From the State Library

The Ohio Department of Education, Office of Nutrition is hosting a Summer Food Program Summit to continue the valuable work of ensuring every Ohio child can access a healthy summer meal.

This summit is designed to bring summer meal program providers, community partners, and other stakeholders together to improve food access across the state. Session topics include best practices, applications and compliance training, farm to summer programming, understanding meal patterns, summer food safety, and developing community partnerships. Registration is free.

Summer Food Service Program Summit
Monday, February 6, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City (SW of Columbus)
Note: Enter at the entrance off Brookham (Google will take you to the pantry lot off Marlene). Parking is available on the left side or across the street.
Register here.

More info: https://education.ohio.gov/Media/Ed-Connection/Jan-17-2023/Register-for-the-Feb-6-Summer-Food-Service-Program

Food and beverages will not be provided; however, Café Zupas will deliver preordered box lunches without a delivery fee. You may order lunch from Café Zupas on the event registration form, or bring your own lunch.

The Summit will also feature a Hygiene Drive for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective; conference attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring an item to contribute (toothbrush, deodorant, baby wipes, etc.).

Please contact Elizabeth.Douglass@education.ohio.gov with any Summer Summit questions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the Summer Food Service Program and the Ohio Department of Education administers it in Ohio. The program reimburses sponsors for costs to provide meals for children 18 years of age and younger during periods when they are out of school. In summer 2022, more than 2,000 Ohio sites served more than 3 million meals. Summer meal sites provide activities, education and services to nourish the whole child. These sites include Ohio parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centers, schools, hospitals and more. Learn more about libraries and summer food in Ohio.

Last year, the State Library of Ohio announced the Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative. Since its launch, over 530 library staff from 80 counties throughout Ohio have registered for exclusive access to this original, self-paced, collection analysis initiative. Throughout 2022, library staff have explored resources, attended webinars and open office hours, and used tools to consider collections that empower children and young adult readers by respecting and appreciating what makes them different and the same. The initiative is ongoing—register for access at any time, start when you are ready, and work at your own pace.  

Register here for access to the Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative.  

Notable highlights from this impactful initiative: 

Free for staff working in all types of Ohio libraries! It is available at no cost to you. 
There are no time constraints for completing this program. Set your own goals and progress at your own pace.  
Personalized support. You have access to a dedicated, full-time specialist for assistance at any time.
Unlimited access to a Collection Analysis Toolkit. This toolkit complements the collection development work you already have in place. 
Unlimited access to a vetted collection of materials about children's & young adult books and authors.  
Identifiable action steps. You will receive a custom Implementation Plan that outlines your collection development decisions and next steps.

The State Library is hosting a workshop this Thursday, February 2 at 3:30 p.m. called Spotlight on Diverse Graphic Novels. In this workshop, participants will take a deeper look at your collections of graphic novels for children and teens—exploring various genres, curricular areas, and cultural experience areas. Registrants will walk away with a conscientious, informed list of diverse graphic novel titles, as well as an action plan that details how to implement those titles in their existing collections. *Please note that this workshop has been rescheduled from its initial meeting date in November 2022. If you had previously registered for that session, please do so again. Recordings will be made available to all registrants.

Register for workshop: https://teachingbooks-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscu6ppzssHtauGQ-YrF7mBvLSh5ZNv1xU

The Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative is a collaborative project of the State Library of Ohio and TeachingBooks.net. The project is funded with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds granted to the State Library of Ohio.  The opinions and content expressed do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of IMLS or the State Library of Ohio, and no official endorsement by either agency should be inferred.  This initiative is available for exclusive use by any Ohio library staff. This material may be shared with colleagues within Ohio.  Distributing the Handbook and/or links to any of its components outside of Ohio is prohibited.

Applications are now being accepted for public libraries to host a Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer.  Guiding Ohio Online is a State Library LSTA funded program created to assist libraries serving rural populations. Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainers help Ohioans develop the skills needed to fully participate in the digital age.

Trainers will serve in selected libraries during the program year, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.  Application questions and Proposed Budget forms for Guiding Ohio Online can be found here and are due March 20, 2023. Click the apply tab to complete the application. 

The ability to navigate the online environment and develop digital literacy are skills that are more important now than ever. Ohio libraries remain in a unique position to meet these needs in communities across the state. Guiding Ohio Online is a great opportunity for public libraries to provide more technology programming, outreach, and services with federal grant funds.

State Library staff recorded an informational webinar on the Guiding Ohio Online application process that can be viewed here. Whether you’re a current Guiding Ohio Online library or considering joining the program for the first time, the webinar explains the program in general, how it works, how it’s funded, the reporting required, and how to apply. Additionally, State Library staff will be hosting a live, virtual Open Office Hour for Guiding Ohio Online on February 23 from 1-2 p.m. to answer questions about the program and the application process. The Open Office Hour is a great time to ask specific questions or discuss program ideas with State Library staff.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding the funding or budget of Guiding Ohio Online, please contact the LSTA Office at LSTA@library.ohio.gov or by calling 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6863.


