing More with Less". From Pringle cans to DVD cases, old magazines and cardboard boxes. Learn what you can do with less! Vandy Pacetti-Donelson is a nineteen-year veteran in education, a former Teacher of the Year, and now an instructional technologist/school librarian from Auburndale, Florida.   She is currently the Online Librarian at Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa, Florida.  As a former English teacher and school librarian, Vandy is a passionate library advocate, a frequent speaker about instructional technology and school librarianship, and sponsor of professional development. 


Janet Ingraham-Dwyer: Library Consultant- State Library Of Ohio. Learn about what the State Library does, access to research databases, LSTA funding, partnerships, summer reading resources, early literacy resources and other ways the SLO can help your library.





 
Location: NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 25





Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
9/23/2016

Cost:  $15  for  all. 
Lunch included


REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY FULL. Please contact rachelle.perry@neo-rls.org to be added to waitlist and informed of other upcoming Early Literacy 101 workshops at NEO-RLS. Thank you.


This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.
 
Location: New NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Back to the Book Jr. : It’s Story Time!
10/21/2016

“Are you new to story times? Looking for some great new story time program ideas? Want to learn how other libraries are incorporating stories into programming? Then join us for the second annual Back to the Book, Jr!  In this workshop you will learn what other libraries do for their story times, how programs are structured for different age groups and how you can take story time out of the library and into the community. Since it wouldn't be a youth event without some idea-sharing, please bring the title of one of your favorite storytime books to share with the group!  Sign up today!”


Presenters:

Dani Gustavich: Dover Library-Pre-K Interactive Story Times

Rebecca Price-Donahue: Cleveland Public Library- Community Outreach Story Times

Carolyn McBee: North Canton Library- Babies and Tales for Twos

Tricia Bohanon: Akron-Summit County Public Library- Special Needs and Sensory Story Times




*Note: Registered attendees have been asked to please bring a doll or stuffed animal if you like as this will be used for demonstrating baby storytime activities.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 4 spots remaining out of 55





Build a Better World with Upcycled Materials
2/1/2017

Spring is almost upon us.  Now is a good time take stock of where we are with our programs and our programming.  Maybe you are ready to spend some time straightening up your back room?  From those audio visuals that need to be surplussed to the boxes and bags lying about, pay attention to what you are throwing away. Are we looking at what we have in the most creative ways?  Upcycling is the process of re-purposing items into more interesting or creative uses. This webinar will explore new learning possibilities using old items we have cluttering the back room.  Create interesting displays, develop programs or programming for any number of groups in your library including Makerspace activities.  Turn bottle caps into stools, plastic sacks into rugs, boxes into displays and games, or those video cases or chip tins into a number of manipulatives.  Fast-paced session with tutorials, working examples and a lists of resources.

Presenter:  Vandy Pacetti-Donelson is a nineteen-year veteran in education, a former Teacher of the Year, and now an instructional technologist/school librarian from Auburndale, Florida.  As a former English teacher and school librarian, Vandy is a passionate library advocate, a frequent speaker about instructional technology and school librarianship, and sponsor of professional development. Look for her book on Sewing in Your Makerspace coming out in 2017. You can follow her on Twitter @VandyPD.  
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 23 spots remaining out of 50





Children's Summer Reading Workshop
2/22/2017

You talked, we listened! Summer Reading is back and we are doing it a little differently this year!  Based on feedback we recently received from our libraries, we will be having one big Summer Reading workshop on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 at the Hilton Garden Inn! Featured ideas will include crafts, decorations and of course our popular ‘round the room program ideas. 


Note: You are encouraged to bring handouts of craft and decoration ideas to share as we will have a designated table set up for handouts. 



Featured Presenters:

Lan Gao-Cleveland Public Library-SRP Group Registration
Rebecca Price-Donahue & Adam Tully-Cleveland Public Library-Build a Better World with Crafts
Renae Ault-Salem Public Library-Art in the Park
Janet Dwyer-State Library of Ohio-SRP Trends and Hot Topics: A Discussion
Dani Gustavich-Dover Public Library-Interactive Storytelling
Anne-Marie Savoie-Akron Summit County Public Library-Storytime on the Wild Side
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 35 spots remaining out of 150





Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
3/24/2017

Cost:  $15  for  all. 
Lunch included


Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

This workshop is currently full. To be placed on a waitlist or be informed of future ECRR workshops please email rachelle.perry@neo-rls.org
 
Location: NEO Office
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Youth Readers Advisory Webinar: Make the Connection-Tips, tricks and basics of readers advisory in a busy digital world
4/18/2017

Do you ever find it challenging to recommend a good book that will delight and awe your young patrons? Would you like to learn more about the basics of readers advisory? This webinar will teach you the basics of readers advisory and help you on the road to recommending their next great book.


Featured Presenters:
Carrie Burrier: Youth Services Coordinator, Akron-Summit County Public Library
Kathleen Marten: Youth Services Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 22 spots remaining out of 50





Engaging Special Needs Youth: Social, Sensory, Art and Literature Engagement For All
5/11/2017

Libraries are not just places for books anymore. They have become community centers offering knowledge, education and fun. Every child is unique in their own way and this workshop celebrates that. Join us as we learn ways in which libraries are using community resources and programming to engage children of all abilities. 

Presenters:
Beckey Spencer, Head of Youth Services and Outreach, Kingsville Public Library and Lisa Ebersole, Director of the Ashtabula County Autism Group and Parent Mentor for the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center: Beckey and Lisa will discuss their joint program, The Puzzle Club: Social, Sensory, Reading and Activites for Special Kids of all Ages and Abilities.

Susan Berg, Executive Director, Chapters Ahead, INC. Susan will discuss the Next Chapter Book Club program. Next Chapter Book Club, through a network of NCBC Affiliates such as libraries, social service agencies or parent groups, offers community-based book clubs for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clubs are comprised of four to eight members and two volunteer facilitators who are trained to engage readers of all levels – including those who cannot read at all.

Rebecca Shook, Special Needs Resources Librarian, Westlake-Porter Public Library. Rebecca will share her successes and challenges in doing an Adapted (Sensory) Storytime at Westlake along with some new and upcoming programs centered around children of all abilities. 






 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd.
Stow, OH 44224

There are currently 26 spots remaining out of 45





Youth Readers Advisory Webinar: Historical Fiction and Horror with a Side of Fantasy
6/14/2017

Do you ever find it challenging to recommend a good book that will delight and awe your young patrons? Would you like to learn more about recommending mainly middle grade historical fiction, horror and fantasy titles? Then join us for this webinar as we serve up a helping of historical fiction and horror with a side of fantasy!

Presenter:

Audrey Hogan, Youth Services Librarian, Warren-Trumbull County Public Library.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Escape Room in the Library! Building an escape room with kids in your library
7/19/2017

Over several months in 2016, Morton-James Public Library in Nebraska City, NE (pop. 7,200) led a group of kids in building a fully-functioning escape room in the library. This project—supported by a Curiosity Creates grant awarded by the Association for Library Service to children (ALSC) from funds donated by Disney—brought together kids and community members every weekend for four months to learn about puzzle design, develop a story, and build an escape room in an old storage room in the library. The project ended with a pizza party—while the city mayor and his family attempted to solve the puzzles and escape the room in under an hour.

The project has been featured in Library Journal’s Programs That Pop series, and an article outlining the project was published in the In the Library with the Lead Pipe online journal. The presenters will provide background on escape rooms, share their experience working with kids to build one, and will give recommendations on how to embark on a similar project in your own library on a shoestring budget.

Presenter:
Rasmus Thoegersen is the Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America. Previously, he was the Library Director for the Morton-James Public Library in Nebraska City, NE. 

Jennifer Thoegersen, Data Curation Librarian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, consults with researchers on data management issues and contributes to the preservation of digital assets at UNL Libraries. In 2013, Thoegersen contributed to the open source digital library project Greenstone as part of a Fulbright fellowship at the University of Waikato.

 

Location: Online
You will be sent a link to login to the

There are currently 8 spots remaining out of 50





Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead
8/1/2017

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.  With STEAM related careers being in such high demand, it is necessary for communities and education organizations and institutions to position themselves in such a way to prepare children, as well as adults, for success in this chosen field.

As key community organizations, libraries play a vital role in collective efforts to address local challenges. Library staff have the skills to support acquisition of literacy skills such as information, digital and media. Additionally, libraries reach a broad, diverse and underserved population. Without the demands of testing or a rigid curriculum, library environments allow youth to engage in interest and passion based learning and to explore a variety of topics in a low-stakes, hands-on setting.  Integrating STEAM and STEAM-relevant skill building into that environment will help kids and teens acquire the skills they need to be successful in schools, careers and life.
 
Join us for this workshop as we learn various ways in which libraries are incorporating STEAM into their programming and communities.


Featured Presenters:
 
JoAnna Schofield-Children's Librarian-Cuyahoga County Public Library
Math Counts! Using Math in Story Time
Many librarians are comfortable incorporating basic math principles in story time, such as counting, number recognition, and shapes, but what other ways can you incorporate mathematics into your regular story time routine? Join JoAnna Schofield, Cuyahoga County Public Library children’s librarian and former mathematics teacher, to explore easy (and cheap!) ways to explore computation, spatial awareness, geometry, measurement, data collection and interpretation, and more!
 

 
Jennifer Haag-Children’s Services Supervisor-Cuyahoga County Public Library
It's never too early to start building STEAM skills.  During this presentation, we will talk about creating regularly occurring programming that builds science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers that is fun and educational.  Jennifer Haag, Children's Services Supervisor at the Fairview Park Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will provide examples from her branch's monthly Preschool STEAM Club programs.
 
Jessica Conley, Bolivar Branch Supervisor, and Kathryn Green, Children's Services Manager- Tuscarawas County Public Library System
Jessica and Kathryn will discuss how to make a space in your library that cultivates learning, engages the public and makes your library a weekly destination without breaking the budget through the creation of a STEAM Station.  The Station is filled with low and high tech items for ages 1 to 101.  First created and implemented at our Bolivar Branch, the success and positive feedback of customers helped pave the way for its inclusion in our library system's main location.  This is a great passive programming station for any size library with any size budget.    
 
Rachelle Perry, Youth Services Education and Events Coordinator and Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator- Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Rachelle and Holly will briefly discuss NEORLS's new LSTA grant-funded STEAM kits available for loan. They will also be bringing  NEORLS's popular Traveling Tech Lab featuring items for Children, Tweens and Teens. Attendees will have an opportunity to get an up close hands-on look at various gadgets and gizmos such as Ozobot, Samsung Gear VR, The Code-A-Pillar, Dash, Coji, VR Shinecon, BB8 and more!
Location: Westlake Porter Public Library
27333 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Battle of the Books
9/13/2017

Knox County Battle of the Books Program Leaders will be discussing the origin of the program, what is involved “behind the scenes” in prep for the reading list, questions for teams to practice and the final competition questions and procedures. Also, from a PR and community relations viewpoint, why the Battle of the Books program has been such a great fit for the library system and improved relations with the county and local schools. along with how important support by the Friends of the Library (board and their volunteers), and area businesses and community organizations have been to the successful rebirth of this program.

 Battle of the Books  (B.o.B) first appeared on a Chicago radio program in the 1930's. Since then it has expanded to states all over the country, each having its own format.  Battle of the Books was originally started and sponsored by the Mount Vernon City School System and St. Vincent de Paul School in 1993 as a friendly competition between teams of fifth graders who love to read.  In its heyday before it was cut due to school budget constraints in 2012, the program flourished as parents, teams and supporters filled auditoriums for the popular competition and cheered on their favorite teams and contenders in good-natured competition.

Program leaders Marilyn Chidester and Sharon Tharp revived B.o.B last year with a goal of opening the program to all fifth graders from schools throughout the Knox County area and homeschoolers.  Battle of the Books grew into an extraordinarily popular program that encouraged fifth grade students to continue  reading at a time when many of them had slowed their reading down considerably. In addition to helping students learn empathy, discover ways characters overcome obstacles, look in to the future, or even understand history in a way a textbook cannot, the program encourages participants to become lifelong readers and share their excitement with their families, siblings, classmates and friends. It encourages teamwork and community team spirit. Many of the contenders from the past are now adults who read or have children who read and are excited to see the return of the program.

Featured Presenters:
Marilyn Chidester, Retiree, Mount Vernon City Schools 
Sharon Tharp, Library Media Specialist, St. Vincent dePaul School
Linette Porter-Metler, Community Relations and Public Affairs, Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
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Making the Connection: Public Library and School Collaborations
9/21/2017

 Join us for a day of learning as we hear from different libraries on how they are collaborating with their local schools.
 
Featured Speakers:
Emily Kimball, Children’s Services Manager, Sandusky Library.
Just Ask!: We will discuss creative ways that your library can collaborate with the schools in your area including outreach services, special events, and circulation ideas that are successful at Sandusky Library. 
 
Sandi Thompson, Director, Puskarich Public Library
Sandi will talk about her library’s popular E-Pass program.
Want to increase the use of online materials with high school students? The Puskarich Public Library issued ePasses to students without active library cards with cooperation from their local school district.  The program was so successful that the school district would like to expand it to additional grade levels and teachers this upcoming year. Get the tips and tricks on how this worked for their library!

 
Kelly Chapin, Youth Programming Librarian, Minerva Public Library
Kelly enjoys working with patrons of all ages but has a particular passion for young adult needs, programming and collection development. She will share general methods for working with the schools and specific programs including promotional outreach methods such as school announcements and summer reading promotion, Minerva Middle School Visits that incorporate book talks and off-site circulation, and Minerva Elementary School public Library visits.

Lydia Gamble, Head of Children's Services Department and Christina Getrost, Teen Librarian: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
Lydia will discuss her collaborations with elementary age kids and Christina will discuss her two book clubs and other programs.
 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd
Stow, OH 44224

There are currently 11 spots remaining out of 35





Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
9/29/2017

Cost: $15 for all for facility use and amenities 


Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.





 
Location: NEO-RLS
1580 Georgetown Rd.
Hudson, OH 44236


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Back to the Book, Jr: Celebrating Diversity
10/16/2017

Join us for the third annual Back to the Book, Jr. where this year’s theme will focus on Diversity in literature, programming and communities.

Attendees: Please bring the title of a recommended diverse book or program idea to share.

 
Featured Presenters:
 
Anne-Marie Savoie, Children’s Librarian-Akron-Summit County Public Library
Fun in Many Languages! How to Energize Multicultural Programs for Children Through Sensory Experiences.
Anne-Marie will share her enthusiasm for diverse programming and discuss the different cultural celebration programs her library has created.
 
Dr. Nalini Krishnankutty-State College, Pennsylvania
Dr. Krishnankutty’s presentation will focus on the history of immigration, and the contributions of first generation immigrants to the United States, from both a historical and current perspective. Through children's books and online resources she will showcase the deep and lasting impact made by immigrants to our everyday lives.
 
Nalini Krishnankutty is a writer, researcher and speaker. In her writings and workshops, she explores the common threads that link our multiple identities across real, abstract and imagined boundaries.  Nalini is a first generation immigrant American. She came to the United States as a graduate student, and received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, while also taking several courses in Women's Studies. She is an alumnus of the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT, now called ICT), Mumbai, India. 
 
Nalini is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a 2015 VONA/Voices alumnus. In early 2017, Nalini started an A-Z blog series focusing on children's books that highlight the contribution of immigrants. ​Starting with A is for Albert, B is for Blackwell, and C is for Clive, her series highlights the contributions made by immigrants to science, art, medicine, and more - to the founding of our nation, our institutions and our ways of living. This series provides a starting point for parents, educators and librarians to shape personal perspectives, create common narratives, and increase awareness of the tremendous impact that immigrants have had on our common history.
 
 
Jennifer Grill, Children’s Services Manager-Wickliffe Public Library & Nancy Messmore, Children’s Services Librarian-Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
Jennifer and Nancy will discuss reading programs that deliver diverse books to readers of many ages that encourage children to read outside their comfort zones and explore diverse literature.



You will learn:
  • What other youth services librarians are doing to celebrate diversity at their libraries
  • Getting diverse books into the hands of young readers
  • Through the use of children's books, how immigration helped shape America
  • Resources for finding diverse books for youth

Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 77 spots remaining out of 100





Library Youth Outreach: Connecting with Your Community
11/29/2017

Libraries are wonderful places for children to learn, grow, explore and discover their love of books and all the library has to offer. But what about outside the library? How do we reach outside our four walls and effectively serve the youth in our communities? Join us as we hear from several libraries that are making a difference and reaching out to serve youth in and around their community.

Featured Presenters:
Stephanie Gildone, Youth Services Coordinator-Conneaut Public Library
Youth Outreach in a Correctional Institution
Reach beyond your library walls to bring programming to unlikely settings!  A correctional institution may seem to be an unusual facility to present a story hour but not in Conneaut, Ohio.  The Lake Erie Correctional Institution and the Conneaut Public Library have formed a partnership that is both profitable and rewarding.

 
Katie Johnson, Community Outreach Librarian-Twinsburg Public Library
Often services exist in our communities, but there are barriers in place that prevent individuals from reaching them. How can libraries break down these barriers and connect individuals and families with the help they need?   In what ways can we increase access to our libraries and library services?  
Join Community Outreach Manager, Katie Johnson, as she tells the story of Play, Learn & Grow. This unique outreach program, featured in a School Library Journal, was implemented by Twinsburg Public Library to better serve families dealing with the challenges of poverty.  In partnership with the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), the library developed a storytime program for 0-5 year olds at a local subsidized housing complex, but soon realized that basic needs of these children and their families were going unmet.  So the partners added in resources and opportunities that could address some serious stressors and lacks in the lives of these families.  Recognizing that transportation is a big issue, they brought key services to the apartment complex, from free vaccinations, to maternal depression support groups, to free lunch and food distribution. Play, Learn & Grow shows that your outreach can produce powerful connections and lead to powerful results.
Katie has worked at Twinsburg Public Library for twelve years in Youth Services and Community Outreach and is a 2017 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.
 
Lan Gao, Senior Subject Department Librarian- Cleveland Public Library
Youth Focused Outreach: the Above & Beyond Style
Have you ever done a story time on a train? Read books to kids in the hospital? Have you shared your personal and educational experience with middle and high school students? Did you celebrate National Read Across America Day with the installation of a Little Free Library? Outreach programs could be so much fun and creative! Let's think outside the box and reach out! During this session I will share with the audience how to reach out, what to reach out and who to reach out to provide quality outreach programs to children, students, families, and educators.
 
Ann Plazek, Outreach Services Manager-Medina County District Library
Ann Plazek, Outreach Service Manager from Medina County District Library, current President of the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services and a 2017 LJ Mover & Shaker is pleased to share information about several Early Literacy Outreach initiatives including: Medina County ROCKS (Reading Opportunities Create Kindergarten Success) that is a collaboration with United Way, Project READ: From the inside to the outside - a partnership with the local jail and upcoming plans for a Busy Book with a $5,000 grant from the Ohio Children's Foundation.
 
Learning Objectives:
·         How different libraries outreach to the youth in the community
·         Effectively reaching underserved youth population in the community
·         Community partnerships to enhance services to youth
 
 
 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd
Stow, OH 44224

There are currently 17 spots remaining out of 40





1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
12/6/2017

Rena will discuss the details of this program, the challenges and successes she’s had at her library and ways you can implement it at your library.  1,000 Books before Kindergarten is an initiative to promote early literacy and reading to parents and caretakers of infants and very young children. The goal is to encourage parents to read one thousand books with their children before sending them to kindergarten. Reading together builds the necessary early literacy skills every child needs in order to learn to read.  Listening to books and reading together with parents and caretakers nurtures childhood brain development and builds the necessary early literacy skills every child needs in order to learn to read and be prepared for school.

