Ohio State Library

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence honoring the memory of former State Librarian of Ohio Beverly Cain. A significant portion of the meeting involved the LSTA Report, where the Board reviewed and approved twelve LSTA Competitive Grant applications totaling over $265,000. Presentations were given by representatives from various libraries and institutions seeking funding for projects categorized as Library as Community Anchor, Literacy, or Outreach and Engagement. Specific grant awards were subsequently approved for Akron-Summit County Public Library, Cleveland Institute of Art, Columbus State Community College Library, Delphos Public Library, Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County, Kaubisch Memorial Public Library, Miami University Gardner-Harvey Library, Mount Gilead Public Library, Muskingum County Library System, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Washington-Centerville Public Library, and Way Public Library. In the State Librarian's Report, updates were provided on financial reports, a potential high-capacity storage solution (AssureVault) for collection materials, federal funding resolutions, organizational changes within the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), the State Library Action Plan, the State Library of Ohio Foundation, unclaimed funds, and the status of the SearchOhio consortium. The State Librarian also provided a comprehensive recap of her Listening Tour, detailing responses and subsequent Action Plan items related to organizational culture, communication, funding, and staff feedback. Finally, the Board approved rescheduling the July 2026 State Library Board Retreat and Meeting.

The State Library Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant was awarded to OhioNet to support the Library Leadership Ohio program. The board reviewed financial reports, State Library updates, and an overview of the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS). The board discussed and created an attendance policy and appointed members to the State Library's Talking Book Consumer Advisory Committee. The board also discussed the State Library of Ohio Foundation and the strategic plan.

This five-year plan for the State Library of Ohio outlines the implementation of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States from 2023 to 2027. It aims to create a 'Smarter Ohio' by ensuring all residents have access to resources for civic engagement, workforce participation, and personal development. The plan is structured around three core goals: educating Ohioans for success through learning initiatives, building community capacity and engagement, and strengthening libraries across the state. It seeks to achieve these by raising awareness, widening access, and leading innovation in library services.

The State Library Board meeting included discussions on approaching and educating legislators, aspirations and values during tough times, and a tour of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. The board reviewed an assessment survey, discussed the 2025-2026 action plan, and framed the strategic planning process. The LSTA report covered the ILEAD Ohio Grant and the Science of Reading Grant. The State Librarian's report included financial reports, updates on federal and state funding, facility issues, and the teleworking policy. An overview of the Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD) was presented. The board also addressed unfinished business related to House Bill 257 and approved the State Library Board Hybrid Meeting Policy and the Board Meeting Schedule for FY 2027.

The State Library Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board reviewed an LSTA funding request for the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (OLBPD) and another for Libraries Connect Ohio (LCO) Statewide Core Electronic Databases. They also discussed the Guiding Ohio Online (GOO) program and its impact on rural libraries. The board addressed the State Library's financial reports, updates on federal funding, and progress on the relocation of the State Library. They also discussed virtual meeting policies and approved the implementation of live streaming for board meetings. Additionally, the board considered funding requests for state subsidies for Regional Library Systems and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, as well as OPLIN Board appointments and the election of officers. The board also entered an executive session to discuss the State Librarian's performance evaluation.