Sponsored by the Government Relations Committee

This is a hybrid event. Participants can attend in person at the OLC office in Dublin (Northwest Columbus) or online with the same access to workshop content.

Register at my OLC  | Registration Deadline: 6/8/23

Registration Fees:  Member $75* | Non-member $150
*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries. Fee includes access to in-person or virtual option.

Workshop Overview: 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:

1. determining the need and public support for your library levy;
2. legal process for placing the issue on the ballot;
3. developing the campaign message;
4. running the mechanics of a library campaign;
5. connecting with the media and developing message strategies; and
6. 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: Lunch will be provided for those that attend at the OLC office. Handouts as provided by the instructors will be available in the OLC app for 30 days. 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.

Ohio Public Library Core Competencies addressed in this workshop: Fundraising and Strategic Planning

Agenda: 

9:45 a.m. | Registration

10 a.m. | Levies – The Basics
Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, OLC

11 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. | How We Did It!
Cheryl Kuonen, Executive Director, Mentor Public Library

12:30 p.m. | Lunch

1 p.m. | Nuts & Bolts of a Successful Levy
Galen Schuerlein, Of Counsel / Director of Public Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

2 p.m. | Adjourn

Hotel Accommodations: The OLC has secured a discounted room rate at the nearby TownePlace Suites Columbus Dublin, 5155 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. Reserve your room online to receive 15% off the best available Studio Suites.