2026 Library Innovation Award

The Ohio Library Council has selected the Reading Railroad, developed by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall, Director of Community Impact and Innovation, and Robert Owens, M.Ed., Community Impact and Innovation Manager at Dayton Metro Library, as the recipient of the 2026 Library Innovation Award. By reimagining who leads literacy experiences and creating culturally affirming spaces for children and families, Reading Railroad has expanded access to library services while demonstrating innovative ways libraries can foster belonging, literacy, and community engagement.

Reading Railroad was created in response to a significant gap in representation within libraries. Recognizing that Black boys and young men rarely see themselves reflected as readers, storytellers, or library leaders, Marshall and Owens developed a comprehensive literacy framework grounded in the belief that when children see Black men reading, leading, and learning, they can envision themselves in those roles as well. The initiative creates welcoming experiences that celebrate literacy, identity, and community while encouraging lifelong reading and learning.

Built on strong community partnerships, Reading Railroad extends far beyond traditional storytimes. Signature initiatives include the Black Men Read Community Challenge, Hometown Heroes, Black Boy Excellence storytimes, the Fatherhood Academy, and the "Cataloging the Culture" podcast. Together, these programs connect families with literacy opportunities while engaging local leaders, educators, community organizations, and volunteers as visible literacy role models. The initiative has also strengthened relationships with schools, nonprofits, fraternities, and government agencies, positioning the library as a trusted community partner.

The impact of Reading Railroad has been significant. In its first year, the initiative engaged more than 1,000 participants, welcomed more than 70 Black men as guest readers, and created new opportunities for children to experience diverse voices in library spaces. The program has also supported library staff in developing more culturally responsive programming and strengthened the library’s ability to create welcoming environments where children and families feel represented, valued, and connected.

Reading Railroad was designed with sustainability and scalability in mind. Its core framework, including community partnerships, volunteer guest readers, facilitated storytimes, staff training, and culturally responsive programming, can be adapted by libraries of all sizes. Dayton Metro Library continues to support expansion of the model through implementation guides, reading lists, marketing materials, and evaluation tools, allowing libraries across Ohio and beyond to explore how similar approaches can serve their own communities.

The Library Innovation Award recognizes creative programs and services that advance libraries in new and meaningful ways. Through visionary leadership, strong community partnerships, and an innovative approach to literacy and inclusion, Reading Railroad demonstrates how libraries can create lasting change by expanding who is seen, heard, and celebrated in library spaces.

Karlos Marshall (left) and Robert Owens will be formally recognized for their development of Reading Railroad during a special ceremony on October 21, 2026, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky as part of the Ohio Library Council's Convention and Expo.