Presenter: Rena Wright, Assistant Manager of Youth Services, Orrville Public Library

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
12/6/2017

Presenter: Rena Wright, Assistant Manager of Youth Services, Orrville Public Library
 
Rena will discuss the details of this program, the challenges and successes she’s had at her library and ways you can implement it at your library.  1,000 Books before Kindergarten is an initiative to promote early literacy and reading to parents and caretakers of infants and very young children. The goal is to encourage parents to read one thousand books with their children before sending them to kindergarten. Reading together builds the necessary early literacy skills every child needs in order to learn to read.  Listening to books and reading together with parents and caretakers nurtures childhood brain development and builds the necessary early literacy skills every child needs in order to learn to read and be prepared for school.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 21 spots remaining out of 50





Girls Who Code: Introductory Webinar
1/11/2018

"Girls Who Code, the national non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, is partnering with NEO-RLS Libraries! Join Hannah Simon Goldman, Ohio Regional Partnership Coordinator for GWC, for a quick half-hour webinar on Thursday, January 11th at 2:00p.m. to learn all you need to know about how to launch your own FREE after-school coding Club. In GWC Clubs, 6-12th grade girls use computer science skills to impact their community as they join our sisterhood of supportive peers and role models. Clubs are led by Facilitators, who can be volunteers from any background or field. Many Facilitators have NO coding experience and learn to code alongside their Club members! Come learn how easy it is to start your own Club, and ask questions to Ohio's GWC Regional Partnership Coordinator.
 
Clubs that sign up under the NEO-RLS partnership gain access to benefits like extra money from Clubs Fund grants, priority access to engagement opportunities like field trips and speakers, and more! Sign-up for Spring 2018 is open until the end of February, and sign-up for the 2018-19 school year will open mid-summer.
 
When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
You will be sent a link to login to the






Classroom Management Techniques
2/8/2018

"Have you ever done a library program but things didn’t go as smoothly as you would have liked? Do you ever struggle to maintain control with a group of kids? Have you ever had an issue with behavior in your programs? Then join us for this webinar featuring Angela Wojtecki and Jill Burket as they share some guidelines, tips and tricks they’ve used in schools and various effective classroom management techniques.
 
Featured Presenters:
 
Jill Burket had been teaching in the regular classroom for twelve years before receiving her Master's in Library and Information Science in 2006.  She has been teaching in the school library setting in Revere Local Schools for the past eleven years at both the primary and intermediate levels. She loves working with students and helping find the perfect book for them. Jill lives in Green with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.
 
Angela Wojtecki has been the district library media specialist for Nordonia Hills City Schools for the past five years. Before becoming a library media specialist, she taught early childhood students (K-3) in the Northeast Ohio area. She is also a Past President of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) and a Google for Education Certified Trainer. Angela lives in Copley with her husband and two cats.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Quick Copy Writing Tips that Work
6/20/2018

Brush up on your writing skills in this one-hour Webinar focusing on content, style, tone and structure. Many library workers write their own program descriptions and promotions, as well as their own newsletters, and this workshop will provide some quick, formal training on writing. Learn how to communicate what the audience needs to know by effectively stating and positioning pertinent details. Attendees will also learn how to make their content catchy, as well as persuasive, to get desired results.

In the webinar you will learn:
  • To communicate what the audience needs to know

  • Make content cathchy

  • Make content persuasive

Presenter:  Kristin Casale, Children's Librarian, Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
She has managed thechildren's department newsletter for approximately seven years. Kristin  also used to be a reporter and editor for Record Publishing Co., and has a degree in journalism from Penn State University, as well as a master's in library science from Kent State University.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
8/30/2018

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn, and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Competency:  Public Service

Ohio Ready to Read Trained Facilitators are: Marianna DiGiacomo, Community Services Director and Julia Shaheen, Literacy Coordinator both from Stark County District Library.

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
 



 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd
Stow, OH


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Making Movable Books Pop into Library Programming
10/16/2018

This workshop will expand the participants' knowledge of movable books through an examination of their history, creators, and publishers.  Participants will appreciate the variety of formats, purposes, and styles that characterize these books by examining a range of historical and contemporary examples from Dr. Thornton’s personal collection.  This perspective will reflect on how these materials have been viewed culturally from their flowering in the Victorian period to the current, second golden age of pop-up books.  Participants will leave the workshop with hands-on experience in constructing basic movable structures and ideas on how to use movable books in library programs for patrons of all ages.  Teachers know that kids like to touch and manipulate things—using movable books and creating these structures will provide another tactile learning technique that teachers and librarians can add to their toolkits. 
 
Learning objectives:      
  1. Participants will learn about the remarkable history and development of these fabulous materials                                             
  2.  Participants will explore possibilities for incorporating movable books into library programs for patrons of all ages, from children to adults                                              
  3.  Participants will learn basic structures for creating movable elements in paper that can be incorporated into tactile learning activities
  4.  Participants who desire to learn more about these unique materials will leave with resources to continue their exploration.     
Presenters:
Glenda Thornton is the Director of the Michael Schwartz Library and has over 40 years of professional library service primarily in academic libraries, but also in public and school libraries.  She has had a long term interest in cultural history and children’s books, has taught Children’s Literature, and has helped develop children’s book collections in several academic libraries.  She is a member of the Movable Book Society, the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory, and Northeast Ohio Bibliophilic Society.  She has been an active Octavofest member and organizer.

She received her doctorate from the University of North Texas and her BA (History) and MLS from the University of Oklahoma. She is on the editorial board of Technical Service Quarterly and has authored and co-authored a number of articles on improving library facilities and operations, technical services, and collection management topics.

Laura Martin, PhD (Linguistics) is a specialist in Mayan languages and culture, with broad interests in creativity, cultural contact, and expressive form. Retired from Cleveland State University where she held joint appointments in modern languages, anthropology, and health sciences, Dr. Martin was especially known for international and interdisciplinary research and program development with colleagues in disciplines ranging from biology to history. She also served as Chair of anthropology and Associate Dean of Art and Sciences and held many grants, both for research and for public programs. She has written many articles, including in foreign language pedagogy, linguistic analysis, cross-cultural health, and Mayan expressive culture, and is most recently co-author of Culture in Clinical Care: Strategies for Competence (2nd ed., Slack, 2013). She has volunteered as a docent at the Cleveland Museum of Art since 2007, and served as CMA Healthcare Education Consultant from 2013 to 2015. She maintains an active studio practice as a book and paper artist, chairs the Octavofest Steering Committee, and sits on the Board of the Morgan Conservatory.

                          

 
                                               
Location: Lakewood Public Library
15425 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107

There are currently 20 spots remaining out of 30





Make Your Library Deaf-friendly
10/30/2018

We will start the morning with Ben Gulyas, Deaf Services Coordinator at the Coventry Village Branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, talking about the various aspects of making your library deaf-friendly.  He will give tips for collection development, resources, programming and staff training.
 
Ben will be followed by Bill Morgan, Artistic Manager, SignStage, will give an overview of Deaf culture and use of ASL and give a basic lesson for ASL that would be useful in library settings.
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Learn ways to make your library Deaf-friendly
  • Learn about programming for the Deaf community
  • Learn about the Deaf Culture
  • Learn Basic American Sign Language (ASL)
 Presenters:

Ben Gulyas is an adult services librarian, page supervisor and He maintains the Deaf material collection and coordinates Deaf programs and staff ASL training at the branch. Along with ongoing programming that consists of a monthly Deaf social, a quarterly Deaf Film Night and free public ASL classes offered twice a year, Ben has arranged other Deaf special events including authors, educators and entertainers. In October 2017, the library sponsored a free performance by deaf comedian and actor CJ Jones to an enthusiastic audience of 600.
 
Bill Morgan, Artistic Manager, SignStage
 
 
Location: Coventry Village Branch of Heights Libraries
1925 Coventry Rd # 2
Cleveland , OH 44118

There are currently 15 spots remaining out of 30





Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
11/7/2018

Summit County Children Services took over 10,000 hotline calls in 2017 with concerns of child abuse and neglect. This presentation will help you recognize physical and behavioral indicators of child maltreatment as well as instruct you what to do with that information. You will also gain an understanding of the mission and services Summit County Children Services provides.
 
3 Learning Objectives:  
  • Understand and be able to identify the physical and behavior indicators of child maltreatment including neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse 
  • Prepare the information needed to report child maltreatment and the proficiency to complete a report to child protective services 
  • Discover the role of Summit County Children Service and its mission of safety, permanency and well-being for children and families within our community
Presenter:

Children Services Representative TBA
Location: Summit County Children Services
264 South Arlington St.
Akron, OH 44306

There are currently 23 spots remaining out of 40





Homework Help Centers
11/27/2018

Hear about Westerville Public Library’s Homework Help Center and other library homework centers.
Learning Objectives:
  • How to start a Homework Help Center
  • What worked what did not
  • Staffing
Presenter:
Linda Uhler, Manager, Youth Services, Westerville Public Library
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 27 spots remaining out of 50





Homework Help Centers
11/27/2018

The author of the new book, Creating & Managing the Full-Service Homework Center (ALA, 2018), will share what you need to know about starting and running an after-school homework program in your library: everything from staffing to where to offer homework help, from hours, supplies and equipment to funding sources and evaluation. She’ll also point you to some of the best homework programs in the country.

Presenter: Cindy Mediavilla 

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.

 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
11/30/2018

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Presenters:

Ohio Ready to Read Trained Facilitators: Marianna DiGiacomo, Community Services Director, and Julia Shaheen, Literacy Coordinator, both from Stark County District Library.

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
 
 
Location: Stark County District Library
715 Market Ave. N
Canton, OH 44702

There are currently 27 spots remaining out of 40





Weeders attract more readers! Specifically for Children's Library Staff
12/4/2018

We all know weeding is necessary to maintain up to date and useful collections, but how much is “too much”, especially when budgets are tight? This workshop provides practical tips for weeding specific Dewey categories and “problem” areas like classics, award books, graphic novels, and juvenile biographies.
 
After attending this workshop participants will be able to:
  • Recognize and overcome barriers to weeding
  • Apply objective guidelines and criteria when weeding juvenile and YA materials
  • Justify weeding decisions using statistical evidence
  • Explain to coworkers and library administration why weeding is important in maintaining a healthy collection
Presenter:  Belinda Boon, MLIS, PhD, Assistant Professor, Kent State University School of Library & Info. Science
Belinda joined the iSchool faculty in 2006. She teaches in the areas of public libraries, collection development and management, and information services, and has extensive experience in library and information science. Prior to joining the Kent State iSchool faculty, she was an adjunct instructor at the University of Texas at Austin iSchool. Her work experience includes managing the Continuing Education and Consulting department at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission, and serving as the Director of the Bastrop (TX) Public Library and as the Assistant Branch Manager/Children’s Librarian in the Harris County (TX) Public Libraries.
 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd
Stow, OH 44224

There are currently 6 spots remaining out of 35





And the Winner Is...
12/13/2018

Caldecott. Newbery. Printz.
 
If you’ve been in the youth library world for even a short time, you know about the big three.  How about the other fourteen awards announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting? Did you know there are several established, prestigious awards for youth literature? This webinar will give an overview of the Youth Media Awards, the criteria for selecting winning titles, and introduce the audience to the cornucopia of national awards for youth literature. Both those who work with children or teens and those who enjoy reading books written for younger audiences will benefit from this webinar.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Gain insight into the selection process for most Youth Media Awards

  • Exploration of lesser known youth literature awards, with emphasis on diversity.

  • Brief history of the awards and how they reflect publishing materials for children and teens.

 
Presenter:
Amanda L. S. Murphy is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, where she assists or presents programs for children from preschool through high school. Amanda has served on the 2012 Morris Committee and the 2017 Odyssey Committee. She continues on her quest to read most of the Youth Media Awards winner and honor titles (lists completed thus far: Belpre illustrator, Caldecott, CSK illustrator, Geisel and most of the Odyssey titles). There's a spreadsheet involved. 

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Gadgets and Gizmos: Exploring Technology for Youth
1/31/2019

Want to engage children with the latest technology but don’t know where to begin? Interested in using technology in your programming but you’re on a tight budget?   Join us for the third annual Gadgets and Gizmos webinar. This popular,  detailed webinar presentation will showcase some cool new tech gadgets (such as Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit, Cloud Rover, Lego Boost and Circuit Scribe), websites and resources you can incorporate into your youth services programs! You will also have an opportunity to share your technology successes and challenges with other attendees.

Presenters:
Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 23 spots remaining out of 75





Children's Summer Reading Program:
2/21/2019

“A Universe of Stories” is the theme for this year’s summer reading program.  Come join your children’s library colleagues for a program focused on summer reading.  There will be something for everyone whether you choose this theme or not.  In this workshop you will hear about Ready, Set, READ! (focusing on reading comprehension), ideas for decorations, a presentation by NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation Team along with mission badges.  The day will end with a lively discussion about tracking and registering summer reading attendees.  Come prepared to discuss and share. 

ATTENTION ATTENDEES: We will be doing speed programming in the afternoon.  Please bring an idea to share. It can be any successful program your library has done and doesn’t necessarily have to be related to summer reading.  

To make the most of this great event, we also need attendees to bring handouts of crafts and decoration ideas. Poster sessions/demos are welcome, too. If you will be bringing handouts or would like to set up a poster session, please email Melissa Lattanzi.

Featured Presentations:

A Universe of Stories Overview

Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Library Consultant with the State Library of Ohio, will share an overview of the “A Universe of Stories” adult programming manual and materials from the Collaborative Summer Library Program. Janet will also share free state and national resources to help you create an out-of-this-world, space-themed summer library program for the children and families in your community

Presenter:  Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Library Consultant, State Library of Ohio

Ready, Set, READ! Program description

Ready, Set, READ! Is a program for children in the 2nd & 3rd grades that are struggling with reading comprehension skills.  This successful children’s program was begun to get volunteers for the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s new volunteer program.  The program has attracted over 30 volunteers and 50 children during its short 2-year span.  Learn what it takes to start a similar program at your library.

Presenter:  Colleen Kelly has worked for the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library for the past 26 years in a variety of roles – Circulation Clerk, union organizer and president, Head of Circulation, Technology Coordinator and is currently the Human Resources/Volunteer Coordinator.  Colleen has 2 master’s degrees in Education and has done a number of programs for NEO-RLS. 

Decorate your SPACE…..

Get ready to blast off with some great summer decorating tips from the crew at the Avon Lake Public Library.  We’ll share some of our ideas for the upcoming space theme as well as some of the tricks we use year-after-year to transform our space into a magical place that kids want to visit all summer long (or at least before the city pool opens).  Put some of these ideas to the test when you get to make your own summer decorations to take back to your library.
 
Presenters:  Sybil Wendling, Children’s Services Manager, Avon Lake Public Library
Sybil has been a part of the ALPL Children’s department decorating team for the past 8 years.  She has burnt her fingers on a glue gun too many times to count, spilled paint on her favorite shoes, and used a staple gun to attach things to a wall (shhh..don’t tell the facilities manager).  She still has paint clothes in her desk drawer from last summer & can’t wait to use them again!

Carol Henderson, Children’s Services Associate, Avon Lake Public Library
Carol survived both the summer of the pirate ship and the summer of the circus tent.  She lived to tell tales of the crow's nest, the tarp-sized sail, collapsing disco balls, and more.  She is a whiz at figuring out how to make just about anything out of things we have in the basement, insulation board (yep the stuff inside your walls), and paint.  When she’s not scheming about summer decorating, Carol enjoys doing story time.

Kristen Frank, Children's Services Associate, Avon Lake Public Library
Kristen has been working in libraries for 12 years.  She spends most of her time doing story times and reading picture books.  Her decorating skills have only been honed in recent years at the Avon Lake Public Library and are best put to use painting, drawing, and tracing large scale items.  Show her a picture & she’ll make it happen.
 
NASA Challenge

Lindsay Hill and Tim Gallagher will share a presentation that they give to students in regards to NASA, the International Space Station, astronauts and the work that they perform.  Lindsay and Tim will give you the tools to present this to your summer reading participants along with a fun challenge for everyone.

Presenters: Tim Gallagher, is a Cleveland, OH, native with an extensive and unique background consisting of technical experience/training, production support, marketing, and business leadership.  Tim is the coordinator for the NASA Glenn Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Intern Project (SIP) in Cleveland, OH.  Tim has coordinated internships for the last 5 years which are mainly held over 10 weeks in the summer.  Tim’s duties include assisting with the selection process of opportunities, recruiting intern candidates, coordination of summer events, and connecting interns with future employers.  Additionally, he assists the Policy and Strategic Communications (PSC) team with NASA Outreach events.

Lindsay Hill serves as the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program at NASA Glenn Research Center.  Lindsay is responsible for public engagement with the community and space industry, planning events, developing exhibits and visiting local schools. She started her NASA career in 2013 as the SCaN Summer Intern Coordinator. She followed in the footsteps of her father, mother and uncle who all worked at NASA.

 Mission Badges

Come hear about Sandusky Library’s plans for Mission Badges and how you can incorporate this into your summer reading program.

Presenter:  Emily Kimball, Children Services Manager, Sandusky Library
 
 
 
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 16 spots remaining out of 100





I Didn't Know You Did That! - Public Library Board Game Circulation
2/27/2019

Spend an agreeable hour learning how to write a board game circulation policy that aligns with your library’s mission and strategic plan, how to determine your audience, what type of games you should invest in, and the best places to purchase them. You will learn the basic logistics of board game storage, advertising the collection, packaging for circulation, and incorporating the board games into your library’s programming.  

Participants will:

  • Discuss ways to engage patrons and boost circulation using board games as a tool

  • Learn details of how to most efficiently manage the many facets of the collection

  • Learn the basics of "board game advisory" - how to help patrons choose games to check out

Presenters:
Cari Dubiel is the Adult Learning and Information Services Manager at Twinsburg Public Library. With over twenty years of library experience, she has led many discussions on the topic of collection development and circulating nontraditional items. Her favorite board games are those that involve a puzzle or mystery, like Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective and any type of escape room. 

Maggie Rose is an Adult Learning and Information Services Librarian at the TPL. She has managed the collection for the past 18 months, expanding it from 20 games to over 120. Her favorite games are The Captain is Dead, and games to play with her children like Candy Land, and Ticket to Ride First Journey

Ashley Sroka is an Adult Learning and Information Services Associate at the TPL. She has been instrumental in coordinating the board game collection. She has always been a board gamer, even attending the 5-day long Origins Game Fair in Columbus. Her favorite games are Carcassonne, and cooperative games like Mysterium.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Human Trafficking 101
3/6/2019

In Ohio:
An estimated 1,078 American-born minors are  trafficked annually. Nearly 3,000 American-born minors are at risk for being trafficked.  By coming to this webinar you will have a better understanding of what human trafficking us and if it is going on in your library.


Learning Objectives:
  • List the risk factors for becoming a victim of human trafficking

  • Understand the role of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in assisting victims

  • Identify the red flags (indicators) when a person is being trafficked

  • Gain an understanding of the research methodology and study results that shows the prevalence of human trafficking in NE Ohio.

Presenter:

Jan Apisa joined the Victim Assistance program as a Human Trafficking Public Education Specialist. Under an Office of Criminal Justice Services grant, she coordinated a 3-month collaborative quantitative Backpage research project of local human trafficking. She has been an active member of the Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking since 2014. From December 2015 through October 2018, she served as Chair of the Collaborative Executive Committee. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Akron.


