July Events Digest
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore fresh ideas, or connect with colleagues across Ohio’s library community, OhioNet has something for you! Browse this month’s round-up of upcoming webinars, in-person workshops, and vendor demos designed to boost your skills and help you connect with fellow OhioNet members.
Have questions about an event or need assistance with registration? We’re happy to help! Email our team at [email protected].
Featured Event:
Last Chance to Register for the “OhioNet Student Success Summit” on June 9!
In-Person Conference on August 11-12, 2026 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | $200.00 (Member) / $250.00 (Non-Member)
Level up your summer learning with the Ohio Library Employees Institute (OLEI) on August 11-12, held in-person at OhioNet in Westerville.
This two-day conference supports professional development and networking for all employees across all library types, with a particular focus on support staff, who have traditionally had limited access to these experiences.
OLEI sessions will cover a variety of practical topics, including:
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Library programming
- Library documentation and training
- Customer service
- Overview of Ohio library organizations
View the full OLEI conference agenda here. This event also includes tours of two local libraries: the Westerville Public Library and Courtright Memorial Library at Otterbein University.
Additional Upcoming Events:
OhioNet Book Club: Flourish by Daniel Coyle (Session 1)
Wellbeing/Networking Online Discussion on July 15, 2026 from 12-1 p.m. | Free! (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
The next book we will read and discuss is Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle. The book explores how people and organizations can intentionally create environments that support connection, purpose, resilience, and wellbeing. Coyle blends research, storytelling, and practical insight to examine what helps individuals and groups truly flourish. Part one of this discussion will cover the Prologue through Chapter 5.
Learn more and register here.
The National Maker Collective Conference 2026 (Supported by OhioNet)
In-Person Conference on July 25, 2026 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $50.00
The National Maker Collective is thrilled to invite you to our very first in-person conference, The National Maker Collective Conference 2026. Whether you’re running a makerspace in a community center basement or a university innovation lab, dreaming about launching your first space, volunteering on weekends, or simply curious about what makes the maker movement tick – you belong here. This conference is built by makerspace people, for makerspace people. All backgrounds, all experience levels, all welcome.
Learn more and register here.
OhioNet Book Club: Flourish by Daniel Coyle (Session 2)
Wellbeing/Networking Online Discussion on July 29, 2026 from 12-1 p.m. | Free! (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Part 2 of this month’s book club discussion will cover Chapter 6 to Epilogue (pp. 101-178) of Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle. The book explores how people and organizations can intentionally create environments that support connection, purpose, resilience, and wellbeing. Coyle blends research, storytelling, and practical insight to examine what helps individuals and groups truly flourish.
Learn more and register here.
Ohio Library Employees Institute
In-Person Conference on August 11 & 12, 2026 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | $200 (Member) / $250 (Non-Member)
We invite you to join us for the Ohio Library Employees Institute (OLEI) on August 11 & 12, 2026 at the OhioNet Town Hall in Westerville, OH.
This two-day event supports professional development and networking for all employees across all library types, with a particular focus on support staff, who have traditionally had limited access to these experiences.
Attendees will learn from presentations focused on effective communication strategies, customer service, programming, artificial intelligence, and other timely topics. The event also includes tours of two libraries: the Westerville Public Library and Courtright Memorial Library at Otterbein University.
Learn more about this conference and register here.
Product Demo on August 27, 2026 from 1-2 p.m. | Free!
Join us for a live webinar demo of Creativebug for Libraries – the video platform bringing high-quality art and crafts instruction to your community – now featuring Gibson Guitar app and Artists Network through Creativebug Borrow. We’ll share key features, demonstrate how patrons can access and use the platform, and share practical ideas and ready-to-use resources for integrating Creativebug into your library programming.
Whether you’re new to Creativebug or looking to expand your offerings, this session will provide useful strategies to support creative learning at your library.
Learn more and register here.
Looking for more? View a full listing of upcoming events and professional development opportunities on our Training page.
