New Mexico Library Association

08/21/2026

Early bird registration for the New Mexico Library Association’s annual conference, to be held in Las Cruces October 21-23, 2026, is now open!
Get the best value by registering for the full conference.

Early bird rates are open through Friday, September 25, 2026.

“Libraries in Bloom: From Roots to Results” celebrates the journey of library work, from the values that ground us to the impact we make in our communities. Like a garden, libraries grow through care, creativity, and shared effort, turning ideas into meaningful results for the people we serve. This conference is a welcoming place to try something new, learn something new, and connect with others in the field.

We encourage librarians, library staff, and library allies at all experience levels to attend the conference.

https://buff.ly/d534lj2

08/08/2026

The New Mexico Library Association is seeking a few volunteers to serve on the NMLA Awards Committee.

Each year, NMLA recognizes outstanding librarians, library staff, trustees, advocates, and supporters who have made meaningful contributions to libraries throughout New Mexico. To help ensure a fair and thoughtful selection process, we are looking for a small group of members to review award nominations and assist in selecting this year's recipients.

Committee members will:

Review award nomination submissions.
Evaluate nominees based on the established award criteria.
Participate in discussions with fellow committee members to select award recipients.
Maintain confidentiality throughout the review process.
The time commitment is limited and will primarily take place over the next few weeks.

If you are interested in serving on the Awards Committee, please email
[email protected] by August 12th.
Your willingness to volunteer helps us celebrate the incredible work being done in libraries across New Mexico.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support NMLA and recognize the outstanding individuals who strengthen our profession.

07/08/2026

The New Mexico Library Association’s annual conference will be held in Las Cruces this October 21-23, 2026.

“Libraries in Bloom: From Roots to Results” celebrates the journey of library work, from the values that ground us to the impact we make in our communities. Like a garden, libraries grow through care, creativity, and shared effort, turning ideas into meaningful results for the people we serve. This conference is a welcoming place to try something new, learning something new, and connect with others in the field.

We encourage librarians, library staff, and library allies at all experience levels to save the date for the conference.

06/19/2026

The New Mexico Library Association is calling for proposals that align with the theme for the annual conference in Las Cruces this October 21-23. https://buff.ly/8LNhnUE

The deadline for Pre-conference proposals has been extended! These proposals are now due by the end of day on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Pre-conference presentations will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Presentations can be half day or full day presentations.

“Libraries in Bloom: From Roots to Results” celebrates the journey of library work, from the values that ground us to the impact we make in our communities. Like a garden, libraries grow through care, creativity, and shared effort, turning ideas into meaningful results for the people we serve.

We encourage librarians, library staff, and library allies at all experience levels to submit proposals. You don’t need to be an expert, your experiences and ideas matter. Whether you’re sharing a successful program, a challenge you’ve worked through, or something you’re still figuring out, your story can help others learn and grow. This conference is a welcoming place to try something new and connect with others in the field.

Questions? Please comment below!

06/06/2026

You have less than a month to get in your Conference proposals!
Don't forget!
Conference proposals due JUNE 29th
https://buff.ly/TX7myK9

05/23/2026

Join us October 21–23, 2026, at the Las Cruces Convention Center for this year’s Library Conference, themed “Libraries in Bloom: From Roots to Results.”

This year’s theme celebrates the journey of library work — from the values that ground us to the impact we make in our communities. Like a garden, libraries flourish through care, creativity, collaboration, and shared effort, transforming ideas into meaningful results for the people we serve.

We invite librarians, library staff, and library allies from all backgrounds and experience levels to submit proposals. You do not need to be an expert to present. Your experiences, ideas, and lessons learned are valuable and can inspire others in the field.

Whether you want to share:

* A successful program or service
* A challenge your library has worked through
* An innovative idea or partnership
* A project still in progress
* Practical tools, strategies, or lessons learned

…your story can help others learn, grow, and connect.

https://buff.ly/MycHG6Z

This conference is designed to be a welcoming and supportive space where participants can exchange ideas, try something new, and build community with colleagues from across the library world.

We encourage first-time presenters and seasoned speakers alike to submit proposals and help us cultivate a conference experience rooted in learning, growth, and shared success.

We look forward to growing together in Las Cruces!

