Director’s Desk: Learning and Connecting with Our Members

With spring on the horizon, OhioNet’s in-person events are back in full swing! Most recently, I connected with members at Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities, co-hosted with the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (CRCPL). It was a wonderful day exploring how libraries can support economic development, respond to changing community demographics, connect with stakeholders, build partnerships, and take advantage of grant funding opportunities. 

A highlight of the day was keynote speaker Michael Throne, President and CEO of the Chillicothe & Ross Chamber of Commerce, who shared his experience building social capital in the community. Additional speakers included Jeff Regensburger (State Library of Ohio), Melanie Torok (Clark County Public Library), Katy Hite (State Library of Ohio), James Hill (CRCPL), Liz Gibbons-Camp (CRCPL), and yours truly! Attendees engaged in interactive sessions and enjoyed lunch at local eateries in downtown Chillicothe. 

Attendees participate in interactive activities during Boom and Bust; Michael Throne, President and CEO of the Chillicothe & Ross Chamber of Commerce, gives the keynote presentation.

Boom and Bust was a great way to kick off our 2026 slate of in-person events—and we’re just getting started! In April, we’ll host our Communications and Outreach Summit, featuring a wide range of topics presented by colleagues from all types of libraries. May Brings our popular Conversations Worth Having workshop where attendees practice effective communication skills. In June, we’ll gather for the Student Success Summit where librarians of all types will share their approaches to supporting students. Later this summer, we’ll co-host Library Leadership Ohio with our colleagues at the State Library of Ohio and debut the Ohio Library Employee Institute (OLEI). Both will offer intensive, multi-day learning opportunities, networking, and fun!  

I hope you’ll consider joining us for one of these upcoming events. Along with new ideas, tips, and strategies, these gatherings offer a chance to reconnect with colleagues across Ohio’s library community. The connections we make with one another are what keep our work vibrant and help us imagine what’s possible for the future. Long live libraries! 

Sincerely,
Katy B. Mathuews, Executive Director & CEO