New Mexico Library Association

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!

2026 NMLA Conference Proposal Form: Pre-conference proposals due JUNE 15th; Conference proposals due JUNE 29th Las Cruces, NM - October 21-23, 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]

NMLA Candidate Nomination Form 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....

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.

State of New Mexico Libraries 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...

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

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].

New Mexico Library Association - Scholarships & Grants 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].

2026 NMLA Legislative Bulletin #12 Overview
The Legislature has now passed the three money bills, which now go to the Governor for her signature. The Governor can line-item veto specific items in the appropriations and capital outlay bills. The 2026 Legislature adjourns at noon today.
BILL PASSED
General Appropriations Act of 2026
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILLS 2 AND 3
On Wednesday evening, the House concurred with the Senate amendments to the appropriations bill by voice vote.

Bills mentioned in the detailed Bulletin are HB 248 and SB 240

2026 NMLA Legislative Bulletin #5 January 28, 2026

NMLA Library Legislative Day is Friday, January 30th. NMLA will present a briefing at 8:15 am. THE BRIEFING WILL BE AT THE SANTA FE PUBLIC LIBRARY in downtown Santa Fe. We learned on Monday that the Capitol committee room was not available until later. We regret the inconvenience. There is free public transportation to get from the Library to the Capitol. Additional details below.

NMLA will have a table in the Halls of History, near the rotunda, but on the east side rather than our usual space near the west entrance.

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Rural Libraries

COMMITTEE HEARING THURSDAY MORNING

All three bills relating to the Rural Libraries Endowment will be heard by the Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee tomorrow, beginning at 10:00 am in Room 303. These are the only bills scheduled on the Committee agenda.

"Meeting may be viewed via Webcast at www.nmlegis.gov (click on the Webcast
tab and select SENATE INDIAN, RURAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE).

To provide written comments or to join as a participant, please email [email protected].

To join the meeting, create a Zoom account or log in to an existing one.
You will not be able to access the Zoom webinar without logging in.
Zoom Webinar Link:
https://buff.ly/mCO14gl, Webinar ID: 832
7987 0726, Zoom Call: 1 669 900 912"

Senate Bill 61 by Senator Pete Campos, directly appropriates $5 million for rural libraries over the next two years.

Senate Bill 62 Senator Campos, transfers $29.5 million from the general fund to the Rural Libraries Endowment Fund.
Senate Bill 99 duplicates Senate Bill 62 to transfer $29.5 million from the general fund to the Rural Libraries Endowment Fund. Senator Elizabeth Stefanics is the prime sponsor, with Senator Campos as a co-sponsor.

Here are the texts for the three bills:
https://buff.ly/pca4IyK
https://buff.ly/OaXuSjO
https://buff.ly/jnq2zzu
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BILL INTRODUCTION

SB 68 Artificial Intelligence Government Use Act January 22 [SCC/SHPAC/SJC-SCC SCC Heather Berghmans

Our Legislative Advocate Larry Horan calls our attention to Senate Bill 68, relating to the use of artificial intelligence by "public bodies." It is presently in the Senate Committee on Committees, awaiting a decision on whether it is "germane".

https://buff.ly/8WWuwDa

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Anti-Censorship Legislation

Grandparents and Allies for Truth, a part of the Freedom to Read New Mexico Coalition, is sponsoring a:

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY
CELEBRATORY READ-IN
on Wednesday, February 4th from 11 am-1 pm
by the east entrance to the Capitol

"Stop by with your favorite book or grab a book from our table and read with us for ten minutes. We are reading in celebration of the books we love and want to protect. We are reading because books open minds and hearts. We are reading because we value the freedom and the right to read in this country."

The Governor has not yet sent a message about the three anti-censorship bills detailed in the previous Bulletin. She has until this Friday to designate non-budget subjects that can be considered by this session of the Legislature.

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LEGISLATIVE DAY BRIEFING LOGISTICS

Our briefing will now be at the Santa Fe Public Library, 145 Washington Avenue. There is some parking in a lot just east of the library, accessed by Marcy Street. Admittance to the building will be through the freight door on the northeast side of the building, as the library does not open to the public until 10:00 am. We will start the program at 8:15 am, and be finished by 9:15 am.