When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Escape Rooms from Scratch
3/7/2019

Design your own library escape room for children, teens, and adults! We’ll explain how we put together a Seuss-themed escape room using a Breakout EDU kit, props we had on hand, and our love for all things puzzling. We’ll highlight how to adapt puzzles if you find they’re too challenging, as well as how to make minor tweaks to take a room from kid-friendly to challenging enough for grown-ups. We’ll also discuss how to develop a narrative, the process of setting up the puzzles, and the importance of offering multiple pathways to the final answer. The presentation will involve opportunities for attendees to try their hand at some of our puzzles.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn to create an Escape Room from start to finish
  • Hear about puzzles and narratives
  • Learn how you can take your room from kid-friendly to adult
Presenters:

Elizabeth SucharzewskiChildren's Department Manager, Cuyahoga Falls Library
Angela Williams, Children's Librarian, Cuyahoga Falls Library
Location: Cuyahoga Falls Library
2015 3rd St
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Tweens...After School Behavior: To Battle or Engage?
3/20/2019

Do you dread the after school crowd? Tired of shushing over and over and getting nowhere? Stuck in a rut in programming for your tweens? This webinar will help give you some ideas and information to help you with your tween crowd.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to develop relationships and rapport with your tweens

  • Tactics for combating after school behavior

  • Develop programming ideas for tweens

Presenters:

Joy Mueller is the Youth Literacy Associate at Tuscarawas County Public Library in New Philadelphia, OH. With a background in education, she's worked in libraries for nearly six years. Currently, she programs for storytimes, tween technology clubs, school-age programs, and guerrilla programs. She enjoys creating ridiculous games for her programs and roaming through the shelves of bookstores and libraries.

Tracy Carpenter is a Children’s Customer Service Associate at Tuscarawas County Public Library in New Philadelphia, Ohio. She's been with the Tuscarawas County Public Libraries for a total of 4 years and in the children’s department for about a year and a half. Tracy attended Kent State University Tuscarawas majoring in Business Management and lives in New Philadelphia with her husband and 2 tween/ teen children. She's involved in programming for all ages, but specializes in tween programming which consists of both scheduled programming- such as Afterschool Art and Food Frenzy programs and Guerrilla or “On The Fly” Programming.


When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop
5/16/2019

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Presenters:

Ohio Ready to Read Trained Facilitators: Marianna DiGiacomo, Community Services Director, and Julia Shaheen, Literacy Coordinator, both from Stark County District Library.

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
 



 
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd
Stow, OH 44224

There are currently 21 spots remaining out of 40





Developing a Maker Mindset: No Makerspace Required
7/17/2019

Is your makerspace garnering the interest you first thought it would? Are you struggling to create programming that stems beyond crafting? Let me guide you through techniques to empower your patrons by encouraging them to develop a Maker Mindset: a combination of processes that include the Maker Empowerment Theory and the Stanford Design process to retrain our though processes to recognize that learning begins at failure (not ends there), that we live in a designed world, and that we are able to change it through making. We’ll discuss sample programming, techniques, and challenges. No funding in the budget for 3D printers? Not necessary! Come see how to help your patron hold what’s in their mind in the palm of their hand sans printer. A takeaway for every level of interest!

Learning Objectives:
  • Introduce how to develop a Maker Mindset for any librarian or patron, regardless of tech experience.
  • Increase confidence through hands-on activities and program development with a variety of different technologies. 
  • Explore application of the Maker Mondset across a variety of environments: storytime, actual makerspaces, coding sessions,  book club and more. 
Presenter:

Amy Zell,  Teen and Patron Technologies Assistant at Hubbard Public Library
Amy is a self proclaimed Maker after learning that she, too, has the wherewithal and resources to change the world through making, Amy Zell is using her Final Project through Kent State University M.L.I.S. to take this opportunity to inspire and instill the same passion in librarians that the Pittsburg Fab Institute instilled in her.

Currently loving her job as the Teen and Patron Technologies Assistant at Hubbard Public Library, Amy has spent the past year developing a Makerspace Book Club and educating patrons. Reluctant for her first several years in the library to run coding sessions and Maker Camps because of that “I don’t know enough about it to teach it” feeling, Amy encourages anyone who does programming of any type to attend. As Amy says to her teens, “Lets learn this together.”  She plans to graduate from Kent State University with her M.L.I.S. in August  2019 and appreciates your support with this project. 


 
Location: Cuyahoga Falls Library
2015 3rd St
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

There are currently 29 spots remaining out of 35





What's New in Storytime: A Youth Services Network Event
9/19/2019

Come to this workshop to hear new ideas in storytime that your colleagues will share. 

Partners in Play!
At the Akron Library it’s a sign of success when a parent exclaims, “I could do that at home!”  Learn about the importance of incorporating playtime into programming that encourages parents to become partners in play without breaking the budget.

Play with Yoga
Learn how we incorporate mindful movement, multisensory experiences, and play into an engaging program for both children and adults.

Presenters:
Kim Alberts is an Early Childhood/Intermediate Librarian at the main branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Getting a B.A. in Theatre has served her well in that she treats every program and storytime like a performance. Kim has put her love of staying on the pulse of librarianship through serving on committees such as the 2017 Newbery Committee and the Reinberger Children’s Library Center Advisory Board and is currently the co-chair of ALSC’s Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee. She loves baked goods, yoga, and anything geeky.
 
Anne-Marie Savoie, Early Childhood/Intermediate Librarian, Akron Summit County Public Library
Growing up in New Jersey, Anne-Marie discovered a love of dance, especially ballet. She fostered this passion with many trips to her local library! After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a BFA, she danced professionally for fourteen years. Since completing an MLIS from Kent State University in 2001, she’s been leaping and spinning with a different crowd as a children’s librarian.

More Than ONCE Upon a Time

Children love hearing the same book over again, so why not include repetition throughout the weeks of our storytime sessions? Mary Anne and Dana will share ideas for using a single book as a focus for a storytime series.  Learn how they extend a story by incorporating reading, flannel boards, props, puppets, songs, hands-on activities and more!

Presenters:
Mary Anne Russo, Children’s Supervisor at Hubbard Public Library, has 35 years of experience in children’s services. While she never likes to repeat herself in terms of offering the same program twice, she is excited about incorporating repetition into storytime series. 

Dana Tirabassi, Head Children’s Services Assistant at Hubbard Public Library, comes to the library world from a non-traditional background and enjoys finding non-traditional  ways to extend the magic of a book beyond its pages.

Storytime IS Family Time

In today’s world where parents are perpetually expected to multi-task, finding time to come to a storytime is easier said than done.  Throw three kids of differing ages and it becomes almost impossible to attend, especially when there are age restrictions.  As Youth Librarians, it is finally time to understand that an all ages Family Storytime is a must have on your event schedule.  Toby Casey is a Youth Services Librarian with the Stark District Public Library.  Having transitioned all of his storytimes to “Family”, he will be sharing his successes and failures experienced through the transition and maybe even share a song about shaking your pirate booty.

Presenter:

Tobey Casey, youth services librarian, Stark County District Library
Toby has a diverse background including being a an volunteer adult literacy tutor at his local library when he was a senior in high school, a corrections officer on Death Row, teaching English in the poorest neighborhoods of Seoul, S. Korea, he worked as an investigator for the county courts in Houston, an automation consultant in Kuwait and finally, prior to working as a Children’s Librarian, was an Instrumentation and Electrical Superintendent for an oil and gas exploration company.  In 2015 he left the oil and gas business and started a post grad in youth services.  In 2017 he started working at 2 different libraries part time.  In April of 2018 he landed his current position as a youth services librarian.

We will have time in the afternoon to share your own storytime ideas.  Please bring your best/innovative (outside the book) storytime piece.  Each person will have 5 to 10 minutes to share a storytime excerpt.
Location: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
3512 Darrow Rd.
Stow, OH 44224


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Kids and YA Book Buzz with Penguin Random House
11/6/2019

Join Amanda Fensch, Sales Manager with Penguin Random House, as she discusses the upcoming kids and YA titles you need to know about.  These previews will help you know what books will be the hottest titles of the upcoming season and be prepared to answer patrons questions about what they should read next.  All attendees are automatically entered into an ARC giveaway.

Presenter:

Amanda Fensch spent over a decade working in public libraries in Ohio, from circulation to youth librarian to adult services manager.  She’s been with Penguin Random House since 2016.  Along with talking about books, she also assists digital wholesalers with title selections and marketing efforts.


Location: Online via Adobe Connect

There are currently 12 spots remaining out of 50





Kids and YA Book Buzz with Penguin Random House
11/6/2019

Join Amanda Fensch, Sales Manager with Penguin Random House, as she discusses the upcoming kids and YA titles you need to know about.  These previews will help you know what books will be the hottest titles of the upcoming season and be prepared to answer patrons questions about what they should read next.  All attendees are automatically entered into an ARC giveaway.

Presenter:

Amanda Fensch spent over a decade working in public libraries in Ohio, from circulation to youth librarian to adult services manager.  She’s been with Penguin Random House since 2016.  Along with talking about books, she also assists digital wholesalers with title selections and marketing efforts.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.

 


Location: Online via Adobe Connect






Spanish in a Pinch for Library Staff
12/4/2019

This webinar will give an introduction into the Spanish language as well as the people that speak it. You will be provided with short cuts and an understanding of the basics of the language. Know the essential phrases that can breach some of the communication gap when working with Spanish speaking patrons that do not speak English.

Learning Objectives:

  • Introduction to the Spanish Language 
  • Learn short cuts
  • Learn essential phrases 

Presenter:

Jaime Declet was born and raised in Caguas Puerto Rico. Moving to Ohio to finish his college degree at OSU. He made a stop to visit relatives in Cleveland, and the rest as they say is history. Married to Jeannine, children Andrew & Victoria. He started working in libraries as a volunteer in the sixth grade through High School. Working for the Cleveland State University, Fine Arts Library for six years and has been working in public libraries for the past 19 years. Mr. Declet started his public library career with the Lorain Public Library. He currently works for the Cleveland Public Library managing the South Branch. Mr. Declet is a member of the Advisory Board of Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Children's Literature, member of the Board of Directors of the Tremont West Development Corporation. His job is to make sure that the community he serves knows that the Library is here to help. Therefore, he makes sure that the Library is front and center in all community events


Location: Online via Adobe Connect

There are currently 16 spots remaining out of 75





Creating and Maintaining a Summer Reading Database
2/19/2020

In this workshop, library staff will get a peek at the Kent Free Library's Summer Reading Database, used for the first time in 2019.  Completely customizable to your needs, a summer reading database can help your library streamline registration and stats keeping-all without having to pay for an online program subscription.  See how Kent Free Library's system works for their library, and how it might work for yours!

Learning Objectives:
  • How Microsoft Access can be used to mimic an online registration program, 
  • How Access can be used to streamline summer reading record keeping and statistics, and
  • How an Access database can be customized to suit your summer reading program.

Presenter:

Caylee Heiremans has been a Youth Services Librarian at Kent Free Library for 5 years. In addition to her work with databases, she performs music story time and leads diverse programming for children and teens of all ages. Before earning her MLIS at Kent State University, she received an MA in linguistics from Ohio University and taught English as a Second Language and adult basic literacy.
Location: Kent Free Library
312 W Main St.
Kent, OH 44240

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 25





Gadgets and Gizmos: Exploring Technology for Youth
2/19/2020

Want to engage children with the latest technology but don’t know where to begin? Interested in using technology in your programming but you’re on a tighter budget?   Join us for the third annual Gadgets and Gizmos webinar. This popular, detailed webinar presentation will showcase some cool new tech gadgets, websites and resources you can incorporate into your youth services programs! You will also have an opportunity to share your technology successes and challenges with other attendees.

Learning Objectives:
  • Discover the newest emerging technologies that are both affordable and useful for your library department or program
  • Learn about ways to implement these technologies through available lesson plans and STEM programs and ideas

Presenter:

Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 32 spots remaining out of 75





Free Tools for Working with Graphics and the Web
3/25/2020

Do you spend a good part of your job working with graphics, social media or websites? The web is filled with tools vying for your attention, but some of the best lie waiting under the radar. Learn about these online gems, which you can use to improve your workflow or create new content, or share with your friends and colleagues. Discover a plethora of online tools that you probably haven’t heard of but will be glad that (now) you have.

Presenter: Laura Solomon, MCIW, MLS, is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network . She has been doing web development and design for more than twenty years, in both public libraries and as an independent consultant. She specializes in developing with Drupal. She is a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She’s written three books about social media and content marketing, specifically for libraries, and speaks nationally on both these and technology-related topics.  As a former children’s librarian, she enjoys bringing the “fun of technology” to audiences and in giving libraries the tools they need to better serve the virtual customer.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Next Level LEGOS
3/26/2020

Most libraries have LEGOS and we are all searching for fresh ideas to present with what we already have. These programs are engineering and/or robotic programs that anyone can do.  Come to this workshop to learn how to run this in your library and play with LEGOS.

Learning Objectives 
  • Be able to expand on the LEGO programs offered at libraries with new LEGOs or LEGOs they already have.
  • Take away at least one new LEGO idea.
  • Get hands-on experience with LEGOs (in a way they have not done before.)
Presenter:

Lindsay Platt is the Youth Services Librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (Main Branch). Prior to this she worked in Adult Services at the Austintown Branch in the same library system. She enjoys researching new ideas and finding new ways to use old things in programming. Lindsay has specifically spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to expand on our LEGO programs to make them more enriching and appealing to their patrons.
Location: Cuyahoga Falls Library
2015 3rd St
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

There are currently 21 spots remaining out of 35





Teaching Better Behavior: Social-Emotional Learning in Library Programming
3/26/2020

Social-emotional learning (SEL), despite having been around for a few decades now, is still mysterious to many people. In this webinar, we will demystify the jargon so you can learn the basics of social-emotional learning and how to incorporate them into your programming to improve educational and behavioral outcomes for your school-age students. 
 
Learning Objectives:
 
  •  Understand the principles of social-emotional learning and how they apply to school-age children

  • Understand the ways that social-emotional learning can help with behavior management in your library

  • Learn how to incorporate social-emotional learning into your library programming

 
Presenter:

Marisha Sullivan is a Youth Services Librarian at Stark Library in Canton, OH. She has extensive experience in classroom and behavior management in informal learning environments, especially with tweens and teens. Working in low-income libraries, Marisha has learned the importance of helping students to develop "soft skills" in order to achieve their goals. She has taught topics from aeronautics to creative writing to ballroom dance to school-age children and teens and loves nothing more than helping students find their new favorite thing.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect






Spanish in a Pinch for Library Staff
4/3/2020

This webinar will give an introduction into the Spanish language as well as the people that speak it. You will be provided with short cuts and an understanding of the basics of the language. Know the essential phrases that can breach some of the communication gap when working with Spanish speaking patrons that do not speak English.

Learning Objectives:

  • Introduction to the Spanish Language 

  • Learn short cuts

  • Learn essential phrases 

Presenter:

Jaime Declet was born and raised in Caguas Puerto Rico. Moving to Ohio to finish his college degree at OSU. He made a stop to visit relatives in Cleveland, and the rest as they say is history. Married to Jeannine, children Andrew & Victoria. He started working in libraries as a volunteer in the sixth grade through High School. Working for the Cleveland State University, Fine Arts Library for six years and has been working in public libraries for the past 19 years. Mr. Declet started his public library career with the Lorain Public Library. He currently works for the Cleveland Public Library managing the South Branch. Mr. Declet is a member of the Advisory Board of Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Children's Literature, member of the Board of Directors of the Tremont West Development Corporation. His job is to make sure that the community he serves knows that the Library is here to help. Therefore, he makes sure that the Library is front and center in all community events.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online via Adobe Connect






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
4/7/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom

There are currently 15 spots remaining out of 96





Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
4/16/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom

There are currently 81 spots remaining out of 200





The Road to Copyright Clarity Part 3
4/21/2020

In this last Road to Copyright Clarity all your questions will be answered, plus a discussion about copyright and distance learning, YouTube takedowns, DMCA, video "ripping" and more.

 Presenter:
Renee Hobbs is the author of Copyright Clarity: How Fair Use Supports Digital Learning and 9 other books about digital and media literacy education. Professor and Director of the Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island's Harrington School of Communication and Media,  where she co-directs the Graduate Certificate in Digital Literacy. Hobbs is a educator, researcher and activist who advances the quality of media literacy education in the United States and around the world. She is the Founding Editor of the Journal of Media Literacy Education. 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






[NEW] Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
4/23/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 249 spots remaining out of 300





Gaming & Esports in Libraries
5/7/2020

Welcome to "Gaming & Esports in Libraries," a webinar where you'll learn what esports are, ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library, and how to establish them.
 
Tristan Wheeler initiated and runs the fast-growing and popular series of gaming events at the Cleveland Public Library, now called CPL Play. Patrons of all ages, genders, and backgrounds experience a wide variety of ways to play, from video games to board games, all while creating and developing new relationships. Gaming and esports events provide an environment of both cooperative and competitive gaming, exposing patrons to the many different facets of gaming.
 
Attendees are given the opportunity to learn about the business of video games, including professional gaming, the latest trends in technology, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the many jobs that exist within this field. With access to the hardware and software, community, educational opportunities, and many resources available at the library, patrons are given the tools and materials they need to pursue different pathways to success.
 
Join us for this introduction to esports in libraries, and learn why a program like this is important to our library… and could be for yours!

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn what esports are
  • Learn ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library, and
  • Learn how to establish them
Presenter: 

Tristan Wheeler is an Audiovisual & Event Planning Specialist at the Cleveland Public Library. Since 2003, Tristan has worked with other library staffers to bring a wide variety of video games-related programming and events to Clevelanders at Main Library and branch locations. For the past five years, Tristan has led the team which plans and delivers esports and gaming at Cleveland Public Library, bringing national and international recognition for the program and for Cleveland Public Library.

Who should attend:  Anyone interested in learning more about esports in the library
Competency:  Programming

GEO Cost:      $40
Bronze Cost:  $24
Silver Cost:    FREE
Gold Cost:     FREE


Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! All of our webinars include archive access for later viewing at your convenience.


It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
Location: Online via Adobe Connect

There are currently 67 spots remaining out of 75





Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
5/14/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
5/21/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
6/4/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
6/18/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Tabletop RPGs (Role Playing Games) for Teens Done Virtually
6/23/2020

We will discuss how transitioning to virtual programming can work with tabletop RPGs. There are a variety of options, including a Harry Potter themed RPG that Mary Beth has written and run both in person and virtually. This is good for anyone interested as you do not have to have previous knowledge of, or experience with, tabletop RPGs.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Community

    • Teens learn to work together and create connections outside their base friend groups.

  •  Creativity

    •  Teens learn to exercise lateral thinking and problem solving.

  •  Learning

    •  Teens learn about social literacy in a lower stress environment.

