2026 Virtual Ballot Issues Workshop

Description

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

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

Registration deadline: 7/6/26

Is your library considering going on the local ballot with a new levy, renewing an existing levy, or possibly modifying a levy that’s been in place for some time? This program will provide the information you need as you prepare for your ballot initiative, including:

• the latest levy FAQ from the Auditor of State’s Office
• determining the need and public support for your library levy;
• legal process for placing the issue on the ballot;
• developing the campaign message;
• running the mechanics of a library campaign;
• connecting with the media and developing message strategies; and
• coordinating a lawful campaign

The format of this workshop will address each of these six points and allow time to answer questions.

Intended Audience: Directors, trustees, public relations staff, and other staff who will be involved in the library’s levy education effort.

What’s Included: All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the workshop, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. The handouts and a recording of the workshop will be available for 30 days following the program. Attendees will also receive a free digital copy of the OLC publication, Ballot Issues Handbook  – Campaigns 101: The Nuts and Bolts.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this workshop counts as four (4) contact hours of credit.

Core Competencies: Fundraising and Strategic Planning

AGENDA:

9:45 a.m. | Registration / Join Zoom classroom

10 a.m. | Levies – The Basics

Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, OLC

11:15 a.m. | How We Did It!

Cheryl Kuonen, Executive Director, Mentor Public Library

12:30 p.m. | Lunch Break 

1 p.m. | Nuts & Bolts of a Successful Levy

Galen Schuerlein, Of Counsel / Director of Public Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

2:15 p.m. | Closing Comments