Las Cruces, NM - October 21-23, 2026

05/06/2026

Are you interested in joining the NMLA Board and advocating for New Mexico libraries? Now is the perfect time to run for a position on the Executive Board!
We have a Google form for nominating yourself or someone else. Copy and paste if the link is acting up: https://buff.ly/5j86o4D

The following offices are up for election this year:
Vice President/President-Elect (3-year commitment)
Member-at-Large (2 positions; 2-year commitment)
Secretary (2-year commitment)
Please note:
Nominees must be current NMLA members.
Self-nominations are encouraged.
For more details about these positions, as well as the NMLA Bylaws and NMLA Procedures Manual, visit https://buff.ly/tETUYJ0

If you have questions, feel free to contact members of the Nominations and Elections Committee:

Nominations will close June 16.

If you have questions, comments, etc., please contact the members of the Nominating Committee:
Julia Kelso [email protected]

Angela Watkins [email protected]

Josette Ulibarri [email protected]

The New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) is seeking nominations for upcoming leadership positions. Please use this form to nominate a candidate or submit a self-nomination. Open Positions: Vice President/President-Elect (3-year commitment) Member-at-Large (2 positions; 2-year commitment) Secretary....

05/02/2026

Thanks to all who have participated in the 2026 State of New Mexico Libraries survey so far! If you haven’t completed the survey, please do and share it with your colleagues.

The survey will be open through Friday, May 8 (not the 10th as previously stated)

https://buff.ly/MOLUnWb

See the full announcement below.
In the past 16 months there have been multiple changes to federal organizations that have historically assisted libraries with additional funding. Last year, the federal government attempted to deeply cut the funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). After a delay, funding was restored. However, the proposed 2027 federal budget cuts IMLS funding and severely reduces funding for multiple other federal programs, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities. Other federal organizations offering financial assistance and support to libraries are at risk too.

To support New Mexico institutions in these shifting times, the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) continues to examine how national changes have affected local libraries and archives. In Spring 2025, an initial survey was run to determine the potential impact of funding changes. This year’s survey seeks to determine the realized impact of federal funding changes on local libraries. All can view current and future survey data here.

You are invited to participate in the 2026 State of New Mexico Libraries Survey. Your help with this is essential, even if your library or institution has not received federal funds. It is important that as many New Mexico libraries and archives as possible participate in the broadest, most accurate view of the impact of federal funding changes on New Mexico. Please respond and encourage your colleagues to do the same. The survey will close Friday, May 8.

In the past year, there have been multiple changes to federal organizations that have historically assisted libraries with additional funding. In Spring 2025, a survey was run to determine how national changes might impact local libraries. This Spring of 2026 follow up survey will help determine the...

04/09/2026

Would you like to support libraries and get some exercise at the same time? Then this is the event for you!

Join library supporters all across New Mexico by walking or running on the Saturday of National Library Week, April 25th (check location for race/walk start time) at 10:00 am MT. Race sites will be in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Capitan, Farmington, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. Live somewhere else or busy that day? Feel free to register and participate any time to support libraries, anywhere, before midnight April 25th, 2026.

Locations all over New Mexico, and various times and dates. The site host will be reaching out to you. Walk or run at your own pace with other library supporters from your community; there will be no times or winners. Our goal is that you have a good time and that the real winners will be New Mexico libraries. 100% of funds raised in the Run/Walk for NM Libraries will go directly to libraries and librarians in New Mexico in the form of Development, STEM, and Professional Development Grants.

Continuing this year! Free t-shirts thanks to the sponsorship of Thrivent, REFORMA de Nuevo Mexico, The JSA Foundation, and Friends of NMLF.

https://buff.ly/SX0gIWL

03/19/2026

Are you passionate about libraries and information access? Do you dream of shaping the future of New Mexico's libraries? The New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) is thrilled to announce its 2026 scholarship programs, designed to empower the next generation of library leaders and support current library professionals in their growth!

If you are a student working toward a Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science (or about to be)… Or, if you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in library technology or a school librarian certification, please apply for one of the NMLA Scholarship programs!

The application deadline for both scholarships is June 1, 2026. Apply now to ensure your consideration.

Application forms and instructions are available at: https://buff.ly/x8zJ4q7.

If you have questions, please email the Education Committee at [email protected].

The New Mexico Library Association offers a variety of scholarship and grant programs for its members. program descriptions and application procedures are provided below. If you have questions, please contact the Education Committee Chair at [email protected].