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For your reading pleasure: CAHSLA Chronicle, December 2025 No. 170

Please enjoy the latest issue of the CAHSLA Chronicle. Please don’t hesitate to send news, updates, or articles on projects, presentations, etc. for inclusion in the Chronicle to Emily Kean at any time throughout the year.

In this issue:

President’s Page, Secretary and Treasurer Reports
Save the Date! Education Meeting 02.19.26
Upcoming Events at The Lloyd Library & Museum

President’s Page

It begins quietly, the air sharpens. The sky darkens earlier than it should. The first flurries fall—not gently, but ominously. Somewhere in the distance, a thermostat clicks… and Winter has arrived.

Winter doesn’t roar like a summer storm. It creeps. It freezes sidewalks, steals daylight, and turns every commute into an adventure. Coffee goes cold faster. Emails multiply. And just when you think you’re safe—atchoo!—the seasonal sniffles strike without warning.

Yes, Winter is the scariest season of them all, but every good story has its heroes.

While others huddle in fear, we librarians stand at the ready. Armed with knowledge, research skills, and an almost supernatural calm, we face the long nights head-on. Need evidence-based answers to fight the latest winter illness? We’ve got you covered. Looking for a warm escape from the cold reality outside? Our books, resources, and spaces offer shelter, distraction, and maybe even a little joy.

In the depths of winter, when the world feels quieter—and heavier—we remind our community that help is close, answers are accessible, and no one has to face the cold alone. We guide, we support, and we illuminate dark corners with information and kindness. So yes—Winter may be terrifying, but the real power belongs to those who are prepared.

Stay warm. Stay curious. And remember, the librarians are still here keeping watch.

Best,

Matthew Cooper

Secretary’s Report

December 18, 2025

The CAHSLA holiday party was graciously hosted by our President, Matthew Cooper, and Michelle Cooper, along with special guest, Turbo.

In attendance were: Matthew Cooper, Michelle Cooper, Jim DaMico, Lauren Darpel, Amy Koshoffer, Christine Jankowski, Emily Kean, Zan McQuade, Turbo, Virginia Wilson, Lynn Warner

Good times were had singing holiday karaoke as well as some recent pop hits. The potluck offerings were enjoyed by all, especially Jim’s tasty legumes.

Forty-seven (!) children’s books were collected to be donated to a local children’s organization.

Respectfully submitted by Emily Kean

Treasurer’s Report

CHECKING BALANCEas of 9/30/2025: $1,915.55
CHECKING DEPOSITSMembership Dues (Checks)$25.00
CHECKING DEPOSIT TOTALS $25.00
CHECKING WITHDRAWALS $0.00
CHECKING WITHDRAWAL TOTALS $0.00
CHECKING BALANCEas of 12/30/205:$1,940.55
CASH BALANCEas of 9/30/2025:$75.00
CASH DEPOSITS $0.00
CASH WITHDRAWALS $0.00
CASH BALANCEas of 9/30/2025:$75.00
TOTAL ASSETSas of 12/30/2025:$2,015.55

MEMBERS

15 Regular (Paid)

0 Student (Paid)

13 Life Members

28 TOTAL

Respectfully submitted by Emily Kean, Treasurer

Save the Date! Education Meeting

You’re invited to an upcoming CAHSLA Education Meeting focused on Lightning Talks—short, engaging presentations highlighting the great work, ideas, and expertise across our organization.

Location: The Rubinstein Library, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (3430 Burnet Ave., 3rd Floor Cincinnati, OH 45229)
Format: Lightning Talks (5–15 minutes each)
Date: Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM, Presentations start at 5:30 PM

We are currently looking for volunteers who would be interested in presenting a brief talk on a topic of their choosing. Topics can be broad or specific and might include (but are not limited to):

  • Projects or initiatives you’re working on
  • Teaching or instruction strategies
  • Research support or emerging trends
  • Professional development experiences
  • Tools, resources, or workflows that others might find useful

Lightning talks are meant to be informal, focused, and a great way to spark conversation and shared learning—no extensive prep required! We hope you’ll consider sharing your work and joining us for an engaging and collaborative session. We look forward to seeing you at The Rubinstein Library in February!

