November 2025 Newsletter

I’ve recently enjoyed gathering to reflect, grow, and connect with members at OhioNet events, including the restorative and energizing Renewals Workshop with Kaetrena Davis Kendrick and our Library Facilities Summit filled with networking and knowledge-sharing. I’ve also been fully immersed in Ohio library conference season attending ALAO‘s Annual Conference, OELMA‘s 2025 conference, and the OLC Convention & Expo. It’s been inspiring to experience firsthand the wonderful work our members are doing in their libraries.

I love these experiences, not just for the practical things I learn, but for the camaraderie with colleagues. This thought reminds me of the sentiment I shared in the summer newsletter: we are stronger together. With this in mind, I’m excited to continue to learn and grow in partnership with our members in the coming year.

Read on to learn more about how OhioNet can support your library with professional development opportunities — and how we’re co-creating experiences with colleagues from member libraries throughout the state.

–Katy B. Mathuews, Executive Director & CEO

Member Spotlight: Celebrating ILEAD Ohio 2025

This month we celebrate the talented teams who collaborated to create impactful projects at ILEAD Ohio. During 3-day sessions in April, July, and October, the teams worked and learned together at Deer Creek State Park Lodge in Mt. Sterling to create projects that span across various library types. Read more about each of the ILEAD teams and their projects on our blog.

The primary goal of ILEAD Ohio is to empower current and future library leaders across Ohio by providing opportunities for growth, regardless of their position or title. Through collaborative, team-based projects, participants develop valuable leadership skills while addressing real-world professional and community needs.

ILEAD Ohio is made possible by the State Library of Ohio and OhioNet with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Stronger Together: Co-Creating with OhioNet Members

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. More information and event registration to be announced in early 2026. 

P.S. – Submit your proposal to present at Boom and Bust by December 5!

How has your library survived, thrived, or supported your community through local economic changes? Submit a proposal to share your experiences and present at the Boom and Bust event on March 4, 2026. Presentation proposals accepted through December 5, 2025 — view details and submission guidelines on our website.

Featured Service

In addition to our larger events, OhioNet welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with you on your library’s next staff development or in-service day. We offer engaging, interactive sessions designed for full-day, half-day, or one- to two-hour formats. Each session combines practical tools with reflective discussion to help your team immediately apply what they learn. Explore some of our most popular topics here.

Interested in learning more? Contact Andrew Whitis at [email protected] for additional information or to schedule a session with OhioNet at your library.

Featured Event

Join us for “Conversations Worth Having: Shifting from Feedback to Feedforward” on December 4! In this interactive online workshop facilitated by Andrew Whitis (OhioNet), leaders, managers, and supervisors will learn how to use feedforward conversations to inspire performance and build trust with those that they supervise.

This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to turn performance conversations into opportunities for connection and forward momentum. Learn more and register here. 

Have questions or need assistance? We’re happy to help! Reach out to our team at [email protected]. 

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.

Featured Resources

• We’re partnering with WhoFi to offer WiFi Analytics to OhioNet members. We’re building a group of libraries interested in Wifi Analytics — the more members join this group, the deeper the discount on product pricing. View details on the OhioNet blog or reach out to Hannah Rosen at [email protected] to join this purchasing group and receive discounted pricing by November 30, 2025. 
• Creativebug is now available to all OhioNet members at a 15-20% discount! This partnership provides affordable access to Creativebug’s vast collection of craft and art tutorials for all skill levels. Email the e-resources team at [email protected] for additional information and pricing.
• We are excited to announce a new partnership with OE Electrics to introduce the QIKPAC Carry, a high-power DC battery pack designed to bring portable, flexible power to library spaces and support the evolving needs of users wherever they choose to study, collaborate, or create. OhioNet members receive an exclusive discount — contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Announcements & Kudos

• Please join us in extending a warm welcome to the following new OhioNet members: Alger Public Library, Bellaire Public Library, Chillicothe VA Medical Center Library, Guernsey County District Public Library, Swanton Public Library, Wauseon Public Library, and London Public Library!
• This summer, we were excited to welcome Spencer Lamm to our team in his role as Library Systems Analyst. Learn more about Spencer and his work at OhioNet on our blog. 
• Call for Steering Committee Members: Continuing the Tradition of OLSSI —We are forming a Steering Committee to help shape the next chapter of the Ohio Library Support Staff Institute (OLSSI) and are seeking current or former library support staff who are passionate about building an engaging and inclusive program (read the full Call for Steering Committee Members on our blog). If you are interested in joining the OLSSI Steering Committee, please email Hannah Rosen at [email protected] by December 20.
• OhioNet will be closed November 27-28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our office will resume regular hours on Monday, December 1.