2026 Hybrid Outreach and Special Services Retreat

Description

Call for Programs:
The Outreach and Special Services Division Action Council is now accepting program proposals for the retreat. This program explores innovative ideas and successful outreach efforts from libraries across Ohio. Previous sessions have explored topics such as:

• Empowering older adults to recognize and prevent fraud and scams
• Adapting services through patron-driven rotating collections
• Inspiring children and teens to engage with reading and library services
• Little Free Libraries and community-based access initiatives
• Bringing library services directly to schools and students
• Incorporating therapy dogs into library programming
• Expanding access through pickup lockers, vending machines, and off-site collections

We encourage you to share your library’s creative outreach strategies, impactful programs, and community partnerships by submitting a proposal for this year’s retreat.

Program Submission Form
Deadline: 6/18/26

Registration opens in July!

Registration Fees: Member $100* | Non-member $200

*OLC Individual Members and staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.

This is a hybrid event. Participants can attend in person at the OLC office in Dublin or online with the same access to workshop content. Workshop will be recorded and available to registrants for 30 days.

Note: When registering, please choose if you will be attending in person or virtually.

Registration deadline: 8/10/26

Overview: Gather successful collaborative ideas from colleagues and share your library's successful outreach initiatives with others. Come prepared to refresh, rejuvenate, and revitalize your library's outreach programs and services!

Who should attend: All library staff members interested in outreach services.

What's included: Morning coffee, light refreshments and lunch will be provided for those who attend at the OLC office. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the conference, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. Workshop recordings and handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this retreat counts as five (5) hours.

Hotel Accommodations: The OLC has secured a discounted room rate at the nearby TownePlace Suites Columbus Dublin, 5155 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, OH 43017. Reserve your room online, but availability not guaranteed.