Ohio Library Council

05/29/2026

We’re grateful to share this column by Stacey Russell, Chair of the OLC Board and Executive Director of the Muskingum County Public Library System.

In her op-ed for The Columbus Dispatch, Stacey highlights an important truth: Ohio libraries are far more than buildings filled with books — they are lifelines for children, families, and communities. From summer reading and STEM programs to meals for children and free educational opportunities, libraries continue to step up when communities need them most.

Her message is clear: investing in libraries is investing in Ohio’s future. Independent analysis shows every $1 invested in Ohio libraries generates more than $4 in value and contributes more than $3 billion annually to Ohio’s economy.

Thank you, Stacey, for your outstanding leadership and for championing the vital role libraries play in strengthening communities across our state.

Read and share the full op-ed here:
https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2026/05/27/ohio-libraries-fill-summer-learning-void-for-children/90252152007/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSGe9xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTd0FrYmNNV2hzVVZzbnBac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp_V2L401kzwaBkKh2CpPg7fhg9Fx45dL3b3mX1oNtq-AA2U21q8ZE-9xs9d_aem_CpOC4MpURMdb-7zvZMVTgg

Our very own Executive Director, Stacey Russell, was a guest opinion columnist this week for The Columbus Dispatch. Read more of her take on the important role Ohio libraries play during summer break. https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2026/05/27/ohio-libraries-fill-summer-learning-void-for-children/90252152007/

05/29/2026

From early literacy and summer reading to job searches, internet access, and lifelong learning, Ohio’s public libraries serve people at every stage of life. And Ohioans continue to show just how much they value these essential services. In a recent poll, 90% of Ohioans say public libraries are important to their local community and 87% say they get their money’s worth for the taxes they pay.

Today, more than 7.4 million Ohioans are library cardholders, making Ohio one of the highest library-use states in the nation.

Whether young or old, the library is for everyone!

05/27/2026

Summer is here and Ohio’s public libraries are ready to make it unforgettable!

Across the state, libraries are turning up the fun with free programs, reading challenges, hands-on STEM activities, and more. It’s all about keeping young minds curious, active, and thriving all summer long!

Check out how Ohio's public libraries are making a big impact for kids and families this summer:

Our libraries are more than buildings filled with books. Library programs turn a few summer months into a brighter future.

05/27/2026

This summer, Ohio’s public libraries are once again stepping up to support children and families across our communities. We’re proud to see Columbus Metropolitan Library partnering with Children's Hunger Alliance to provide free summer meals for kids and teens beginning June 1.

Many of Ohio’s public libraries serve as summer meal sites or work alongside local organizations and food banks to support meal programs in their communities. Through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, libraries across Ohio provide free summer lunches for kids under 18 at more than 175 locations statewide.

Thank you to the library staff, community partners, and volunteers making this work possible across Ohio. We're feeding minds and bodies.

Columbus libraries will offer free summer meals for kids and teens at 19 locations across Central Ohio beginning June

05/26/2026

Summer is a great time for young readers to explore something new! ☀️

Hudson Library & Historical Society is expanding opportunities for families through their Language Learning Kits, helping children discover new languages and experience literacy in fun, meaningful ways.

05/20/2026

Libraries continue to meet community needs in innovative ways. Kudos to Wayne County Public Library for expanding access to health resources by adding blood pressure monitors to its Library of Things. See full collection at https://wcpl.info/libraryofthings https://www.the-daily-record.com/story/news/local/2026/05/20/wayne-county-library-blood-pressure-monitors-library-of-things/90144566007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z117901p000650c000650e007200v117901d--79--b--79--&gca-ft=138&gca-ds=sophi

Wayne County Public Library now offers blood pressure monitors to check out as part of its Library of Things program.

05/19/2026

Adventure is waiting at your local library! Ohio's public libraries are helping families explore more for less with FREE passes to museums, zoos, cultural attractions, and more. Check with your local library to see which community passes and attraction partnerships are available near you—and make this a summer to remember without stretching your budget.

Shoutout to Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library for highlighting this amazing program!

🎟️ Free Admission Looks Good on You!

☀️ Just in time for summer break, here's your reminder that you can check out FREE passes to museums, the Akron Zoo, and other local attractions at SMFPL 🖼️ 🐧 🏛️

Have an epic summer adventure without breaking the bank—save your money for ice cream on the way home🍦

Visit the Information Desk to check out a pass. For complete borrowing details and the full list of attractions, visit smfpl.org/borrow/passes

05/18/2026

Go Beau! What an accomplishment completing the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Lepper Library! Your love for reading is already building a strong foundation for a bright future.

Read the story in today's Lisbon Morning Journal.

Beau Freeman recently completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at Lepper Library. Upon completing the program, Beau had the opportunity to select a book for his collection, and he chose “The Usborne Children’s Encyclopedia.” The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is designed ...

05/15/2026

Libraries preserve more than books — they preserve memories. Thanks to a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Medina County District Library is using innovative technology to digitize fragile historical materials and make them accessible for future generations through the Medina County Memory Project.

Ohio libraries work hard to protect local history through memory projects like this and ensure priceless collections remain available to everyone — not hidden away in boxes or archives.

This scanner is like nothing you've seen before. Our Family History & Learning Center won a $100,000 federal grant in 2025 - funding this Copibook A2 scanner and the staff time to partner with local historical societies. Staff are examining these unique collections, digitizing content, and posting to the Medina County Memory Project. ( https://medinacountymemory.mcdl.info/ )

The scanner is gentle on bindings and delicate papers, scans multiple items simultaneously, and saves images as individual files. The scanner takes the talents of our staff and the content of partner collections to the next level.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov of Museum and Library Services Library Council

05/14/2026

Now that’s what we call hanging out with a good book!

Conneaut Public Library has teamed up with Ashtabula County Metroparks to launch a new “Check Out & Chill: Hammock & Book Bundle.”

By combining reading, relaxation, and the outdoors, this initiative encourages community members to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the simple joy of reading in nature — all with a library card. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B8b7UKMKo/

Send a message to learn more