From the State Library The Ohio Department of Education, Office of Nutrition is hosting a Summer Food Program Summit to continue the valuable work of ensuring every Ohio child can access a healthy summer meal. This summit is designed to bring summer meal program providers, community partners, and other stakeholders together to improve food access across the state. Session topics include best practices, applications and compliance training, farm to summer programming, understanding meal patterns, summer food safety, and developing community partnerships. Registration is free. Summer Food Service Program Summit Monday, February 6, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City (SW of Columbus) Note: Enter at the entrance off Brookham (Google will take you to the pantry lot off Marlene). Parking is available on the left side or across the street. Register here. More info: https://education.ohio.gov/Media/Ed-Connection/Jan-17-2023/Register-for-the-Feb-6-Summer-Food-Service-Program Food and beverages will not be provided; however, Café Zupas will deliver preordered box lunches without a delivery fee. You may order lunch from Café Zupas on the event registration form, or bring your own lunch. The Summit will also feature a Hygiene Drive for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective; conference attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring an item to contribute (toothbrush, deodorant, baby wipes, etc.). Please contact Elizabeth.Douglass@education.ohio.gov with any Summer Summit questions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the Summer Food Service Program and the Ohio Department of Education administers it in Ohio. The program reimburses sponsors for costs to provide meals for children 18 years of age and younger during periods when they are out of school. In summer 2022, more than 2,000 Ohio sites served more than 3 million meals. Summer meal sites provide activities, education and services to nourish the whole child. These sites include Ohio parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centers, schools, hospitals and more. Learn more about libraries and summer food in Ohio. Last year, the State Library of Ohio announced the Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative. Since its launch, over 530 library staff from 80 counties throughout Ohio have registered for exclusive access to this original, self-paced, collection analysis initiative. Throughout 2022, library staff have explored resources, attended webinars and open office hours, and used tools to consider collections that empower children and young adult readers by respecting and appreciating what makes them different and the same. The initiative is ongoing—register for access at any time, start when you are ready, and work at your own pace.   Register here for access to the Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative.   Notable highlights from this impactful initiative:  Free for staff working in all types of Ohio libraries! It is available at no cost to you.  There are no time constraints for completing this program. Set your own goals and progress at your own pace.   Personalized support. You have access to a dedicated, full-time specialist for assistance at any time. Unlimited access to a Collection Analysis Toolkit. This toolkit complements the collection development work you already have in place.  Unlimited access to a vetted collection of materials about children's & young adult books and authors.   Identifiable action steps. You will receive a custom Implementation Plan that outlines your collection development decisions and next steps.  The State Library is hosting a workshop this Thursday, February 2 at 3:30 p.m. called Spotlight on Diverse Graphic Novels. In this workshop, participants will take a deeper look at your collections of graphic novels for children and teens—exploring various genres, curricular areas, and cultural experience areas. Registrants will walk away with a conscientious, informed list of diverse graphic novel titles, as well as an action plan that details how to implement those titles in their existing collections. Please note that this workshop has been rescheduled from its initial meeting date in November 2022. If you had previously registered for that session, please do so again. Recordings will be made available to all registrants. Register for workshop:* https://teachingbooks-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscu6ppzssHtauGQ-YrF7mBvLSh5ZNv1xU The Ohio Collection Analysis Initiative is a collaborative project of the State Library of Ohio and TeachingBooks.net. The project is funded with Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds granted to the State Library of Ohio.  The opinions and content expressed do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of IMLS or the State Library of Ohio, and no official endorsement by either agency should be inferred.  This initiative is available for exclusive use by any Ohio library staff. This material may be shared with colleagues within Ohio.  Distributing the Handbook and/or links to any of its components outside of Ohio is prohibited. Applications are now being accepted for public libraries to host a Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer.  Guiding Ohio Online is a State Library LSTA funded program created to assist libraries serving rural populations. Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainers help Ohioans develop the skills needed to fully participate in the digital age. Trainers will serve in selected libraries during the program year, July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.  Application questions and Proposed Budget forms for Guiding Ohio Online can be found here and are due March 20, 2023. Click the apply tab to complete the application.  The ability to navigate the online environment and develop digital literacy are skills that are more important now than ever. Ohio libraries remain in a unique position to meet these needs in communities across the state. Guiding Ohio Online is a great opportunity for public libraries to provide more technology programming, outreach, and services with federal grant funds. State Library staff recorded an informational webinar on the Guiding Ohio Online application process that can be viewed here. Whether you’re a current Guiding Ohio Online library or considering joining the program for the first time, the webinar explains the program in general, how it works, how it’s funded, the reporting required, and how to apply. Additionally, State Library staff will be hosting a live, virtual Open Office Hour for Guiding Ohio Online on February 23 from 1-2 p.m. to answer questions about the program and the application process. The Open Office Hour is a great time to ask specific questions or discuss program ideas with State Library staff. If you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding the funding or budget of Guiding Ohio Online, please contact the LSTA Office at LSTA@library.ohio.gov or by calling 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6863.
Newsletter - NEO-RLS News-January 25, 2023