 
Presenter:

Mary Beth Rogers earned her MLIS from the University of Kentucky. Her career in libraries started in high school as a library aide and she has had different positions in the Dayton Metro Library system ever since. She is currently the Teen Services Librarian at the New Lebanon Branch of the Dayton Metro Library. Mary Beth is on the Teen Think Tank planning committee. She loves to write and has created two RPGs that her teens have played and request to play again.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online via Zoom






Communication Strategies: Working With the Deaf Community
7/16/2020

It is increasingly important to make certain we are able to communicate effectively with everyone in our communities.  The Deaf community faces new communication barriers as the presence of face masks at work and in public becomes the new norm.   Join Bill Morgan, Artistic Manager, SignStage, for an overview of Deaf culture and  the opportunity to learn common ASL (American Sign Language) signs used in a library setting.
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Learn about Deaf Culture
  • Learn common ASL signs for Libraries
Presenter:

William (Bill) Morgan is the Artistic Manager at CHSC (The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center) where he controls the day to day activities of SignStage, a Deaf awareness program within the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing department.  In Oct. 2013, Bill received an award from the Mayor of Cleveland for his “Creativity in Promoting Awareness of Deaf Culture”.  Bill also has several years experience producing and implementing school residencies that integrate theatre arts programming with American Sign Language and the State of Ohio Standards for the Arts.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Communication Strategies: Working With the Deaf Community
7/16/2020

It is increasingly important to make certain we are able to communicate effectively with everyone in our communities.  The Deaf community faces new communication barriers as the presence of face masks at work and in public becomes the new norm.   Join Bill Morgan, Artistic Manager, SignStage, for an overview of Deaf culture and  the opportunity to learn common ASL (American Sign Language) signs used in a library setting.
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Learn about Deaf Culture

  • Learn common ASL signs for Libraries

Presenter:

William (Bill) Morgan is the Artistic Manager at CHSC (The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center) where he controls the day to day activities of SignStage, a Deaf awareness program within the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing department.  In Oct. 2013, Bill received an award from the Mayor of Cleveland for his “Creativity in Promoting Awareness of Deaf Culture”.  Bill also has several years experience producing and implementing school residencies that integrate theatre arts programming with American Sign Language and the State of Ohio Standards for the Arts.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Connecting with Community and Families in Support of Youth
7/22/2020

Ask yourself, how am I connecting with community partners and families while libraries are closed and social distancing is enforced?  Your answer might be, “I’m not” or “Our connections are very limited.”  In this webinar you’ll explore how to build and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, stakeholders, and families during COVID-19 and build ideas for keeping those relationships strong when library services are re-launched in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify community members and organizations for youth-based service planning and implementation
  • Develop strategies for connecting with partners and families
  • Explain why it's valuable for library staff working with youth to build experiences that connect families and communities
Presenter:  

Linda W. Braun is LEO’s Project Management and Consulting Coordinator. Over the past two decades, Linda has provided project management, training, and consulting services to a variety of schools, libraries, and out-of-school-time learning institutions. Linda has a Masters of Science Degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and a Masters of Education with a specialization in Technology in Education from Lesley University.

Linda previously taught for Simmons College in their School of Library and Information Science, the University of Maryland Information School, and for the Lesley University, Graduate School of Education. She is a four-time recipient of the WISE Online Teaching Award, has won the Young Adult Library Services Association’s (YALSA) Writing Award, served as President of YALSA in 2009-2010. She co-authored The Future of Library Services for and with Teens: A Call to Action and Libraries Ready to Code: Promoting CS Opportunities for Youth Through Libraries.


Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 422 spots remaining out of 450





Connecting with Community and Families in Support of Youth
7/22/2020

Ask yourself, how am I connecting with community partners and families while libraries are closed and social distancing is enforced?  Your answer might be, “I’m not” or “Our connections are very limited.”  In this webinar you’ll explore how to build and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, stakeholders, and families during COVID-19 and build ideas for keeping those relationships strong when library services are re-launched in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify community members and organizations for youth-based service planning and implementation

  • Develop strategies for connecting with partners and families

  • Explain why it's valuable for library staff working with youth to build experiences that connect families and communities

Presenter:  

Linda W. Braun is LEO’s Project Management and Consulting Coordinator. Over the past two decades, Linda has provided project management, training, and consulting services to a variety of schools, libraries, and out-of-school-time learning institutions. Linda has a Masters of Science Degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and a Masters of Education with a specialization in Technology in Education from Lesley University.

Linda previously taught for Simmons College in their School of Library and Information Science, the University of Maryland Information School, and for the Lesley University, Graduate School of Education. She is a four-time recipient of the WISE Online Teaching Award, has won the Young Adult Library Services Association’s (YALSA) Writing Award, served as President of YALSA in 2009-2010. She co-authored The Future of Library Services for and with Teens: A Call to Action and Libraries Ready to Code: Promoting CS Opportunities for Youth Through Libraries.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
7/23/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
8/20/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Recognizing and reacting to Mental Health Challenges in Adolescents and Young Adults
9/1/2020

How can we help our teens and tweens when they are struggling?  Come to this webinar to find out what we should be aware of and what we can do.

Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will become familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders
  • Participants will learn an action plan to respond to mental health and suicidal crises
  • Participants will learn how intervene early during the development of a mental health problem to decrease the severity of the impact of the illness 
Presenter:

Jeremy Streem is an award winning MHFA instructor within the Ohio Army National Guard and the Northeast Ohio VA Medical Center. Jeremy also provides MHFA training to communities at large with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for over 22 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and specializing in supporting other Soldiers in need. Jeremy is also a Master Resilience Trainer, certified through the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught Resilience and Effective Communication strategies to over 2,500 Soldiers as well as the general public. SFC Streem's military experience and education allows him to teach MHFA within the VA, Ohio National Guard, and local communities, providing a Veteran's perspective to the unique challenges of supporting and caring for our military population. Jeremy was recognized by the National Council for Behavioral Health as one of the Top Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructors for both 2018 and 2019, as well as the Top Mental Health First Aid instructor in the State of Ohio in 2019. 
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Recognizing and reacting to Mental Health Challenges in Adolescents and Young Adults
9/1/2020

How can we help our teens and tweens when they are struggling?  Come to this webinar to find out what we should be aware of and what we can do.

Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will become familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders

  • Participants will learn an action plan to respond to mental health and suicidal crises

  • Participants will learn how intervene early during the development of a mental health problem to decrease the severity of the impact of the illness 

Presenter:

Jeremy Streem is an award winning MHFA instructor within the Ohio Army National Guard and the Northeast Ohio VA Medical Center. Jeremy also provides MHFA training to communities at large with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for over 22 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and specializing in supporting other Soldiers in need. Jeremy is also a Master Resilience Trainer, certified through the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught Resilience and Effective Communication strategies to over 2,500 Soldiers as well as the general public. SFC Streem's military experience and education allows him to teach MHFA within the VA, Ohio National Guard, and local communities, providing a Veteran's perspective to the unique challenges of supporting and caring for our military population. Jeremy was recognized by the National Council for Behavioral Health as one of the Top Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructors for both 2018 and 2019, as well as the Top Mental Health First Aid instructor in the State of Ohio in 2019. 

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online via Zoom






Poster Session: Tech Together: Building Bug Robots
9/10/2020

Tech Together is a series of technology programs created for families and designed to engage both adults and children together. This session will focus on the successful creation and implementation of a bug robot building program, challenges we overcame, as well as some tips and tricks for you.  

Presenter:  Niccole Paytosh is a Library Associate at the South Lorain Branch of the Lorain Public Library System. She has spent the last five years working closely with families and youth of all ages. Her passion is creating family programming that enriches the lives of her patrons with creativity, innovation, and fun.  
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Poster Session: Tech Together: Building Bug Robots
9/10/2020

Tech Together is a series of technology programs created for families and designed to engage both adults and children together. This session will focus on the successful creation and implementation of a bug robot building program, challenges we overcame, as well as some tips and tricks for you.  

Presenter:  Niccole Paytosh is a Library Associate at the South Lorain Branch of the Lorain Public Library System. She has spent the last five years working closely with families and youth of all ages. Her passion is creating family programming that enriches the lives of her patrons with creativity, innovation, and fun.  
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Poster Session: Making Gone Virtual
9/18/2020

This poster session will show you how to execute the Maker Mindset Method in creating programs via Zoom for makers of all ages and how to keep everyone engaged. Kits or no kits, desktop access or phone, we will address it all. From successful Family Makerspace Storytimes to 3D design/print glider races gone wild, complete access to what worked and what didn't. 

Presenter:  Amy Zell,  Digital Instructor, Goodwill Industries, Youngstown and former Teen and Patron Technologies Assistant at Hubbard Public Library.
Amy is a self proclaimed Maker after learning that she, too, has the wherewithal and resources to change the world through making.  Amy Zell is using her Final Project through Kent State University 's M.L.I.S. program to take this opportunity to inspire and instill the same passion in librarians that the Pittsburgh Fab Institute instilled in her.
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 65 spots remaining out of 100





Poster Session: Making Gone Virtual
9/18/2020

This poster session will show you how to execute the Maker Mindset Method in creating programs via Zoom for makers of all ages and how to keep everyone engaged. Kits or no kits, desktop access or phone, we will address it all. From successful Family Makerspace Storytimes to 3D design/print glider races gone wild, complete access to what worked and what didn't. 

Presenter:  Amy Zell,  Digital Instructor, Goodwill Industries, Youngstown and former Teen and Patron Technologies Assistant at Hubbard Public Library.
Amy is a self proclaimed Maker after learning that she, too, has the wherewithal and resources to change the world through making.  Amy Zell is using her Final Project through Kent State University 's M.L.I.S. program to take this opportunity to inspire and instill the same passion in librarians that the Pittsburgh Fab Institute instilled in her.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 94 spots remaining out of 100





Poster Session: Putting the TEAM in STEAM Week
9/28/2020

What do you do when your annual STEAM Week is thrown into a pandemic? At Westlake Porter Public Library, you work as a team! See how we were able to pull off a virtual and socially distanced STEAM Week on short notice, and still had fun!

Presenters:

Jamie Dinan is the Early Learning Specialist at Westlake Porter Public Library.  Her work days are filled with sharing stories and songs with children of all ages - the sillier the better!  



Jenny Norton is the STEAM Librarian at Westlake Porter Public Library, where she creates programs in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math, and also helps patrons with technology usage and reference. She earned her M.L.I.S. from Kent State University.
 


Carla Schober is the Adult Services Manager of the Westlake Porter Public library. Previously she worked for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library. She graduated from Kent State University with her M.L.I.S. in 2006.
 

Brenda Zyrkowski is the Web Librarian at Westlake Porter Public Library where she has filled a variety of roles over 20+ years, including Administrative Associate and Integrated Library System Specialist. She earned an M.L.I.S. from Kent State University in 2007.
Location: Online via Zoom






Poster Session: Putting the TEAM in STEAM Week
9/28/2020

What do you do when your annual STEAM Week is thrown into a pandemic? At Westlake Porter Public Library, you work as a team! See how we were able to pull off a virtual and socially distanced STEAM Week on short notice, and still had fun!

Presenters:

Jamie Dinan is the Early Learning Specialist at Westlake Porter Public Library.  Her work days are filled with sharing stories and songs with children of all ages - the sillier the better!  



Jenny Norton is the STEAM Librarian at Westlake Porter Public Library, where she creates programs in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math, and also helps patrons with technology usage and reference. She earned her M.L.I.S. from Kent State University.
 


Carla Schober is the Adult Services Manager of the Westlake Porter Public library. Previously she worked for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, and the Chicago Public Library. She graduated from Kent State University with her M.L.I.S. in 2006.
 

Brenda Zyrkowski is the Web Librarian at Westlake Porter Public Library where she has filled a variety of roles over 20+ years, including Administrative Associate and Integrated Library System Specialist. She earned an M.L.I.S. from Kent State University in 2007.

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.
Location: Online via Zoom






The Show Must Go Online: Virtual Performances at Your Library
10/27/2020

With in-person rehearsals and performances impossible for the annual teen summer play at the Twinsburg Public Library, Julia Fisher embarked on a wild journey to write and direct an all-virtual production. Learn from her trials and triumphs in navigating a new world of online theatre, and see what kind of virtual performances could be right for your library!
 
Viewing of TPL’s Virtual Teen Summer Play, Skyler’s Storybook Adventure, before the presentation is encouraged, but not at all required. You can watch the full performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7F9LiLuum0

Presenter:

Julia Fisher is the Special Projects Coordinator at the Twinsburg Public Library, as well as a playwright, actor, director, and intimacy director throughout Northeast Ohio. Julia has trained with Cleveland Play House, Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Theatrical Intimacy Education, and Movement and Combat Education. In her years as a theatre teacher at Saint Martin de Porres High School, Julia co-directed ten productions of the Saint Martin Drama Club, and twelve of her students were honored at the Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Festival through Dobama Theatre. Julia has recently performed in productions and staged readings at Cleveland Play House, Ensemble Theatre, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Playwrights Local, and other local theatre companies. She is a member of the Young Playwrights Collective through Playwrights Local, where she recently presented a workshop production of Tatterhood, a new musical for which she wrote the book and lyrics. Julia is currently working on a radio adaptation of Lady Molly of Scotland Yard for Ohio Shakespeare Festival, which will be released later this year.
Location: Online via Zoom






The Show Must Go Online: Virtual Performances at Your Library
10/27/2020

With in-person rehearsals and performances impossible for the annual teen summer play at the Twinsburg Public Library, Julia Fisher embarked on a wild journey to write and direct an all-virtual production. Learn from her trials and triumphs in navigating a new world of online theatre, and see what kind of virtual performances could be right for your library!
 
Viewing of TPL’s Virtual Teen Summer Play, Skyler’s Storybook Adventure, before the presentation is encouraged, but not at all required. You can watch the full performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7F9LiLuum0

Presenter:

Julia Fisher is the Special Projects Coordinator at the Twinsburg Public Library, as well as a playwright, actor, director, and intimacy director throughout Northeast Ohio. Julia has trained with Cleveland Play House, Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Theatrical Intimacy Education, and Movement and Combat Education. In her years as a theatre teacher at Saint Martin de Porres High School, Julia co-directed ten productions of the Saint Martin Drama Club, and twelve of her students were honored at the Marilyn Bianchi Kids Playwriting Festival through Dobama Theatre. Julia has recently performed in productions and staged readings at Cleveland Play House, Ensemble Theatre, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Playwrights Local, and other local theatre companies. She is a member of the Young Playwrights Collective through Playwrights Local, where she recently presented a workshop production of Tatterhood, a new musical for which she wrote the book and lyrics. Julia is currently working on a radio adaptation of Lady Molly of Scotland Yard for Ohio Shakespeare Festival, which will be released later this year.  You can find out more about Julia on her website

When you receive your confirmation of registration for this archive the link to the archive will be included in the confirmation email.


Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
11/12/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Just Right Books-How to use text complexity and reading levels in your readers' advisory for kids
11/18/2020

Sometimes it may feel like library staff, educators, and parents all speak different languages, even though they may all have the same literacy and educational goals for their community. This webinar is designed for any library staff member who interacts with teachers, parents, or kids in the course of their work, with a primary focus on public library staff. The goal is to give library staff the tools and vocabulary they need to better communicate with parents and teachers, and to provide stronger readers’ advisory and reference to their whole educational community. We will discuss “text complexity” and reading levels, tools for assessing complexity, and how to use educational standards to inform your work. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the three components of “text complexity”
  • Be able to identify two ways to find “right fit” books for kids, no matter what level system their school uses
  • Better understand how to use digital resources to incorporate text complexity aspects in your readers’ advisory work
Presenter:

Christi Showman Farrar is a Consultant at the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) where she provides guidance and continuing education to library staff all over the state. Prior to working at MLS, Christi worked as a children’s and teen librarian in Massachusetts public libraries for a decade, and was the Director of the School and Public Library division at a well-known library vendor. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, as well as a master’s in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona. In her "spare" time she teaches Children's Literature in the Library Media Studies program at Salem State University, and most recently was a member of the selection committee for the 2020 Sibert Informational Book Medal.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Just Right Books-How to use text complexity and reading levels in your readers' advisory for kids
11/18/2020

Sometimes it may feel like library staff, educators, and parents all speak different languages, even though they may all have the same literacy and educational goals for their community. This webinar is designed for any library staff member who interacts with teachers, parents, or kids in the course of their work, with a primary focus on public library staff. The goal is to give library staff the tools and vocabulary they need to better communicate with parents and teachers, and to provide stronger readers’ advisory and reference to their whole educational community. We will discuss “text complexity” and reading levels, tools for assessing complexity, and how to use educational standards to inform your work. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the three components of “text complexity”
  • Be able to identify two ways to find “right fit” books for kids, no matter what level system their school uses
  • Better understand how to use digital resources to incorporate text complexity aspects in your readers’ advisory work
Presenter:

Christi Showman Farrar is a Consultant at the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) where she provides guidance and continuing education to library staff all over the state. Prior to working at MLS, Christi worked as a children’s and teen librarian in Massachusetts public libraries for a decade, and was the Director of the School and Public Library division at a well-known library vendor. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, as well as a master’s in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona. In her "spare" time she teaches Children's Literature in the Library Media Studies program at Salem State University, and most recently was a member of the selection committee for the 2020 Sibert Informational Book Medal.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Outreach Virtual Networking Meeting
12/1/2020

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Book Buzz Presented by Penguin Random House
12/1/2020

Join Amanda Fensch, Library Sales Manager for Penguin Random House, as she brings you upcoming titles you need to know about! It’ll be a fast and fun 60 minutes, and handouts and the Powerpoint will be provided.

Presenter:

Amanda Fensch has been a circulation clerk, a youth and YA librarian, and an adult services department manager in northern and central Ohio public libraries.  She left libraries 4 years ago to join the library sales team at Penguin Random House and loves talking to librarians about PRH’s titles and authors. When she’s not at work (from her home office), Amanda enjoys biking, running, and cooking, and organizes and runs online charity gaming events.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Book Buzz Presented by Penguin Random House
12/1/2020

Join Amanda Fensch, Library Sales Manager for Penguin Random House, as she brings you upcoming titles you need to know about! It’ll be a fast and fun 60 minutes, and handouts and the Powerpoint will be provided.

Presenter:

Amanda Fensch has been a circulation clerk, a youth and YA librarian, and an adult services department manager in northern and central Ohio public libraries.  She left libraries 4 years ago to join the library sales team at Penguin Random House and loves talking to librarians about PRH’s titles and authors. When she’s not at work (from her home office), Amanda enjoys biking, running, and cooking, and organizes and runs online charity gaming events.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Back Porch Tips: Encourage Literacy, Learning, and Laughter with Library Videos for Young Children
12/10/2020

Delivering programs remotely during the pandemic has presented unique challenges and opportunities. This webinar will offer some tips to maximize the video format. Learn about editing software, program extenders like downloadable PDFs, and how to expand your reach while keeping it personal. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn ways to increase the appeal of videos for young children 
  • Learn ways in which editing software can enhance the literacy impact of the videos 
  • Discover resources for finding songs and rhymes not restricted by copyright 

Presenter:

Nicki Petrone has over thirty years of experience with children and literacy. She specializes in programming for children under age two at the Shaker Heights Public Library. Creating videos has enabled her to tap into he​r diverse skill set by incorporating early literacy, music, creativity, design, and humor. 


Location: Online via Zoom






Back Porch Tips: Encourage Literacy, Learning, and Laughter with Library Videos for Young Children
12/10/2020

Delivering programs remotely during the pandemic has presented unique challenges and opportunities. This webinar will offer some tips to maximize the video format. Learn about editing software, program extenders like downloadable PDFs, and how to expand your reach while keeping it personal. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn ways to increase the appeal of videos for young children 
  • Learn ways in which editing software can enhance the literacy impact of the videos 
  • Discover resources for finding songs and rhymes not restricted by copyright 

Presenter:

Nicki Petrone has over thirty years of experience with children and literacy. She specializes in programming for children under age two at the Shaker Heights Public Library. Creating videos has enabled her to tap into he​r diverse skill set by incorporating early literacy, music, creativity, design, and humor. 


