Access Weekly | News for OLC Members | | |
Virtual Mentorship Series Continues on July 15
The OLC's new Virtual Mentorship series continues this summer with Session #2: Navigating Systems & Speaking Up, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 from 2–3 p.m. Topics for this session include addressing institutional racism, bias, and equity gaps in library systems; understanding microaggressions, code-switching, and the cost of professionalism; and developing strategies to use your voice safely and effectively in the workplace. The registration fee is $50 for OLC Individual Members and staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries ($100 for non-members).
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Submit a Proposal for the 2026 Safety & Security Conference: Deadline This Friday
The deadline to submit program proposals for the 2026 Safety & Security Conference is this Friday, June 5. The conference will take place on Sept. 11 at The Conference Center at OCLC and will focus on strategies for creating safe, secure, and welcoming library environments.
The Planning Committee is seeking one-hour presentations on topics such as emergency preparedness, de-escalation, cybersecurity, data privacy, staff training, and community partnerships. Library professionals from libraries of all sizes are encouraged to share successful practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned. Submit your proposal by June 5 through the OLC website.
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2026 Summer Library Program Evaluation Survey Now Open
The State Library of Ohio has opened the 2026 Ohio Summer Library Program Evaluation. Please review the questions now and complete the survey at the end of your program. Your participation in the survey also helps OLC show legislators how libraries positively impact children, teens, adults, and entire communities. The OLC uses aggregate data from the survey in advocacy materials throughout the year. This information will be especially important as we enter a state budget year in 2027 and advocate for the Public Library Fund. Please help the State Library achieve 100% participation.
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Second Lady Usha Vance Launches 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and New Storytime Podcast
The Second Lady Usha Vance Summer Reading Challenge is now open to students in grades K–8. Running through September 4, the program encourages students to read 12 books over the summer. Participants will be eligible for prizes, including a trip to Washington, D.C. Families can learn more and register at WH.gov/read. Library staff are encouraged to share this opportunity with young readers in their communities.
This year’s updated website also introduces a new feature for 2026—a state-by-state leaderboard that tracks participation nationwide (Go Ohio!).
In addition, a new initiative, “Storytime with the Second Lady,” has launched as a podcast series featuring the Second Lady and special guests reading beloved children’s stories. Episodes are available on YouTube and Spotify.
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IT Division Hosts Online Discussion This Friday
The OLC's Information Technology Division is hosting a free online discussion forum on Friday, June 5. This is an opportunity for library IT staff to ask questions and share ideas. Join members of the IT Division from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for an informal discussion and hear about ways your colleagues have utilized technology to deliver and enhance library services. This event is free for OLC members, but you must register to attend.
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Cybersecurity Update for Ohio Libraries
CyberOhio continues to provide resources to help public libraries (and others) build stronger cybersecurity practices and comply with Ohio's cybersecurity requirements. The June 2026 CyberOhio Newsletter highlights a new whitepaper, Collective Defense: Strengthening Cybersecurity Across Ohio, which explores how organizations can collaborate to build stronger, more resilient cybersecurity programs. The newsletter also includes information on free support available through the Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement (O-PCI) program, reporting requirements under Ohio Revised Code § 9.64, and additional tools and guidance to help protect your library.
| New Volunteer Program Supports Path to U.S. Citizenship
Welcome.US is launching its new Citizen Guide Program later this month, connecting trained volunteers with lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who are preparing for U.S. citizenship. The program provides supportive, practical preparation including English conversation practice, civics review, and mock interviews to help participants build confidence ahead of the naturalization process. Welcome.US will host a 45-minute live informational webinar (plus time for questions) tomorrow, June 4 at 3 p.m. A one-page flyer is also available to download and share with community members. | |
Meet Susan Allen, Our Latest Member Spotlight
OLC members make a lasting impact not only in their libraries, but also through their leadership, service, and involvement across OLC committees and divisions. The Membership Committee is proud to highlight and celebrate the contributions of our dedicated members. If you’d like to be featured or know someone who should be, please fill out the Member Spotlight Form on the OLC website. This month, we’re featuring Susan Allen, Director of Public Services at Worthington Libraries and a 25-year member of OLC.
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In The News
Euclid Public Library will celebrate the completion of its renovation with a Grand Reopening Party on June 6 from noon to 5 p.m.
Stark County District Library marked a major milestone on May 28 with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Main Library building.
The State Library of Ohio Board recently approved more than $368,000 in federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for eighteen public libraries to be awarded Guiding Ohio Online grants.
Please email Angie Jacobsen, OLC's Director of Communications, with your library news items.
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