The State Library of Ohio supports library youth services staff and activities, as part of our mission to lead and partner in the development of library services throughout Ohio.  Aside from access to the Talking Book Program and State Library resources for Ohio residents, the State Library does not provide direct services to children and teens. We do offer an array of services for library staff working with youth ages 0-18 and with their parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who care about children and teens. 

Our goal is to assist library staff who provide services to the children and teens of communities across Ohio.  We welcome your comments and suggestions; please contact youth services consultant Janet Ingraham Dwyer.

• Summer Reading Program: a resource center for public libraries planning local summer reading programs, particularly - but not exclusively! - those using the annual Collaborative Summer Library Program theme.
• Choose to Read Ohio: connecting Ohioans of all ages through the experience of sharing books by Ohio authors.  A project of the State Library and Ohioana Library Association, Choose to Read Ohio encourages libraries, schools, families, and others to build a community of readers and an appreciation for Ohio literature.
• Ohio Ready to Read: an ongoing statewide initiative to help libraries address the early literacy needs of Ohio's youngest citizens by supporting public librarians in their early literacy work and by sharing Every Child Ready to Read® @ Your Library® and other early literacy information with library staff and trustees, parents and caregivers, child care providers, early childhood educators, children's advocates, and political decision makers.  Librarians are encouraged to share their successful early literacy programs, best practices, tips, and resources, and find good ideas from other libraries on the Ohio Ready to Read Wiki.
• Library Youth Services list: an electronic discussion and announcement list for anyone working in children’s or teen / young adult services in Ohio.
• Helping Books Connection: resources, including a book review database, for caring adults to find and use quality children's literature about ethical and social issues, character education, values, and personal and family issues relevant to young people.
• LSTA Grant Information: Grant RFPs; timelines; funded projects; other grant sources.  Of interest to, but not exclusive to youth services.
• Library Development and Consultant Services for any aspect of library youth services work.
• The Buckeye Children's Book Award and Teen Buckeye Book Award support youth reading and teacher and librarian involvement, and provide young people the opportunity to share their joy of reading by voting for their favorite books.  The State Library of Ohio is a sponsoring agency of the Buckeye Book Awards.
• WebJunction Ohio Library Services including a listing of Ohio Resources for Children's Services and information on:
  •             Serving Early Readers
  •             Serving Children
  •             Serving Students
  •             Serving Young Adults and Teens
  •             Family Literacy