Location: Online via Zoom






Book Matchmaker: Personalized, Impersonal Service: Making RA Work In A Digital World
1/12/2021

In a world of personalized services delivered via impersonal applications, where can we find librarians? Join the panel as they discuss Book Matchmaker, an online readers' advisory (RA) tool that merges a Buzzfeed-style quiz with a Stitch Fix-esque business model. Book Matchmaker is a proven way to connect with patrons online and create strong relationships in real life. Learn how to bring Book Matchmaker to your library and get tips on making online RA work for all ages.

Learning Objectives:
  • Advocate for online-based readers’ advisory at your library
  • Create personalized, online RA forms using tools such as Jotform and Google suite
  • Build strong, RA-based relationships—even in the time of Covid—with a new audience and excite regular readers with a fresh way to discover books.
Presenters:

Stephanie Anderson is the Assistant Director, Selection, for BookOps, serving the branch collections of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. She was previously the Assistant Director of Public Services at the Darien Library (CT). She is a founding member of LibraryReads, the national public library staff picks list, and has written about readers' advisory for RUSQ and Library Journal. She reviews for Kirkus Reviews, Shelf Awareness, and People, and when she's not reading or chasing her toddler, can be found online at bookavore.net.
 
Virginia Grubbs is the Assistant Head of Reader Services, Darien Library (CT). Although, a relative newbie in the Library world, Virginia brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations.  In her most recent pre-librarian role, she served as vice president of a global PR firm. Virginia has worked with several significant organizations including American Airlines, the ExxonMobil Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and Dallas Independent School District. Her area of specialty was educational programs and nonprofits. Since starting at Darien Library in the Reader Services Department in 2013, Virginia has used her talents and love of books to help enhance the patron experience.  She has developed innovative, eye-catching displays and she has managed both the Book Matchmaker and Adult Summer Reading programs. Outside the library you will find Virginia reading, snuggled up with her pets, enjoying time outside or golfing.
 
Elisabeth Marrocolla is the Associate Director of Public Services at Darien Library (CT). She has worked at Darien Library for nearly ten years, previously serving as Head of Children and Teen Services. Elisabeth graduated from Pratt Institute with her MLIS in 2011 and is a 2017 graduate of ALA’s Leadership Institute. She has written regularly for the ALSC Blog, Children in Libraries, and School Library Journal, and is a firm believer that the book is always better than the movie. 
 
Pat Tone has worked in a variety of library positions for 24 years. Currently she is the Head of Reader Services at Dairen Library (CT). Pat came to appreciate and enjoy library work because of her volunteer work at her children’s school libraries. Over the years, she has found working at the library to be a fulfilling and enriching profession because of her love of books, the connection and relationships developed with library patrons, and colleagues and the ability to learn something new every day! When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and walking with the company of four-legged furry friends.
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 48 spots remaining out of 100





Book Matchmaker: Personalized, Impersonal Service: Making RA Work In A Digital World
1/12/2021

In a world of personalized services delivered via impersonal applications, where can we find librarians? Join the panel as they discuss Book Matchmaker, an online readers' advisory (RA) tool that merges a Buzzfeed-style quiz with a Stitch Fix-esque business model. Book Matchmaker is a proven way to connect with patrons online and create strong relationships in real life. Learn how to bring Book Matchmaker to your library and get tips on making online RA work for all ages.

Learning Objectives:
  • Advocate for online-based readers’ advisory at your library
  • Create personalized, online RA forms using tools such as Jotform and Google suite
  • Build strong, RA-based relationships—even in the time of Covid—with a new audience and excite regular readers with a fresh way to discover books.
Presenters:

Stephanie Anderson is the Assistant Director, Selection, for BookOps, serving the branch collections of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. She was previously the Assistant Director of Public Services at the Darien Library (CT). She is a founding member of LibraryReads, the national public library staff picks list, and has written about readers' advisory for RUSQ and Library Journal. She reviews for Kirkus Reviews, Shelf Awareness, and People, and when she's not reading or chasing her toddler, can be found online at bookavore.net.
 
Virginia Grubbs is the Assistant Head of Reader Services, Darien Library (CT). Although, a relative newbie in the Library world, Virginia brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations.  In her most recent pre-librarian role, she served as vice president of a global PR firm. Virginia has worked with several significant organizations including American Airlines, the ExxonMobil Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and Dallas Independent School District. Her area of specialty was educational programs and nonprofits. Since starting at Darien Library in the Reader Services Department in 2013, Virginia has used her talents and love of books to help enhance the patron experience.  She has developed innovative, eye-catching displays and she has managed both the Book Matchmaker and Adult Summer Reading programs. Outside the library you will find Virginia reading, snuggled up with her pets, enjoying time outside or golfing.
 
Elisabeth Marrocolla is the Associate Director of Public Services at Darien Library (CT). She has worked at Darien Library for nearly ten years, previously serving as Head of Children and Teen Services. Elisabeth graduated from Pratt Institute with her MLIS in 2011 and is a 2017 graduate of ALA’s Leadership Institute. She has written regularly for the ALSC Blog, Children in Libraries, and School Library Journal, and is a firm believer that the book is always better than the movie. 
 
Pat Tone has worked in a variety of library positions for 24 years. Currently she is the Head of Reader Services at Dairen Library (CT). Pat came to appreciate and enjoy library work because of her volunteer work at her children’s school libraries. Over the years, she has found working at the library to be a fulfilling and enriching profession because of her love of books, the connection and relationships developed with library patrons, and colleagues and the ability to learn something new every day! When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and walking with the company of four-legged furry friends.
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 73 spots remaining out of 100





Evaluating Program Success
1/13/2021

Planning public programs and events has become an essential part of library services, but it is also time consuming, and at times, challenging. Library staff who host programs agree that counting attendance will never tell the holistic story of whether a program was a success or failure. There is so much more data that should be collected so that we can tell the complete story about library programming to funders and board members, be prepared to apply for grants, and plan for the future. In this session, a variety of tools and methods for evaluating programs beyond taking attendance will be discussed so that your library can use data to tell a story, drive decisions about future programming and so much more. 
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Be introduced to several tools and methods that can be used to for evaluating programs 
  • Gain a better understanding of what types of data can be collected to drive future programming decisions 
  • Learn how to make statistics and data tell a compelling story that will impress funders and assist with grant writing 
Presenter:

crop-MMDPLCWQ-Presenter-HermannJ.jpg

Janie L. Hermann is the Public Programming Librarian at Princeton Public Library in Princeton, NJ where she oversees a cross-departmental team of 15 staff  members that plan and execute more than 1,700 programs per year with an annual attendance in excess of 54,000 at the programs. She is currently a member of the ALA Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee and the co-chair of the ALA Programming Librarian Interest Group. 


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Evaluating Program Success
1/13/2021

Planning public programs and events has become an essential part of library services, but it is also time consuming, and at times, challenging. Library staff who host programs agree that counting attendance will never tell the holistic story of whether a program was a success or failure. There is so much more data that should be collected so that we can tell the complete story about library programming to funders and board members, be prepared to apply for grants, and plan for the future. In this session, a variety of tools and methods for evaluating programs beyond taking attendance will be discussed so that your library can use data to tell a story, drive decisions about future programming and so much more. 
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Be introduced to several tools and methods that can be used to for evaluating programs 
  • Gain a better understanding of what types of data can be collected to drive future programming decisions 
  • Learn how to make statistics and data tell a compelling story that will impress funders and assist with grant writing 
Presenter:

crop-MMDPLCWQ-Presenter-HermannJ.jpg

Janie L. Hermann is the Public Programming Librarian at Princeton Public Library in Princeton, NJ where she oversees a cross-departmental team of 15 staff  members that plan and execute more than 1,700 programs per year with an annual attendance in excess of 54,000 at the programs. She is currently a member of the ALA Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee and the co-chair of the ALA Programming Librarian Interest Group. 


 
Location: Online via Zoom






2021 Children's Summer Reading Program
1/14/2021

The 2020 Summer Reading Program was like no other.  We don’t know exactly what 2021 will bring, however, we have some ideas to share to hopefully make it easier for you and your library.  Join us for a two-part summer reading, online workshop.  The first day will be information sessions and the second will be networking.  We will kick the program off with an overview of the theme, Tails & Tales, given by State Library Consultant, Janet Ingraham Dwyer.

The next presentation will be about adapting programs to fit any delivery style, whether it be face to face, virtual, make and take, outdoors or anything in between.  Laura Lehner and her team from the Hudson Library and Historical Center will present.

We will then have a break for lunch.

Critter Camp will follow lunch and we will hear about the camp planned for Lorain Public Library System with Niccole Paytosh.  We will end the day with crafts and snacks presented by Shelia Privett at Andover Public Library.

In addition to these sessions, we are encouraging you to share your program ideas by creating a Tapas Learning video.  The video can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as 30 minutes. You can do this on your phone, no equipment needed.   Contact Melissa Lattanzi if you would like to contribute.

Lastly, be sure to register for the networking portion of this program which is scheduled for Thursday, January 21st at 1 pm.  Click HERE to register.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 183 spots remaining out of 200





Children's Summer Reading Program
1/14/2021

The 2020 Summer Reading Program was like no other.  We don’t know exactly what 2021 will bring, however, we have some ideas to share to hopefully make it easier for you and your library.  Join us for a two-part summer reading, online workshop.  The first day will be information sessions and the second will be networking.  We will kick the program off with an overview of the theme, Tails & Tales, given by State Library Consultant, Janet Ingraham Dwyer.

The next presentation will be about adapting programs to fit any delivery style, whether it be face to face, virtual, make and take, outdoors or anything in between.  Laura Lehner and her team from the Hudson Library and Historical Center will present.

We will then have a break for lunch.

Critter Camp will follow lunch and we will hear about the camp planned for Lorain Public Library System with Niccole Paytosh.  We will end the day with crafts and snacks presented by Shelia Privett at Andover Public Library.

In addition to these sessions, we are encouraging you to share your program ideas by creating a Tapas Learning video.  The video can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as 30 minutes. You can do this on your phone, no equipment needed.   Contact Melissa Lattanzi if you would like to contribute.

Lastly, be sure to register for the networking portion of this program which is scheduled for Thursday, January 21st at 1 pm.  Click HERE to register.
 
Location: Online via Zoom

There are currently 98 spots remaining out of 200





Children's Summer Reading Part II: Networking
1/21/2021

This is Part II of the Summer Reading Program.  This two-hours will be dedicated to networking and brain storming around Summer Reading.  We hope you will join us.  We will be utilizing a new meeting portal called Remo.  Come prepared to share your ideas and challenges for 2021 Summer Reading.
Location: Online via Remo






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
1/25/2021

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly for all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Gadgets and Gizmos: Exploring Technology for Youth
2/17/2021

Want to engage children with the latest technology but don’t know where to begin? Interested in using technology in your programming but you’re on a tight budget?   Join us for the sixth annual Gadgets and Gizmos webinar. This popular, detailed webinar presentation will showcase some cool new tech gadgets, websites and resources you can incorporate into your youth services programs! You will also have an opportunity to share your technology successes and challenges with other attendees.

Learning Objectives:
  • Discover the newest emerging technologies that are both affordable and useful for your library department or program
  • Learn about ways to implement these technologies through available lesson plans and STEAM programs and ideas

Presenter:

Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 148 spots remaining out of 200





Gadgets and Gizmos: Exploring Technology for Youth
2/17/2021

Want to engage children with the latest technology but don’t know where to begin? Interested in using technology in your programming but you’re on a tight budget?   Join us for the sixth annual Gadgets and Gizmos webinar. This popular, detailed webinar presentation will showcase some cool new tech gadgets, websites and resources you can incorporate into your youth services programs! You will also have an opportunity to share your technology successes and challenges with other attendees.

Learning Objectives:
  • Discover the newest emerging technologies that are both affordable and useful for your library department or program
  • Learn about ways to implement these technologies through available lesson plans and STEAM programs and ideas

Presenter:

Holly Klingler, Research and Innovation Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Location: Online
Via Adobe Connect

There are currently 186 spots remaining out of 200





Sort It Out! : Using In-House Classification Systems to Maximize Comics and Graphic Novels
2/23/2021

Do you struggle to keep your comics collection organized? Comics, graphic novels, and manga that are organized by traditional library classification systems, like Dewey, can become unwieldly and difficult for patrons to find specific items or even browse. Learn how creating an in-house classification system can provide a perfect solution to raise your comics circulations, as well as some cataloging and merchandising tips.

Learning Objectives:
  • A brief overview of comics, graphic novels, and what makes them so unique and challenging to organize
  • Learn examples of in-house classification systems for comics from other libraries across the country and how to adapt those ideas for your library
  • Learn about best practices for cataloging and access to comics
Presenter:

Jack Phoenix is a librarian in the Greater Cleveland area. He is the author of the SLJ starred review book, Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More, and a member of the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association.

 
Location: Online
Via Zoom

There are currently 59 spots remaining out of 100





Sort It Out! : Using In-House Classification Systems to Maximize Comics and Graphic Novels
2/23/2021

Do you struggle to keep your comics collection organized? Comics, graphic novels, and manga that are organized by traditional library classification systems, like Dewey, can become unwieldly and difficult for patrons to find specific items or even browse. Learn how creating an in-house classification system can provide a perfect solution to raise your comics circulations, as well as some cataloging and merchandising tips.

Learning Objectives:
  • A brief overview of comics, graphic novels, and what makes them so unique and challenging to organize
  • Learn examples of in-house classification systems for comics from other libraries across the country and how to adapt those ideas for your library
  • Learn about best practices for cataloging and access to comics
Presenter:

Jack Phoenix is a librarian in the Greater Cleveland area. He is the author of the SLJ starred review book, Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More, and a member of the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association.

 
Location: Online
Via Zoom

There are currently 80 spots remaining out of 100





Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part I
3/11/2021

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Once you registered for Part I be sure to sign up for Part II which is on Thursday, March 18, 2021  at 2:00 PM
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part II
3/18/2021

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



LGBTQ+ Reader’s Advisory
4/1/2021

Join us for a series of book talks on LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction for young adult and middle grade readers. We’ll talk about some classic LGBTQ+ titles as well as the newest offerings and examine resources available to provide your own recommendations. We will also talk about the importance of "own voices" books to teens and tweens, allowing libraries to better relate to their LGBTQ+ population and to provide better resources to their communities as a whole.

Learning Objectives:
  • Make recommendations to students asking for LGBTQ+ books and feel empowered to booktalk these resources for students who may not feel comfortable asking individually
  • Gain familiarity with blogs, message boards, and review sites that focus on LGBTQ+ books and their place in the community
  • Understand why it is important to provide “own voices” books to teens and tweens and understand the varying degrees of the LGBTQ+ spectrum
Presenters:

Christopher Brackett is a librarian at the James Weldon Johnson Community Library in St. Petersburg, FL. He is originally from Fitchburg, Massachusetts and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fitchburg State University and a Master's in Library Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Chris is a fan of YA novels, particularly fantasy, sci-fi, and LGBTQ+ stories. He is a huge movie buff and pop culture aficionado.

Tricia Smith is a librarian in the St. Petersburg Library System. Originally from Auburn, Alabama, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Auburn University and a Master's in Library Science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Tricia likes to read banned books, or books that are controversial, because she likes to know what all the fuss is about. She reads classics for the same reason.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






LGBTQ+ Readers' Advisory
4/1/2021

Join us for a series of book talks on LGBTQ+ fiction and non-fiction for young adult and middle grade readers. We’ll talk about some classic LGBTQ+ titles as well as the newest offerings and examine resources available to provide your own recommendations. We will also talk about the importance of "own voices" books to teens and tweens, allowing libraries to better relate to their LGBTQ+ population and to provide better resources to their communities as a whole.

Learning Objectives:
  • Make recommendations to students asking for LGBTQ+ books and feel empowered to booktalk these resources for students who may not feel comfortable asking individually
  • Gain familiarity with blogs, message boards, and review sites that focus on LGBTQ+ books and their place in the community
  • Understand why it is important to provide “own voices” books to teens and tweens and understand the varying degrees of the LGBTQ+ spectrum
Presenters:

Christopher Brackett is a librarian at the James Weldon Johnson Community Library in St. Petersburg, FL. He is originally from Fitchburg, Massachusetts and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fitchburg State University and a Master's in Library Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Chris is a fan of YA novels, particularly fantasy, sci-fi, and LGBTQ+ stories. He is a huge movie buff and pop culture aficionado.

Tricia Smith is a librarian in the St. Petersburg Library System. Originally from Auburn, Alabama, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Auburn University and a Master's in Library Science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Tricia likes to read banned books, or books that are controversial, because she likes to know what all the fuss is about. She reads classics for the same reason.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
4/8/2021

We know these uncertain times are a challenge for everyone.  Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to learn how they are managing this crisis.  This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly for all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Gaming & Esports in Libraries
4/14/2021

Welcome to "Gaming & Esports in Libraries," a webinar where you'll learn what esports are, ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library, and how to establish them. Even with the challenges we currently face, there are still many ways to provide these events to patrons! 
 
Tristan Wheeler initiated and runs the fast-growing and popular series of gaming events at the Cleveland Public Library, now called CPL Play. Patrons of all ages, genders, and backgrounds experience a wide variety of ways to play, from video games to board games, all while creating and developing new relationships. Gaming and esports events provide an environment of both cooperative and competitive gaming, exposing patrons to the many different facets of gaming and videogame culture. 
  
Attendees are given the opportunity to learn about the business of video games, including professional gaming, the latest trends in technology, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the many jobs that exist within this field. With access to the hardware, software, community, educational opportunities, and many resources available at the library, patrons are given the tools and materials they need to pursue different pathways to success. 
 
In 2020, the CPL Play events moved even more into the online space with the new series, CPL Play Online—so patrons can enjoy elements of the Library’s gaming and esports at home! This live-streamed event series features new and different ways for patrons to learn and interact with online tournaments, group gaming sessions, guest speakers, workshops and presentations, unboxing videos and more. 
  
Join us for this introduction to esports in libraries and learn why a program like this is important to our library… and could be for yours! 
 
Learning Objectives: 
 
  • Learn what esports are
  • Learn ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library
  • Learn how to establish them 
 
Presenter:  
 
Tristan Wheeler is an Audiovisual & Event Planning Specialist at the Cleveland Public Library. Since 2003, Tristan has worked with other library staff to bring a wide variety of video games-related programming and events to Clevelanders at Main Library and branch locations. For the past five years, Tristan has led the team which plans and delivers esports and gaming at Cleveland Public Library, bringing national and international recognition for the program and for Cleveland Public Library. 
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Gaming & Esports in Libraries
4/14/2021

Welcome to "Gaming & Esports in Libraries," a webinar where you'll learn what esports are, ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library, and how to establish them. Even with the challenges we currently face, there are still many ways to provide these events to patrons! 
 
Tristan Wheeler initiated and runs the fast-growing and popular series of gaming events at the Cleveland Public Library, now called CPL Play. Patrons of all ages, genders, and backgrounds experience a wide variety of ways to play, from video games to board games, all while creating and developing new relationships. Gaming and esports events provide an environment of both cooperative and competitive gaming, exposing patrons to the many different facets of gaming and videogame culture. 
  
Attendees are given the opportunity to learn about the business of video games, including professional gaming, the latest trends in technology, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the many jobs that exist within this field. With access to the hardware, software, community, educational opportunities, and many resources available at the library, patrons are given the tools and materials they need to pursue different pathways to success. 
 
In 2020, the CPL Play events moved even more into the online space with the new series, CPL Play Online—so patrons can enjoy elements of the Library’s gaming and esports at home! This live-streamed event series features new and different ways for patrons to learn and interact with online tournaments, group gaming sessions, guest speakers, workshops and presentations, unboxing videos and more. 
  
