The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is holding its annual Convention and Expo on Oct. 13-15 in downtown Columbus. The event is expected to draw more than 600 people to the Hyatt Regency and nearby venues. Representing Ohio’s public library community, the attendees will have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, view exhibits, and hear from some of the nation’s best-selling authors.

“We’re excited to be in Columbus this week for our first, in-person meeting in two years,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council. “This event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect, share ideas, and finally celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Ohio Library Council.”

Attendees will get a chance to try out the latest technology including coding robots, e-health kits, EVP recorders, voice assistants and more. More than 50 vendors from across the country will be on hand in the exhibit hall. Educational sessions will focus on what libraries did when the pandemic started and what they continue to do today, such as curbside and delivery service; virtual storytimes, tech training, job search assistance and loaning Wi-Fi hot spots.

The OLC will also honor the extraordinary people who make Ohio’s libraries the best in the country during a special awards ceremony on Oct. 13 at noon. A complete list of awards winners including the 2021 Hall of Fame Librarian can be found at olc.org/about-us/awards.

The Convention and Expo will feature award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds as well as local authors and entrepreneurs including Jeni Britton, Hanif Abdurraqib, Saeed Jones, Dr. Hasan Jeffries, Margaret Peterson Haddix and many more.