January 2026 Newsletter
The new year is an exciting time to reflect on achievements and set new goals for the coming year. In this newsletter, we’ll share an update on progress toward implementing our strategic plan including new (and free!) professional development opportunities, among other exciting activities. Read on to learn more!
Director’s Desk: Strategic Action Plan Update
As OhioNet approaches 50 years of service to Ohio libraries, we commit to engage, empower, and evolve for a stronger library community. In 2025, we made great progress toward this commitment with the implementation of our Strategic Action Plan. I am particularly proud of all the opportunities we had to connect with our members. From delivering services to member libraries, to connecting at professional development events, to visiting libraries… and everything in between! Read about some highlights of the strategic goals we have achieved in calendar year 2025 here.
Member Highlight: Supporting Ohio’s Students Through Digital Resources and Information Literacy
This month we highlight INFOhio, one of our valued members. INFOhio’s work is grounded in the belief that access to quality resources and strong information skills matters for every student. They are always looking for ways to collaborate, share practices, and learn from libraries of all types across Ohio. As part of this effort, INFOhio covers the membership dues for all K12 libraries in Ohio. We connected with INFOhio Director Erica Clay to learn more about the great work INFOhio is doing. Read the full January Member Highlights feature here.
Call for Proposals
OhioNet invites proposals from our members to present at our upcoming Library Communications and Outreach Summit on April 22. This in-person event, hosted at OhioNet in Westerville, will explore the ways libraries can communicate their value, engage users, and build meaningful connections through outreach. Proposals are due February 27. Learn more here.
Featured Event
Inspired by conversations with OhioNet members about the economic challenges their libraries and communities are facing, OhioNet and the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (CRCPL) are excited to co-host Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities.
This free, in-person event welcomes colleagues from all library types. Boom and Bust will be held at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex, located at 140 S. Paint St., Chillicothe, Ohio on March 4, 2026.
We hope you’ll join us as we discuss ways libraries don’t just survive — but thrive — while navigating the highs and lows of economic change in their communities. See the full agenda and register here.
Did you know? OhioNet members have access to free and discounted professional development!
Browse a full listing of upcoming webinars, workshops, and vendor demos on our Training page. Looking for learning on-demand? Employees of OhioNet member libraries can also access the Training Archive, a repository of past webinar recordings and related resources for learning at your own pace. Log in to your OhioNet user account to access the Training Archive and earn CE credits for completed trainings.
“Our staff complete a professional development video each month and the OhioNet training archive has been helpful in supporting those efforts.”– Natosha Massie, Director of the Garnet A. Wilson Public of Pike County & OhioNet Board Member
OE Electrics Promotion
OE Electrics is running a promotion for OhioNet members on all QikPac Carry batteries and charging solutions. The QIKPAC Carry is a high-power DC battery pack designed to bring portable, flexible power to library spaces. Compact yet powerful, the QIKPAC Carry can be used as a stand-alone powerbank or integrated into furniture via the QIKDOC, providing energy for monitors, lighting, and other DC-powered peripherals. Members will receive an extra 5% off all QIKPAC products, for a total discount of 15% off list price. This promotion runs from January 1 through March 30, 2026. Please email [email protected] for pricing information.
Announcements & Other News
- Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest OhioNet members Ada Public Library, Marvin Memorial Library, Mount Sterling Public Library, Hardin Northern Public Library, and Ridgemont Public Library!
- Join us for the OhioNet Book Club as we read and discuss Critical Hope by Kari Grain from January 28 – March 25.
- Ready to explore your recovery from low-morale and connect with a community? Register for The Reset Experience, hosted by Renewals and happening online on February 4 at 10AM Eastern.
- OhioNet will be closed February 16, 2026 for the Presidents Day holiday.