Join us for this introduction to esports in libraries and learn why a program like this is important to our library… and could be for yours! 
 
Learning Objectives: 
 
  • Learn what esports are
  • Learn ways that games-related programming can strengthen your library
  • Learn how to establish them 
 
Presenter:  
 
Tristan Wheeler is an Audiovisual & Event Planning Specialist at the Cleveland Public Library. Since 2003, Tristan has worked with other library staff to bring a wide variety of video games-related programming and events to Clevelanders at Main Library and branch locations. For the past five years, Tristan has led the team which plans and delivers esports and gaming at Cleveland Public Library, bringing national and international recognition for the program and for Cleveland Public Library. 
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Escape Rooms at Your Library
5/4/2021

Escape rooms are relentlessly fun and deceptively educational - a perfect library program for all ages! This webinar will cover everything you need to know in order to host an escape room at your library.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what an escape room is and how to adapt the concept to your library's programming
  • Learn the logistics, from materials to puzzle types, behind planning an escape room program
  • Experience a virtual (and quick) escape room scenario
Presenter:

Chris Labib is an Adult Services Librarian at Kent Free Library. She loves to learn and have fun, and her programs for the adults in her community reflect those passions.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Escape Rooms at Your Library
5/4/2021

Escape rooms are relentlessly fun and deceptively educational - a perfect library program for all ages! This webinar will cover everything you need to know in order to host an escape room at your library.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what an escape room is and how to adapt the concept to your library's programming
  • Learn the logistics, from materials to puzzle types, behind planning an escape room program
  • Experience a virtual (and quick) escape room scenario
Presenter:

Chris Labib is an Adult Services Librarian at Kent Free Library. She loves to learn and have fun, and her programs for the adults in her community reflect those passions.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Crash Course in Using TikTok
5/5/2021

TikTok provides libraries with a unique approach to bringing new video content to their social media and encouraging interaction. With the use of TikTok, libraries can make short form videos that can take a variety of approaches from informative to funny all while using the intuitive app to distribute the message to both old and new users. Additionally, with it's ease of shareability to other social media platforms, it can be easily shared with other library social media platforms making for great cross-platform promotion.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the basics of TikTok and how to put together a video
  • Learn the ideas behind content creation for the app and what sort of brand you want to create for the library
  • Tips and Tricks for using TikTok's extras
Presenter:

David Roberts is a Reference & Social Media Librarian at Salem Public Library. He earned his MLIS at Kent State University and before that worked several years as a journalist. A love of content creation and a passion for libraries combined to create a great opportunity to use social media to give libraries a colorful and entertaining personality.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Crash Course in Using TikTok
5/5/2021

TikTok provides libraries with a unique approach to bringing new video content to their social media and encouraging interaction. With the use of TikTok, libraries can make short form videos that can take a variety of approaches from informative to funny all while using the intuitive app to distribute the message to both old and new users. Additionally, with it's ease of shareability to other social media platforms, it can be easily shared with other library social media platforms making for great cross-platform promotion.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the basics of TikTok and how to put together a video
  • Learn the ideas behind content creation for the app and what sort of brand you want to create for the library
  • Tips and Tricks for using TikTok's extras
Presenter:

David Roberts is a Reference & Social Media Librarian at Salem Public Library. He earned his MLIS at Kent State University and before that worked several years as a journalist. A love of content creation and a passion for libraries combined to create a great opportunity to use social media to give libraries a colorful and entertaining personality.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting-Focused on Summer Reading Wrap-up
8/26/2021

This meeting will be focused on a summer reading wrap-up.

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Indoors, and Outdoors, and Zoom! Oh My! – Flexible Storytelling for the 21st Century
9/14/2021

Storytelling in the 21st century (and during a pandemic!) poses new challenges. But these challenges are also opportunities to grow our skills and expand our audience! In this workshop, we’ll explore how to adapt our storytelling to different settings – from in-person indoor and outdoor programs to Zoom and even hybrid events. Tackling such topics as story selection, involving the audience, technological considerations and safety protocols, we’ll share ideas for how to make the most out of any program, no matter the method of delivery.

Learning Objectives:
  • Adapt storytelling to different settings
  • Story selection
  • Audience involvement
  • Technology concerns
Presenter:

Lindsay Bonilla is a professional storyteller and children’s book author from North Canton, Ohio. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in theatre and religion at Northwestern University, she fell in love with folktales and world travel and has been performing interactive theatre, sharing stories and teaching workshops all over the world ever since. Lindsay is the award-winning author of POLAR BEAR ISLAND, a picture book which celebrates inclusivity and diversity. Her forthcoming books include: I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEARTS (Creative Editions, August 2021), THE STORYTELLER (Nancy Paulsen/Penguin, 2022), and THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC (Page Street, 2023), as well as two soon-to-be-announced titles from Holiday House and Penguin. Lindsay loves to travel and has visited 28 countries on 5 different continents. Learn more at http://www.lindsaybonilla.com
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Put on the Polish: Use Editing Software to Level-Up Your Videos
10/28/2021

Videos can be a great way to offer programming and instruction that patrons can access at their convenience. Learn how to add titles, move and split clips, add text, transitions, sound effects, music and more to make your videos more interesting, professional, and effective.  Get basic instruction in editing using iMovie on a desktop computer or an iPad. Hear about other editing software options. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Add items into your video
  • Learn how to edit using IMovie
  • Learn about other editing software
Presenter:

Nicki Petrone has over thirty years of experience with children and literacy. She specializes in programming for children under age two at the Shaker Heights Public Library. Creating videos has enabled her to tap into he​r diverse skill set by incorporating early literacy, music, creativity, design, and humor. 


Location: Online via Zoom






Put on the Polish: Use Editing Software to Level-Up Your Videos
10/28/2021

Videos can be a great way to offer programming and instruction that patrons can access at their convenience. Learn how to add titles, move and split clips, add text, transitions, sound effects, music and more to make your videos more interesting, professional, and effective.  Get basic instruction in editing using iMovie on a desktop computer or an iPad. Hear about other editing software options. 

Learning Objectives:

  • Add items into your video
  • Learn how to edit using IMovie
  • Learn about other editing software
Presenter:

Nicki Petrone has over thirty years of experience with children and literacy. She specializes in programming for children under age two at the Shaker Heights Public Library. Creating videos has enabled her to tap into he​r diverse skill set by incorporating early literacy, music, creativity, design, and humor. 


Location: Online via Zoom






Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Literature
11/9/2021

All children need to see themselves and people in our world in books. Building an inclusive collection is challenging. It's more than a diversity list. It requires reflection, investigation, exploration, and analysis. Tiffeni Fontno, Head Librarian, Educational Resource Center, Boston College, will talk about diverse collection building, evaluating, and resources to acquire diverse children's literature.

Learning Objectives:
  • Evaluating how cultural competency influences book selection and services
  • Defining criteria to evaluate diverse children's literature
  • Assemble resources to develop a profile for selecting diverse materials
Presenter:

Tiffeni Fontno is the Head Librarian of the Educational Resource Center at Boston College. A former classroom teacher and school librarian, Tiffeni's areas of educational interest are in Curriculum & Instruction, Children & Young Adult Literature, and Educational Technology.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Literature
11/9/2021

All children need to see themselves and people in our world in books. Building an inclusive collection is challenging. It's more than a diversity list. It requires reflection, investigation, exploration, and analysis. Tiffeni Fontno, Head Librarian, Educational Resource Center, Boston College, will talk about diverse collection building, evaluating, and resources to acquire diverse children's literature.

Learning Objectives:
  • Evaluating how cultural competency influences book selection and services
  • Defining criteria to evaluate diverse children's literature
  • Assemble resources to develop a profile for selecting diverse materials
Presenter:

Tiffeni Fontno is the Head Librarian of the Educational Resource Center at Boston College. A former classroom teacher and school librarian, Tiffeni's areas of educational interest are in Curriculum & Instruction, Children & Young Adult Literature, and Educational Technology.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part I
11/30/2021

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Once you registered for Part I be sure to sign up for Part II which is on Tuesday, December 7, 2021  at 2:00 PM
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening the public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part II
12/7/2021

Part II of this hands-on workshop will help you continue building a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn more about how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening the public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



2022 Children's Summer Reading Program: Oceans of Possibilities
1/12/2022

There is an ocean of possibilities for this year's virtual children’s summer reading program.  Marilyn Weiss, Mentor Public Library, will share her oceans of possibilities with some indoor and outdoor programs.  Next, we will help you put some STEAM into your summer reading program with Jennifer Norton from Westlake Porter Public Library.    Join your peers for a lively breakout room discussion of more ideas for programs. 

Lunch Break:  12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

The afternoon will start with a rapid-fire session of craft ideas and a 7 week preschool storytime.  We will  also be sharing passive program ideas.  Please send a one-page sheet to Melissa Lattanzi by January 10th.  We will end the day with a general roundtable discussion which will be kicked off with a talk about the Cleveland Public Library Partnership.  Come prepared to discuss partnership opportunities, prizes, registration, and other topics of interest.  We look forward to seeing everyone.

Lost at Sea - Launch Points for Your Summer Programming
Feeling lost in the ocean of possibilities for programming this summer? We can help with some jumping off points. Marilyn will present a few programming ideas that can fit into this year's summer reading theme, or be run completely separately, including some passive programming in VR.

Presenter:

Marilyn Weiss has been working in libraries for the past 15 years, specifically working as a Library Associate at Mentor Public Library for the past 8 years. She's always looking for an opportunity to create something new in her work, be it a covered wagon or cardboard tractor. She strives to make her story times and programming exciting, educational, and entertaining

Preschool Storytimes with Oceans of Possibilities
A handout will be shared with preschool storytimes all laid out with poetry, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and musical selections on a variety of topics related to this year's theme.  There will also be a brief discussion about the importance of rhyme and movement with the littles!

Presenter:

Barbara Scott has been the Children's Librarian at the Bucyrus Public  Library for the past 36 years.  She has also been a member of numerous OLC committees/divisions, and has presented on the library's popular Music and Movement program at ALSC symposiums.  She also heads up Crawford Reads 20, a grass-roots literacy organization in Crawford County to get books into the hands of children and is also the Executive Director of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library/Governor's Imagination Library's Crawford County affiliate.  


 
Location: Online via Zoom





 



Children's Summer Reading Program: Oceans of Possibilities
1/12/2022

There is an ocean of possibilities for this year's virtual children’s summer reading program.  Marilyn Weiss, Mentor Public Library, will share her oceans of possibilities with some indoor and outdoor programs.  Next, we will help you put some STEAM into your summer reading program with Jennifer Norton from Westlake Porter Public Library.    Join your peers for a lively breakout room discussion of more ideas for programs. 

Lunch Break:  12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

The afternoon will start with a rapid-fire session of craft ideas and a 7 week preschool storytime.  We will  also be sharing passive program ideas.  Please send a one-page sheet to Melissa Lattanzi by January 10th.  We will end the day with a general roundtable discussion which will be kicked off with a talk about the Cleveland Public Library Partnership.  Come prepared to discuss partnership opportunities, prizes, registration, and other topics of interest.  We look forward to seeing everyone.

Lost at Sea - Launch Points for Your Summer Programming
Feeling lost in the ocean of possibilities for programming this summer? We can help with some jumping off points. Marilyn will present a few programming ideas that can fit into this year's summer reading theme, or be run completely separately, including some passive programming in VR.

Presenter:

Marilyn Weiss has been working in libraries for the past 15 years, specifically working as a Library Associate at Mentor Public Library for the past 8 years. She's always looking for an opportunity to create something new in her work, be it a covered wagon or cardboard tractor. She strives to make her story times and programming exciting, educational, and entertaining

Preschool Storytimes with Oceans of Possibilities
A handout will be shared with preschool storytimes all laid out with poetry, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and musical selections on a variety of topics related to this year's theme.  There will also be a brief discussion about the importance of rhyme and movement with the littles!

Presenter:

Barbara Scott has been the Children's Librarian at the Bucyrus Public  Library for the past 36 years.  She has also been a member of numerous OLC committees/divisions, and has presented on the library's popular Music and Movement program at ALSC symposiums.  She also heads up Crawford Reads 20, a grass-roots literacy organization in Crawford County to get books into the hands of children and is also the Executive Director of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library/Governor's Imagination Library's Crawford County affiliate.  


 
Location: Online via Zoom





 



Hybrid Programming: A Conversation about Equipment to Engagement
2/24/2022

No one has completely conquered hybrid programming.  However, this webinar will provide some input from the libraries that have implemented it.  CJ Lynce, Assistant Director of Westlake Porter Public Library will share information about the equipment that the library purchased and how it is being best utilized along with other equipment that is available on the market.

Avon Lake Public Library made plans for full-on hybrid programming this fall, but some procedures and expectations had to be adjusted. Gerry Vogel , Assistant Director, will offer some lessons learned during the process, and a frank discussion of human factors in successful hybrid programming: what went right, what went wrong, what worked at ALPL, and what may work better elsewhere. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn about different equipment needed for hybrid programming
  • Learn about programs offered
  • What lessons were learned along the way
Presenters:

CJ Lynce, Assistant Director, Westlake Porter Public Library

Gerry Vogel has been assistant director of Avon Lake Public Library since May 2006
Location: Online via Zoom






Hybrid Programming: A Conversation about Equipment to Engagement
2/24/2022

No one has completely conquered hybrid programming.  However, this webinar will provide some input from the libraries that have implemented it.  CJ Lynce, Assistant Director of Westlake Porter Public Library will share information about the equipment that the library purchased and how it is being best utilized along with other equipment that is available on the market.

Avon Lake Public Library made plans for full-on hybrid programming this fall, but some procedures and expectations had to be adjusted. Gerry Vogel , Assistant Director, will offer some lessons learned during the process, and a frank discussion of human factors in successful hybrid programming: what went right, what went wrong, what worked at ALPL, and what may work better elsewhere. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn about different equipment needed for hybrid programming
  • Learn about programs offered
  • What lessons were learned along the way
Presenters:

CJ Lynce, Assistant Director, Westlake Porter Public Library

Gerry Vogel has been assistant director of Avon Lake Public Library since May 2006
Location: Online via Zoom







Library Summer Program Marketing Crash Course
3/9/2022

Cari Hillman, Community Engagement Director of the MidPointe Library System shares marketing tips and tricks to help make your summer a success. Scalable to libraries of all sizes, this session will outline the power of a comprehensive marketing plan and (if applicable) ways to use CSLP resources for your marketing mix.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the value of going “all in” on summer library programs
  • Reframe your summer marketing mindset
  • Tips to engage your staff
Presenter:

Cari Hillman has nearly 20 years of marketing experience, though she uses assorted social media filters to make it look more like 5. She serves as the community engagement director for the MidPointe Library System in southwest Ohio, overseeing library marketing, system-wide programming and community partnership development. She assists on multiple local boards and committees, including Downtown Middletown Inc. and Women Enriching Lives. Additionally, she is the chair of the CSLP Social Media Committee. She hates Twitter, loves Instagram and dreams of enlisting TikTok celebrities in her library marketing campaigns.
 
Location: Online via Zoom







Library Summer Program Marketing Crash Course
3/9/2022

Cari Hillman, Community Engagement Director of the MidPointe Library System shares marketing tips and tricks to help make your summer a success. Scalable to libraries of all sizes, this session will outline the power of a comprehensive marketing plan and (if applicable) ways to use CSLP resources for your marketing mix.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the value of going “all in” on summer library programs
  • Reframe your summer marketing mindset
  • Tips to engage your staff
Presenter:

Cari Hillman has nearly 20 years of marketing experience, though she uses assorted social media filters to make it look more like 5. She serves as the community engagement director for the MidPointe Library System in southwest Ohio, overseeing library marketing, system-wide programming and community partnership development. She assists on multiple local boards and committees, including Downtown Middletown Inc. and Women Enriching Lives. Additionally, she is the chair of the CSLP Social Media Committee. She hates Twitter, loves Instagram and dreams of enlisting TikTok celebrities in her library marketing campaigns.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Outreach Virtual Networking Meeting
3/29/2022

Here is an opportunity to share your challenges and successes with other staff involved in library outreach.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Authentic Voices in Children's and Teen Literature: What's Socioeconomics Got to Do with It?
4/19/2022

A superb high school librarian, in a discussion of making a place for all stories, explained the groups she was expanding her collection to more accurately and completely represent.  When I asked about voices of those living in generational poverty, she paused and very honestly replied, “I never thought about representation and socioeconomics.”  And proceeded to ask me about titles.  So in this webinar, we will do just that: think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty – both their joys and challenges.  And how to develop our collections to represent their voices.  There will be time for questions and answers, and sharing our stories.  Please visit Christina's website to get a taste of who she is and what she does: www.opendorrs2books.com

Learning Objectives:

  • Think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty
  • How to develop our collections to represent their voices
Presenter:
 

Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association. You can visit her website at www.opendorrs2books.com.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Authentic Voices in Children’s and Teen Literature: What’s Socioeconomics Got to Do with It?
4/19/2022

A superb high school librarian, in a discussion of making a place for all stories, explained the groups she was expanding her collection to more accurately and completely represent.  When I asked about voices of those living in generational poverty, she paused and very honestly replied, “I never thought about representation and socioeconomics.”  And proceeded to ask me about titles.  So in this webinar, we will do just that: think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty – both their joys and challenges.  And how to develop our collections to represent their voices.  There will be time for questions and answers, and sharing our stories.  Please visit Christina's website to get a taste of who she is and what she does: www.opendorrs2books.com

Learning Objectives:

  • Think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty
  • How to develop our collections to represent their voices
Presenter:
 

Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association. You can visit her website at www.opendorrs2books.com.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
5/3/2022

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Mental Health First Aid
5/11/2022

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

This course will run 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.  There will be two hours worth of pre-work before the online workshop.  This course is limited to 30.  We will take a waitlist. This class will not be archived.


Presenter:
Jeremy Streem is an award winning MHFA instructor within the Ohio Army National Guard and the Northeast Ohio VA Medical Center. Jeremy also provides MHFA training to communities at large with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for over 22 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and specializing in supporting other Soldiers in need. Jeremy is also a Master Resilience Trainer, certified through the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught Resilience and Effective Communication strategies to over 2,500 Soldiers as well as the general public. SFC Streem's military experience and education allows him to teach MHFA within the VA, Ohio National Guard, and local communities, providing a Veteran's perspective to the unique challenges of supporting and caring for our military population. Jeremy was recognized by the National Council for Behavioral Health as one of the Top Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructors for both 2018 and 2019, as well as the Top Mental Health First Aid instructor in the State of Ohio in 2019. 
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Challenged, banned but in high demand: Why all children need LGBTQA+ books more than ever
5/24/2022

Making certain LGBTQIA+ books are accessible for all children is more important than ever, but would-be censors are making it much more difficult. We will talk about why these books are a critical part of your collection and how to deal with would-be censors and other stakeholders. We will suggest ways to make sure your teens continue to view your library as a safe space with the books they need. And finally, we will share some of the newest books published in the past year.

There will be time for questions.

Learning Objectives:

  • You will learn why LGBTQIA+ books are critical to your collection
  • You will learn how to deal with would-be-censors
  • You will learn ways to make sure teens feel they have a safe space at the library

Presenters:
Please visit our websites to get a taste of who we are and what we do.

Dr. Christina Dorr. https://www.opendorrs2books.com/
Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association.
 