For your reading pleasure: CAHSLA Chronicle, September 2025 No. 169

Please enjoy the latest issue of the CAHSLA Chronicle. Please don’t hesitate to send news, updates, or articles on projects, presentations, etc. for inclusion in the Chronicle to Emily Kean at any time throughout the year.

In this issue:

President’s Page, Secretary and Treasurer Reports
In Memoriam: Cecil Rahe
Resurrecting the Eclectics’ Past

President’s Page

“Fall: The Global Menace”

It creeps in slowly, earlier sunsets inching across the horizon. The leaves turn strange colors and fall to their demise, as if warning us of what’s to come. And then—without mercy—Fall Attacks!

Across the globe, pumpkin spice overruns coffee shops and the candy aisles stretch into chaotic battlegrounds. The horror is real. The squirrels? Definitely conspiring. It’s a scary movie—and we’re living in it.

But fear not! Enter the heroes of this autumnal apocalypse: us, the librarians! Armed with the latest databases and rare manuscripts containing every spell and potion, we navigate the chaos. We teach the masses how to survive every mysterious cough or sniffle, and execute the ultimate strategy for evading those schemin’ squirrels. Without us, the leaf piles would swallow the city, pumpkin spice would mutate the population, and the squirrels would reign supreme!

So if you hear the crunch of leaves behind you… don’t panic. It’s probably just nature setting the mood. Or a squirrel plotting your doom.

Stay brave, stay resourceful, and remember: fall’s terror may rage outside, but inside the library—with us leading the way—we will survive and thrive—together.

Yours in courage and caffeinated concoctions,

Matthew Cooper
CAHSLA President

Secretary’s Report

CAHSLA Membership Meeting

September 25, 2025

• Held at Cincinnati Public Radio, 2117 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207,

5:30—7:30 p.m.

• In attendance:

Devhra BennettJones

Matthew Cooper

Jim Damico

Alex Herrlein

Emily Kean

Amy Koshoffer

Chris Oaks

Akram Pari

Jennifer Pettigrew

Sharon Purtee

Crissy Ross

Virginia Wilson

• Chipotle catered supper and chocolate brownies for dessert.

• Meeting agenda:

Introductions;

Call for volunteers to edit the CAHSLA By-laws;

February meeting will be held at The Rubinstein Library, Cincinnati Children’s

Hospital. Lightening talks about current events at member’s libraries. Date to be

determined.

Discussed meeting at Proctor & Gamble. Matt will send out a Doodle poll to

determine a date.

Dan Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, gave an outstanding

tour of the Cincinnati Public Radio facility.

Respectfully submitted by Devhra BennettJones

Treasurer’s Report

2025-09-30 CAHSLA Treasurer Report

CHECKING BALANCEas of 6/10/2025: $1,756.29
CHECKING DEPOSITSMembership Dues (Checks)$75.00
Membership Dues (PayPal)$209.26
CHECKING DEPOSIT TOTALS $284.26
CHECKING WITHDRAWALSMembership Meeting Rental$125.00
CHECKING WITHDRAWAL TOTALS $125.00
CHECKING BALANCEas of 09/30/2025:$1,915.55
CASH BALANCEas of 6/10/2025$125.00
CASH DEPOSITS $75.00
CASH WITHDRAWALSMembership Meeting Food$125.00
CASH BALANCEas of 06/10/2025:$75.00
TOTAL ASSETSas of 09/30/2025:$1,990.55

MEMBERS

14 Regular (Paid)

0 Student (Paid)

13 Life Members

27 TOTAL

Respectfully submitted by Emily Kean, Treasurer