Liz Deskins. http://www.lizdeskins.com
Lizabeth (Liz) Deskins began teaching as an adjunct instructor for Kent State’s School Library Media K-12 Program in 2017. Prior to teaching at Kent State, Liz taught graduate courses in education and library science at Ohio Dominican University for eight years. In addition, Liz has taught multiple online courses and webinars for the American Library Association's AASL and ALSC divisions, as well as for INFOhio.  Liz has worked 30+ years as a school librarian. Liz’s master’s degree focused on literature for children and young adults. She has co-authored two books with Dr. Christina Dorr: Linking Picture Book Biographies to National Content Standards: 200+ Lives to Explore (ABC-Clio, 2015) and LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens: Providing a Window for All (ALA Editions, 2018). Her latest book is Content Area Collaborations for Secondary Grades, published by ALA Editions in 2019.


Location: Online via Zoom






Challenged, banned but in high demand: Why all children need LGBTQA+ books more than ever
5/24/2022

Recorded 5/24/2022

Making certain LGBTQIA+ books are accessible for all children is more important than ever, but would-be censors are making it much more difficult. We will talk about why these books are a critical part of your collection and how to deal with would-be censors and other stakeholders. We will suggest ways to make sure your teens continue to view your library as a safe space with the books they need. And finally, we will share some of the newest books published in the past year.

There will be time for questions.

Learning Objectives:

  • You will learn why LGBTQIA+ books are critical to your collection
  • You will learn how to deal with would-be-censors
  • You will learn ways to make sure teens feel they have a safe space at the library

Presenters:
Please visit our websites to get a taste of who we are and what we do.

Dr. Christina Dorr. https://www.opendorrs2books.com/
Christina Dorr’s love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association.
 

Liz Deskins. http://www.lizdeskins.com
Lizabeth (Liz) Deskins began teaching as an adjunct instructor for Kent State’s School Library Media K-12 Program in 2017. Prior to teaching at Kent State, Liz taught graduate courses in education and library science at Ohio Dominican University for eight years. In addition, Liz has taught multiple online courses and webinars for the American Library Association's AASL and ALSC divisions, as well as for INFOhio.  Liz has worked 30+ years as a school librarian. Liz’s master’s degree focused on literature for children and young adults. She has co-authored two books with Dr. Christina Dorr: Linking Picture Book Biographies to National Content Standards: 200+ Lives to Explore (ABC-Clio, 2015) and LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens: Providing a Window for All (ALA Editions, 2018). Her latest book is Content Area Collaborations for Secondary Grades, published by ALA Editions in 2019.


Location: Online via Zoom






STEM Programming for Youth Services
9/8/2022

Welcome to a day of STEM programming for youth services at the newly renovated Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.  The morning will consist of two sessions highlighting two successful programs for Youngstown.  In the afternoon be sure to bring your own STEM programming ideas to share for a roundtable discussion.  We will also have a tour of the new library at the end of the day.

Next Level LEGOs

Take your LEGO programming to the next level. Learn about FIRST and how you can work with their organization to offer LEGO programming for kids and more. 

Summer of Solar at PLYMC

Learn how the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County partnered with Youngstown State University's ADMETE team to create The Summer of Solar.  YSU Engineering students and Library staff led programs where middle schoolers created circuits powered by a solar panel on model houses.  They not only learned about microelectronics and solar power, but also about potential career paths in engineering and microelectronics.  We'll share the planning process, how we partnered with community members, as well as the goals, assessments, and outcomes of the program.  


Presenters:

Tracy Harris has been an assistant librarian for 3 years with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. She has worked in Youth Services and is now the STEAM Specialist at the Main location in Youngstown. She oversees the STEAM and DIY spaces and is active in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math throughout the county and with community partners. 
 

Lindsay Platt has been a librarian for almost 9 years with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. She has worked in Adult Services, Youth Services and is now the Supervisor at the Michael Kusalaba Branch on the west side of Youngstown. She oversees a tech-heavy makerspace, works towards implementing EDI practices in the workplace and neighborhood, and is currently building a teen volunteer program. 

Marnie Alvarez is the Family Engagement Supervisor at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, where she's worked for over 10 years. She's conducted programs for patrons of all ages, and is passionate about finding ways to connect with and support the community.  As the Supervisor of the Main Library Family Engagement Area, she couldn't be prouder of their new dedicated space for families and children of all ages and is looking forward to future innovative programming and greater collaborations with community organizations.


 
Location: Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
305 Wick Ave
Youngstown, OH 44503

There are currently 9 spots remaining out of 50





Service Anchors: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Youth Library Services and Programming
11/9/2022

It’s crucial for youth services library paraprofessionals and Librarians to support lifelong learning by constantly developing cultural awareness, acceptance, and understanding of how diverse and rich our young library patrons and families are. During this speaking engagement, attendees will be introduced to basic diverse, equitable, and inclusive concepts, theories, and terminology key for youth library services and programming.  They will learn key knowledge regarding children and race research and identify how it’s helpful in planning EDI youth programming. Similarly, library team members will explore ways to equitably introduce diverse and inclusive collections and technology to youth, caregivers, and educators, and analyze the book banning movement.  

Learning Objectives: 

  • Utilize take-a-aways to thoroughly analyze communities, services, and programs and develop an awareness and understanding of how important genuine representation is to young library patrons and their caregivers.
  • Commence their journey in designing and facilitating diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible library services and enriching programs without incorporating or displaying common misconceptions.
  • Spark the desire to continuously self-reflect on diverse, equitable, and inclusive concepts, theories, and terminology that will foster lifelong learning
Presenters:

Maria F. Estrella (She/Her/Hers/Ella) earned a Master of Communication and Information in Library and Information Science from Kent State University, two Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Social Work, and Spanish from Cleveland State University, and received Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.  Her career history includes approximately two decades of library experience working in a five-star rated urban-research library system.  She served on national committees, juries, and task forces, whose primary goal is to provide diverse literacy and technological resources/services to enhance the lives of young readers and encourage them to become lifelong scholars.   She was similarly honored with the 2021 recipient of the Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of The Year Award and is currently an American Library Association Councilor-at-Large as well as a Board Member of the Association of Library Services for Children. Maria is also the founder of Young Diverse Readers Consulting.

Erica Marks is a public librarian and owner of Book Marks Live Consulting. Within her twenty years of public library service, Erica has created unique and unconventional programming for youth. Through collaborative partnerships, programs such as Books-n-Beats, Girl Power!, and Man Up, CLE (Cleveland) became successful empowerment events, promoting literacy, leadership, and self-respect. Erica is a member of the American Library Association. She served on the 2020 Randolph Caldecott Committee and previously served on the 2017-2018 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury. Erica graduated from Kent State University with a Masters of Information and Library Science and Ashford University, receiving a Masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor in Social and Criminal Justice.

Annisha Jeffries is a public librarian and Founder of Born Readers, LLC Consulting.  Within her 25 years of public library service, Annisha has established herself as an advocate for children's services through collaborative partnerships, with community organizations locally and nationally. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Annisha is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Information and Library Science and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Cleveland State University. She is a 2000 American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship recipient and has served on various selection committees, including the 2018 Caldecott Committee, and was the Chair of the 2021 Caldecott Committee. Currently, she is the Chair of the Norman A Sugarman Children’s Biography Award.


Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
12/6/2022

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Children's Summer Reading Workshop: All Together Now
1/12/2023

All Together Now, we are back in-person!  Let NEO-RLS spark ideas for your summer reading program, starting with a commercial from Conneaut Public Library.  Next, Hubbard Public Library will share their intergenerational outreach program.  Next we will change the channel to Library Remodeling for summer reading - it's all about the decorations.  After lunch is Craft Wars with some hands-on activities and so much more.  We also want to hear your ideas! There will be time to share your outreach, decorations, crafts, programs, & more. You won't want to miss this opportunity to network with your peers not to mention all the fun!

Lunch is included in this workshop.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



A Long-Term Approach to Hybrid Programming
1/25/2023

The pandemic forced libraries to have virtual programming to meet their patron's needs. Although it can be difficult to iron out all the problems, hybrid programming has continued to expand the library's reach, allowing patrons who cannot attend library events in person to reap the full benefits of the library's services, and creating an archive of programming for patrons to experience well after the program is finished.

In this webinar Zach and Josh plan to show the positives of hybrid programming as a more permanent fixture at Bexley Public Library and how other libraries can plan for the future of hybrid programming.

Learning Objectives:
  • What makes a good hybrid program
  • Scalable hybrid set up for your needs
  • Planning for the future of hybrid programming

Presenters:  

Zach Parish has worked in public libraries for 10 years and currently serves as the Programming Librarian at the Bexley Public Library where he oversees the coordination of Adult Services programming.

Joshua Bryant has 11 years of library experience and is currently the Technology Librarian at Bexley Public Library.


Location: Online via Zoom






A Long-Term Approach to Hybrid Programming
1/25/2023

Recorded 1/25/2023

The pandemic forced libraries to have virtual programming to meet their patron's needs. Although it can be difficult to iron out all the problems, hybrid programming has continued to expand the library's reach, allowing patrons who cannot attend library events in person to reap the full benefits of the library's services, and creating an archive of programming for patrons to experience well after the program is finished.

In this webinar Zach and Josh plan to show the positives of hybrid programming as a more permanent fixture at Bexley Public Library and how other libraries can plan for the future of hybrid programming.

Learning Objectives:
  • What makes a good hybrid program
  • Scalable hybrid set up for your needs
  • Planning for the future of hybrid programming

Presenters:  

Zach Parish has worked in public libraries for 10 years and currently serves as the Programming Librarian at the Bexley Public Library where he oversees the coordination of Adult Services programming.

Joshua Bryant has 11 years of library experience and is currently the Technology Librarian at Bexley Public Library.


Location: Online via Zoom






Warming Up to Summer
2/16/2023

It’s February! Time for summer! Whether you’re planning your first summer library program or just want a refresher, this session will get you in the summer mood. We'll reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023; chat about some summer “basics” like registration and completion, tracking, and prizes; explore resources to support your summer planning, and look at CSLP’s “All Together Now” and other theme options. There will be time for questions and idea sharing, so bring your questions and ideas! This webinar will cover planning for all ages.

Presenter:

Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network to facilitate early literacy activities in libraries.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Warming Up to Summer
2/16/2023

Recorded 2/16/2023

It’s February! Time for summer! Whether you’re planning your first summer library program or just want a refresher, this session will get you in the summer mood. We'll reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023; chat about some summer “basics” like registration and completion, tracking, and prizes; explore resources to support your summer planning, and look at CSLP’s “All Together Now” and other theme options. There will be time for questions and idea sharing, so bring your questions and ideas! This webinar will cover planning for all ages.

Presenter:

Janet Ingraham Dwyer is the youth services library consultant at the State Library of Ohio. Her job is to support, advise, and empower children’s and teen services specialists in public and school libraries around the state. She manages Ohio’s participation in the nationwide Collaborative Summer Library Program and collaborates with the Ohio Library Council on Ohio Ready to Read, a statewide resource network to facilitate early literacy activities in libraries.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part I
3/15/2023

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Once you registered for Part I be sure to sign up for Part II which is on Wednesday, March 22, 2023  at 2:00 PM
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Early Literacy 101-An Ohio Ready to Read Workshop-Part II
3/22/2023

Back by popular demand! This hands-on workshop will help you build a firm foundation in early literacy. Participants will learn how brain development impacts how young children learn and will explore effective, research-based early literacy resources and activities. The workshop covers the Six Early Literacy Skills presented in the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read® 1st edition, and the Five Early Literacy Practices presented in the 2nd edition, along with other early literacy concepts and tools. The instructor will help attendees get ready to offer early literacy story times and become well-equipped to work with parents and community partners to share early literacy concepts and build community support.

Who will enjoy and benefit from this workshop?
  • Library workers who are new to children's services
  • Department managers or library directors with new children's services staff
  • Outreach staff
  • Newly degreed youth services librarians
  • Any library worker who wants a refresher course in early literacy
Presenters:

Marianna DiGiacomo has dedicated her career to strengthening public library’s focus on literacy and community collaborations.  Marianna joined Stark Library in 2007 and served as youth services librarian and literacy and events coordinator prior to her role as community services director. She directs Stark Library’s literacy initiatives, school and community partnerships, outreach services, technology training, and events.  She is a graduate of Leadership Stark County’s Government Academy, American Library Association’s Leadership Institute and serves on many local committees dedicated to ensuring children are ready for school success.


Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Leveraging the Power of TikTok
4/4/2023

Learn about many of the different ways libraries & librarians can leverage the power of TikTok. Using examples from her own TikTok, Kelsey will demonstrate how TikTok videos can be used by libraries for things like advocacy, collection development, outreach, readers advisory, tutorial-creation, and community building. We’ll also talk about the safety of using TikTok, it’s powerful impact on the publishing industry, and more. You’ll leave this session inspired to give TikTok a try!

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify various goals that TikTok can help libraries and librarians achieve.
  • Describe the ways TikTok is impacting the publishing industry and the reading trends and habits, particularly among young adults.
  • List various strategies a librarian can use to leverage TikTok for collection development, particularly diverse collection development.
Presenter:

Kelsey Bogan is a high school Librarian, adjunct MSLIS Professor, and a professional Speaker/Presenter who enjoys helping librarians learn to leverage the power of social media for their library’s advocacy, collection development, outreach, and community-building efforts. Kelsey is an outspoken advocate for reform in the library profession, especially as relates to outdated collection organization and development traditions. She is particularly proud to have created the viral library organization concept “Dynamic Shelving,” and of her ongoing work to redevelop her library towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and equity. Connect with Kelsey on Twitter & TikTok @KelseyBogan, or on her blog www.dontyoushushme.com!
Location: Online via Zoom






Leveraging the Power of TikTok
4/4/2023

Recorded 4/4/2023

Learn about many of the different ways libraries & librarians can leverage the power of TikTok. Using examples from her own TikTok, Kelsey will demonstrate how TikTok videos can be used by libraries for things like advocacy, collection development, outreach, readers advisory, tutorial-creation, and community building. We’ll also talk about the safety of using TikTok, it’s powerful impact on the publishing industry, and more. You’ll leave this session inspired to give TikTok a try!

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify various goals that TikTok can help libraries and librarians achieve.
  • Describe the ways TikTok is impacting the publishing industry and the reading trends and habits, particularly among young adults.
  • List various strategies a librarian can use to leverage TikTok for collection development, particularly diverse collection development.
Presenter:

Kelsey Bogan is a high school Librarian, adjunct MSLIS Professor, and a professional Speaker/Presenter who enjoys helping librarians learn to leverage the power of social media for their library’s advocacy, collection development, outreach, and community-building efforts. Kelsey is an outspoken advocate for reform in the library profession, especially as relates to outdated collection organization and development traditions. She is particularly proud to have created the viral library organization concept “Dynamic Shelving,” and of her ongoing work to redevelop her library towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and equity. Connect with Kelsey on Twitter & TikTok @KelseyBogan, or on her blog www.dontyoushushme.com!
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
5/17/2023

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Adapted & Inclusive Programming: What is the Difference and How Do I Do It?
9/12/2023

Libraries play a vital role in fostering inclusive environments where children of all abilities can thrive and develop a love for learning. In this workshop, participants will delve into the essential aspects of adapted and inclusive programming. Learn how to manage behavior challenges as well as gain literacy techniques for disabled children.

Adapted Storytime Basics
Interested in offering adapted storytime at your library? Learn best practices for getting started and high-impact modifications you can make to traditional storytime elements.
 
Presenter:  Rebecca Price-Donahue has been working in public libraries for 8 years and is currently the children’s services supervisor at the Middleburg Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, one of the system’s three adapted programming hubs.




Adapted Outreach
Take Adapted Storytime on the road! Learn how to host an Adapted Storytime at local preschools. 

Tour Westlake Porter Public Library's Storytime Space
View the room where Westlake Porter Public Library hosts its storytimes and see how it gets adapted for the Adapted Storytime program. See the props, accessibility tools, sensory manipulatives, and more that WPPL uses in its adapted and inclusive programming.

Presenter:  Natalie Bota is the Westlake Porter Public Library's Disability Resources Librarian, a full-time position within the youth services department. She hosts programming for patrons with disabilities, both in the library and at local schools. She works with patrons of all ages and her favorite programs are cooking programs and Next Chapter Book Club Natalie. graduated in 2013 from Kent State University with a master's degree in library and information science. Her background is in English literature and creative writing. Her work experience includes working in two academic libraries, being a school librarian in a small parochial school, and years of coffeehouse management and food service.




Inclusive Programming
Jen Johnson will share tips and strategies for making all children's programming more inclusive and accessible for children with disabilities and other barriers. 

Presenter:  Jen Johnson started her library career with Cuyahoga County Public Library in 2000. She has worked in the children's department at three CCPL branches and as a grant coordinator out of central administration. Jen's areas of special interest include adapted/inclusive programming and kindergarten readiness. Outside the library, she does professional storytelling and trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

More details coming soon.


 
Location: Westlake Porter Public Library
27333 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Library Bootcamp: Library Operations
9/21/2023

Recorded 9/21/23

In this webinar we will explore the functions of the departments typically found in public libraries and how they work together. We will discuss how to pursue the various careers available in the public library field, including the education requirements and how to match your soft skills with a suitable position.
Learning Objectives:
  • Understand how departments such as technical services, circulation, and adult services operate in a public library
  • Explore public library career paths
  • Discover what role(s) would best suit you
Presenter:

Jeff Laser is a Continuing Education Coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS). Prior to joining NEO-RLS, he worked in public libraries for a decade, in both a single-building library and a large metropolitan system. His experience includes roles in circulation, adult services, and youth services.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Library Bootcamp: Library Operations
9/21/2023

In this webinar we will explore the functions of the departments typically found in public libraries and how they work together. We will discuss how to pursue the various careers available in the public library field, including the education requirements and how to match your soft skills with a suitable position.
Learning Objectives:
  • Understand how departments such as technical services, circulation, and adult services operate in a public library
  • Explore public library career paths
  • Discover what role(s) would best suit you
Presenter:

Jeff Laser is a Continuing Education Coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS). Prior to joining NEO-RLS, he worked in public libraries for a decade, in both a single-building library and a large metropolitan system. His experience includes roles in circulation, adult services, and youth services.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
10/24/2023

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Social-Emotional Learning and the Library
11/2/2023

This social-emotional learning webinar will address your frustration with trying to contain and redirect the boundless energy of young people in the library.  You will build a deeper understanding of why youths act the way that they do, and hands-on tools to encourage their best choices.  Additionally, you will discover existing programs that actively and effectively build social-emotional intelligence, and inspiration to develop your own.

Learning Objectives:
  • Following the webinar, participants will be able to describe the origins of youth's behaviors.
  • At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to apply socially-emotionally aware communication tools.
  • Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to identify library programs that effectively encourage social-emotional intelligence.
Presenters:

Adina Bloom Lewkowicz is a social-emotional learning specialist; curriculum consultant; expressive arts teacher, and licensed independent social worker.  She is the author of “Teaching Emotional Intelligence: Strategies and Activities for Helping Students make Effective Choices” (Skyhorse, 2016).  Ms. Lewkowicz provides trainings, programs, and curricula for schools, and institutions such as the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  She is on the SEL 4OH Leadership Team, and also speaks nationally on the use of the expressive arts in education, prevention, and counseling.

Anna Heinz has served with Cuyahoga County Public Library as Literacy and Outreach Librarian, Teen Services Librarian and Children’s Services Supervisor for nearly 20 years. In addition to her MLIS, Anna is a professionally licensed 1-8th grade educator and has extensive training in working with youth that have experienced trauma as an Ohio licensed foster parent.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Social-Emotional Learning and the Library
11/2/2023

Recorded 11/2/2023

This social-emotional learning webinar will address your frustration with trying to contain and redirect the boundless energy of young people in the library.  You will build a deeper understanding of why youths act the way that they do, and hands-on tools to encourage their best choices.  Additionally, you will discover existing programs that actively and effectively build social-emotional intelligence, and inspiration to develop your own.

Learning Objectives:
  • Following the webinar, participants will be able to describe the origins of youth's behaviors.
  • At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to apply socially-emotionally aware communication tools.
  • Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to identify library programs that effectively encourage social-emotional intelligence.
Presenters:

Adina Bloom Lewkowicz is a social-emotional learning specialist; curriculum consultant; expressive arts teacher, and licensed independent social worker.  She is the author of “Teaching Emotional Intelligence: Strategies and Activities for Helping Students make Effective Choices” (Skyhorse, 2016).  Ms. Lewkowicz provides trainings, programs, and curricula for schools, and institutions such as the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  She is on the SEL 4OH Leadership Team, and also speaks nationally on the use of the expressive arts in education, prevention, and counseling.

Anna Heinz has served with Cuyahoga County Public Library as Literacy and Outreach Librarian, Teen Services Librarian and Children’s Services Supervisor for nearly 20 years. In addition to her MLIS, Anna is a professionally licensed 1-8th grade educator and has extensive training in working with youth that have experienced trauma as an Ohio licensed foster parent.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Outreach Networking Meeting
11/8/2023

Here is an opportunity to share your challenges and successes with other staff involved in library outreach.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Mental Health First Aid
11/29/2023

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

This course will run 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  There will be two hours' worth of pre-work before the live instructor-led online workshop.  This course is limited to 30.  Register for this class only if you are able to attend. This class will not be archived.

Presenter:
Jeremy Streem is an award winning MHFA instructor within the Ohio Army National Guard and the Northeast Ohio VA Medical Center. Jeremy also provides MHFA training to communities at large with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for over 22 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and specializing in supporting other Soldiers in need. Jeremy is also a Master Resilience Trainer, certified through the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught Resilience and Effective Communication strategies to over 2,500 Soldiers as well as the general public. SFC Streem's military experience and education allows him to teach MHFA within the VA, Ohio National Guard, and local communities, providing a Veteran's perspective to the unique challenges of supporting and caring for our military population. Jeremy was recognized by the National Council for Behavioral Health as one of the Top Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructors for both 2018 and 2019, as well as the Top Mental Health First Aid instructor in the State of Ohio in 2019. 
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



So You are a New Children’s Librarian Supervisor or you Want to be One?
12/5/2023

What do you need to know?  Children’s Supervisors juggle onboarding and supporting staff, scheduling staff, programming, and outreach…and a lot more.  Learn the basics you need to run a successful children’s department.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the steps to successfully onboard new children’s staff and support them in their roles.
  • Learn tips on creating a work schedule and a programming schedule that meets the needs of their community.
  • Learn how to connect with community resources such as local schools, childcare centers, and nonprofit agencies.
Presenters:

Julia Boxler is the Youth Programming Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library. In her role, she has led programming from birth to age 18 and has been an integral lead in a number of youth initiatives at CCPL. Julia’s work includes the expansion and re-imagination of homework services, the creation of a new avenue of programming to assist youth who struggle to meet the third-grade reading guarantee, the coordination of Parent Engagement programming, including a kindergarten readiness initiative, and the ongoing creation of partnerships with local organizations to support youth with special needs and their families.  Julia's ability to get the most out of her budget has provided the resources necessary to implement her various programs.

Maria Trivisonno is the Family Engagement Specialist for Cuyahoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio.  She started paging at CCPL when she was 16 years old and served as a children’s assistant, teen librarian, and children’s department head throughout the years.  Maria received a Laura Bush 21st Century “Youth Services, Librarians, and Museums—A New Vision of Learning” scholarship funded by the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, D.C. to get her MLIS at Kent State University, graduating in 2011. She is a member of the advisory board of the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth, is co-chair of ALSC’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, and the current chair of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






So You are a New Children’s Librarian Supervisor or you Want to be One?
12/5/2023

Recorded 12/5/23

What do you need to know?  Children’s Supervisors juggle onboarding and supporting staff, scheduling staff, programming, and outreach…and a lot more.  Learn the basics you need to run a successful children’s department.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the steps to successfully onboard new children’s staff and support them in their roles.
  • Learn tips on creating a work schedule and a programming schedule that meets the needs of their community.
  • Learn how to connect with community resources such as local schools, childcare centers, and nonprofit agencies.
Presenters:

Julia Boxler is the Youth Programming Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library. In her role, she has led programming from birth to age 18 and has been an integral lead in a number of youth initiatives at CCPL. Julia’s work includes the expansion and re-imagination of homework services, the creation of a new avenue of programming to assist youth who struggle to meet the third-grade reading guarantee, the coordination of Parent Engagement programming, including a kindergarten readiness initiative, and the ongoing creation of partnerships with local organizations to support youth with special needs and their families.  Julia's ability to get the most out of her budget has provided the resources necessary to implement her various programs.

Maria Trivisonno is the Family Engagement Specialist for Cuyahoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio.  She started paging at CCPL when she was 16 years old and served as a children’s assistant, teen librarian, and children’s department head throughout the years.  Maria received a Laura Bush 21st Century “Youth Services, Librarians, and Museums—A New Vision of Learning” scholarship funded by the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in Washington, D.C. to get her MLIS at Kent State University, graduating in 2011. She is a member of the advisory board of the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth, is co-chair of ALSC’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, and the current chair of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Children's Summer Reading Workshop: Adventure Begins at Your Library
1/11/2024

Adventure Begins at Your Library, and let's start the adventure with NEO-RLS's summer reading workshop. The adventure begins with getting to know new people with a fun icebreaker that will generate many program ideas. This will be followed by sessions focused on intergenerational, STEM, and preschool programming. Don't forget the decorations.  After lunch, we will be hosting a program palooza. You will have the opportunity to hear 6 different programs and ask questions. We will end the day with art and a conversation about tracking. More details will be coming soon. Don't miss this fun-filled day and opportunity to connect with your peers.

Lunch is included in this workshop.

 
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Top 23 Titles of 2023
1/31/2024

No one expects public service staff to have read every popular title that has been published in a given year; however, it's not an unrealistic expectation to be familiar with them to better serve patrons. This webinar will go over the top 23 titles of 2023, literary trends and anticipated releases to note for 2024, and tried and true reader's advisory tips & tricks. 
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Familiarize yourself with the buzziest books for children, teens, and adults in both fiction and non-fiction. 
  • Gain an understanding of the 2024 literary landscape.
  • Improve your reader’s advisory and circulation upselling skills.
Presenters:

Ris Labib, a librarian in the Business, Government, & Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even technically on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Yellowface” by RF Kuang.

Amber Salmon has 19 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia.  She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Think & Drink Book Club, Romance Book Club, and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2023 was “Fourth Wing” (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros. 
Location: Online via Zoom






Top 23 Titles of 2023
1/31/2024

Recorded 1/31/24

No one expects public service staff to have read every popular title that has been published in a given year; however, it's not an unrealistic expectation to be familiar with them to better serve patrons. This webinar will go over the top 23 titles of 2023, literary trends and anticipated releases to note for 2024, and tried and true reader's advisory tips & tricks. 
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Familiarize yourself with the buzziest books for children, teens, and adults in both fiction and non-fiction. 
  • Gain an understanding of the 2024 literary landscape.
  • Improve your reader’s advisory and circulation upselling skills.
Presenters:

Ris Labib, a librarian in the Business, Government, & Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even technically on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Yellowface” by RF Kuang.

Amber Salmon has 19 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia.  She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Think & Drink Book Club, Romance Book Club, and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2023 was “Fourth Wing” (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros. 
Location: Online via Zoom






Library Bootcamp: Unlocking the World of Youth Services in Public Libraries
2/21/2024

Recorded 2/21/24

Delve into the vibrant world of Youth Services in Public Libraries with Carolyn Burrier and Kathleen Mockensturm as they share over 45 years of combined experience./

Explore the multifaceted responsibilities of a youth services department, ensuring that the diverse needs of the youth demographic are met and celebrated. Kathleen and Carolyn will guide you through the essential pillars of youth library services, including programming, collection development, reference services, outreach efforts, and community engagement initiatives. These are the core elements that help build a strong and well-rounded youth services department within a public library.

Whether you're considering a career in youth services or new to the field, this presentation promises valuable insights. Join us as we unravel the layers of expertise and passion that Carrie and Kathleen bring to the table, and discover how you can make a lasting impact on the lives of the young readers and learners in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Collection – Ensuring the library has materials that meet the needs of all youth.
  • Programming – The library's role in supporting youth through library programming with a focus on Every Child Ready to Read, diversity, and the 40 Developmental Assets
  • Outreach/Community Engagement – Ensuring the library supports organizations that support youth.
Presenters:

Carrie Burrier started her library career as a student shelver at the Niantic Public Library in Connecticut where she decided she wanted to be a children's librarian. She has been the Youth Services Coordinator for the Akron-Summit County Public Library since 1999. Carrie's work includes representing the library on various community committees dealing with early childhood literacy and other topics of significance to youth and their families, planning and providing training for the systems early childhood librarians, overseeing the systems summer reading program and sitting on the Administrative team. Carrie also serves as a state trainer for Literacy 101. She manages an office of four who together support the 20 locations in providing service to the Library's customers. Carrie has also honed her customer service skills early on working in food service and retail.

Kathleen Mockensturm currently serves as the Assistant Youth Services Coordinator at the Akron Summit County Public Library. Throughout the year, she is actively engaged in various roles, including providing training sessions for intermediate/teen librarians, participating in committees focusing on youth, spearheading the signature event GeekFest, overseeing book acquisitions for the Summer Reading program, representing the library at community events, and orchestrating system-wide reading programs. Her diverse career in library services includes previous roles as an Early Childhood Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, a Youth Services Librarian at the Lenawee County Public Library in Michigan, and a Clerk in the Youth Department at the Wood County District Public Library. Prior to her venture into librarianship, Kathleen spent three years as a High School Teacher in Toledo.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Library Bootcamp: Unlocking the World of Youth Services in Public Libraries
2/21/2024

Delve into the vibrant world of Youth Services in Public Libraries with Carolyn Burrier and Kathleen Mockensturm as they share over 45 years of combined experience.

Explore the multifaceted responsibilities of a youth services department, ensuring that the diverse needs of the youth demographic are met and celebrated. Kathleen and Carolyn will guide you through the essential pillars of youth library services, including programming, collection development, reference services, outreach efforts, and community engagement initiatives. These are the core elements that help build a strong and well-rounded youth services department within a public library.

Whether you're considering a career in youth services or new to the field, this presentation promises valuable insights. Join us as we unravel the layers of expertise and passion that Carrie and Kathleen bring to the table, and discover how you can make a lasting impact on the lives of the young readers and learners in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Collection – Ensuring the library has materials that meet the needs of all youth.
  • Programming – The library's role in supporting youth through library programming with a focus on Every Child Ready to Read, diversity, and the 40 Developmental Assets
  • Outreach/Community Engagement – Ensuring the library supports organizations that support youth.
Presenters:

Carrie Burrier started her library career as a student shelver at the Niantic Public Library in Connecticut where she decided she wanted to be a children's librarian. She has been the Youth Services Coordinator for the Akron-Summit County Public Library since 1999. Carrie's work includes representing the library on various community committees dealing with early childhood literacy and other topics of significance to youth and their families, planning and providing training for the systems early childhood librarians, overseeing the systems summer reading program and sitting on the Administrative team. Carrie also serves as a state trainer for Literacy 101. She manages an office of four who together support the 20 locations in providing service to the Library's customers. Carrie has also honed her customer service skills early on working in food service and retail.

Kathleen Mockensturm currently serves as the Assistant Youth Services Coordinator at the Akron Summit County Public Library. Throughout the year, she is actively engaged in various roles, including providing training sessions for intermediate/teen librarians, participating in committees focusing on youth, spearheading the signature event GeekFest, overseeing book acquisitions for the Summer Reading program, representing the library at community events, and orchestrating system-wide reading programs. Her diverse career in library services includes previous roles as an Early Childhood Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, a Youth Services Librarian at the Lenawee County Public Library in Michigan, and a Clerk in the Youth Department at the Wood County District Public Library. Prior to her venture into librarianship, Kathleen spent three years as a High School Teacher in Toledo.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






The Science of Reading: You Don't Have to be a Scientist to Understand It
3/13/2024

Recorded 3/13/24

Phonics. Vocabulary. Comprehension. These are just a few of the components of the science of reading. It’s not a curriculum or a special program schools are using to better align with Ohio’s plan to raise literacy achievement; it’s all the research behind the best ways we learn to read. And libraries have been using this information since the early 2000s through the six early literacy skills and the Every Child Ready to Read program. In this webinar, we will focus on what the science of reading actually tells us about how children learn to read, Ohio’s plan, and what it all means for libraries. Past attendance or background knowledge of the Every Child Ready to Read program is encouraged, but not required.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what the science of reading is and what it tells us about how children learn to read
  • Understand Ohio's plan to raise literacy achievement
  • Discuss how libraries can support students, families, and schools through collection development and programming
Presenter:

Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom






The Science of Reading: You Don’t Have to be a Scientist to Understand It
3/13/2024

Phonics. Vocabulary. Comprehension. These are just a few of the components of the science of reading. It’s not a curriculum or a special program schools are using to better align with Ohio’s plan to raise literacy achievement; it’s all the research behind the best ways we learn to read. And libraries have been using this information since the early 2000s through the six early literacy skills and the Every Child Ready to Read program. In this webinar, we will focus on what the science of reading actually tells us about how children learn to read, Ohio’s plan, and what it all means for libraries. Past attendance or background knowledge of the Every Child Ready to Read program is encouraged, but not required.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what the science of reading is and what it tells us about how children learn to read
  • Understand Ohio's plan to raise literacy achievement
  • Discuss how libraries can support students, families, and schools through collection development and programming
Presenter:

Julia Shaheen is the Literacy Manager at Stark Library where she oversees a staff of five who work with the SPARK program in Stark County. Through this program, her staff visit homes of preschoolers to provide early intervention and help prepare the preschoolers and their parents or caregivers for Kindergarten. She also oversees the literacy efforts of Stark Library by providing staff training, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. She has also provided Every Child Ready to Read training to librarians in Northeast Ohio through the Early Literacy 101 workshops. Previously, she has worked as a teen programmer and provided baby storytime for two years in the Youth Services department at Main library. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Walsh University in Education.
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Mental Health First Aid
4/25/2024

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

This course will run 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  There will be two hours' worth of pre-work before the live instructor-led online workshop.  This course is limited to 30.  Register for this class only if you are able to attend. This class will not be archived.

Presenter:
Jeremy Streem is an award winning MHFA instructor within the Ohio Army National Guard and the Northeast Ohio VA Medical Center. Jeremy also provides MHFA training to communities at large with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for over 22 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and specializing in supporting other Soldiers in need. Jeremy is also a Master Resilience Trainer, certified through the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught Resilience and Effective Communication strategies to over 2,500 Soldiers as well as the general public. SFC Streem's military experience and education allows him to teach MHFA within the VA, Ohio National Guard, and local communities, providing a Veteran's perspective to the unique challenges of supporting and caring for our military population. Jeremy was recognized by the National Council for Behavioral Health as one of the Top Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructors for both 2018 and 2019, as well as the Top Mental Health First Aid instructor in the State of Ohio in 2019. 
Location: Online via Zoom


This class was a popular class and it is full. Please email Melissa Lattanzi, lattanzm@neo-rls.org to be put on a waiting list and an additional class may be added for the future.



Outreach Networking Meeting
5/7/2024

Here is an opportunity to share your challenges and successes with other staff involved in library outreach.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email  a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Challenging Post-COVID Impacts on School Readiness through Storytime Standards
9/24/2024

Faced with dismal reading scores and school readiness in Charleston County (SC) K-8 students, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) created new Storytime standards prioritizing early literacy, raising awareness on school readiness, and leveraging staff expertise to address community needs. Through intentional Storytime practices and collaboration with Charleston County School District, CCPL is challenging post-COVID bridges and barriers to school readiness. Participants will learn what CCPL does and how to adapt our framework for your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Recognize the importance of intentionally sharing early literacy information with parents/caregivers.
  •  Gauge the changing landscape of storytime needs in a post-COVID world.
  • Identify methods for partnering with your school district to help children on their journey to school readiness.
  • Learn how to establish and implement Storytime standards at your own library.
Presenters:

Cassie Welch (she/her) is the Children’s System Coordinator at Charleston County Public Library (SC). She has a B.A. in Elementary Education (K-6), an Early Childhood Certification (PK-3), and a Master’s in Library and Information Science. She has over a decade of experience in education and libraries working with young children and the adults who care for them. She believes in the necessity of diverse children's literature and the importance of helping parents, caregivers, and educators develop a child's early literacy and early years skills.
 
Kristin Hare is a Children’s Services Manager at Charleston County Public Library where she has become a leader in EDI work, serving on CCPL’s Strategic Vision Planning Committee, EDI Committee, and Children’s Annual Booklist Committee, as well as serving as the Chair of the South Carolina Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table. She holds a B.A. in English and a Master’s in Library and Information Science.

 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Challenging Post-COVID Impacts on School Readiness through Storytime Standards
9/24/2024

Recorded 9/24/24

Faced with dismal reading scores and school readiness in Charleston County (SC) K-8 students, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) created new Storytime standards prioritizing early literacy, raising awareness on school readiness, and leveraging staff expertise to address community needs. Through intentional Storytime practices and collaboration with Charleston County School District, CCPL is challenging post-COVID bridges and barriers to school readiness. Participants will learn what CCPL does and how to adapt our framework for your community.

Learning Objectives:
  • Recognize the importance of intentionally sharing early literacy information with parents/caregivers.
  •  Gauge the changing landscape of storytime needs in a post-COVID world.
  • Identify methods for partnering with your school district to help children on their journey to school readiness.
  • Learn how to establish and implement Storytime standards at your own library.
Presenters:

Cassie Welch (she/her) is the Children’s System Coordinator at Charleston County Public Library (SC). She has a B.A. in Elementary Education (K-6), an Early Childhood Certification (PK-3), and a Master’s in Library and Information Science. She has over a decade of experience in education and libraries working with young children and the adults who care for them. She believes in the necessity of diverse children's literature and the importance of helping parents, caregivers, and educators develop a child's early literacy and early years skills.
 
Kristin Hare is a Children’s Services Manager at Charleston County Public Library where she has become a leader in EDI work, serving on CCPL’s Strategic Vision Planning Committee, EDI Committee, and Children’s Annual Booklist Committee, as well as serving as the Chair of the South Carolina Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table. She holds a B.A. in English and a Master’s in Library and Information Science.

 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Virtual Networking Meeting
10/1/2024

Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
 
Location: Online
Via Zoom






Top 24 Titles of 2024
1/28/2025

No one expects public service staff to have read every popular title that has been published in a given year; however, it's not an unrealistic expectation to be familiar with them to better serve patrons. This webinar will go over the top 24 titles of 2024, literary trends and anticipated releases to note for 2025, and tried and true reader's advisory tips & tricks.  
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Familiarize yourself with the buzziest books for children, teens, and adults in both fiction and non-fiction.  
  • Gain an understanding of the 2024 and 2025 literary landscape. 
  • Improve your reader’s advisory and circulation upselling skills. 
Presenters:

Ris Labib, is a librarian in the Business, Government, & Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Book of Love” by Kelly Link. 


 
Amber has 20 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia.  She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Romance Book Club and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2024 was “Funny Story” by Emily Henry.  

 
Location: Online via Zoom