The Santa Fe Pickup is a free downtown shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. It stops at the Library at 9:22 am. It would get to the Legislature (Don Gaspar, West Side) at 10:06 and to the East Side at 10:08. It has a capacity of 25, seated and standing. The next shuttle arrives at the Library at 9:52 am. Anyone parked in the lot east of the Library will need to move their vehicles elsewhere, as parking enforcement will cite cars in the lot longer than the time limit once the Library opens. The walk is about half a mile. The weather is predicted to be sunny, with a low of 22 and a high of 45.

Joe Sabatini, Chair
NMLA Legislation Committee

Dear NMLA Members,

We are excited to announce that NMLA is forming its 2026 Nominating Committee, and we’re looking for enthusiastic, engaged members who want to help shape the future of our association. If you enjoy supporting leadership development, fostering community, and shaping NMLA's direction, this is a wonderful opportunity to get involved.

Serving on the Nominating Committee is a meaningful way to make an impact. You’ll work collaboratively with fellow members to identify and encourage strong candidates for leadership positions—helping ensure our organization continues to thrive.

If you are interested in joining the committee or would like to learn more, please email the [email protected] by the end of January. We welcome both seasoned members and those new to committee work—your perspective and energy are valuable!

Thank you for your continued support of NMLA. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

Sarah Jones

President, NMLA

https://buff.ly/f3vKjfj

New Mexico Library Association - Home

Engage your children/youth patrons in a program that celebrates their choices and voices! 2026 voting for the Land of Enchantment Book Award--New Mexico's Children's Choice Award--runs mid-April through early May. Check out the LOE website for details, particularly their NMLA Presentation in the Resources tab. There is still time, and you do not need to have all the books on the list to participate — elementary-age children need to have read/listened to 3 books from the list, middle school 2, and high school 1.
https://buff.ly/J5jV9HQ

Warmest holiday wishes from the New Mexico Library Association!
May your winter holiday season be filled with joy, relaxation, and happiness.
We look forward to seeing many of you at NMLA Legislative Day on January 30th.

NMLA 2026 Legislative Bulletin December 12, 2025, from Joe Sabatini, Chair
NMLA Legislation Committee

🏛️ NMLA Legislative Day will be Friday, January 30th. Please ask library supporters, including your local board members and friends' groups to save the date and plan to be there.🏛️

👉 On Monday, December 8th, the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative presented to the Interim Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee. Shel Neymark, Executive Director and Aspen Cori-Romero, NMRLI fellow* advocated for full funding for the Rural Library Endowment. The Rural Library Endowment (RLE) is presently funded at $30.5 million. NMRLI’s objective is to have one million dollars in the fund for each eligible public library serving populations under 3,000. There are now 60 eligible libraries, and several more potential emerging libraries, so they are asking for an additional $29.5 million. Rural library supporters are asking their local legislators to support additional funding, using picture postcards showing their library buildings.

*The Santa Fe Community Foundation provided funds for a part time position to organize and promote the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative. Aspen is visiting rural libraries around the state and is describing them in the NMRLI newsletter.

The webcast of the LFC Capital Outlay Subcommittee is at
https://buff.ly/36nY4Lb

The library portion of the hearing begins at 1:04:30 pm and ends at 1:56:00.

Shel Neymark gave an overview of the history and current status of the Endowment. Aspen Coriz-Romero described the wide array of services provided by these libraries to their communities, beginning at 1:15:15. Shel describes several situations about library staffing and requests full funding of the endowment at 1:26:00. Committee questions begin at 1:28:00, with Senator Liz Stefanics.

Other questions come from Representative Martha Garcia (1:34:50), Senator Moe Maestas (1:39:50) Maestas expresses his preference to fund these libraries through appropriations rather than endowments. Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero (1:43:20) is sympathetic to the need for living wages for library staff. She also asks about collecting statistics about the number of people who get library help in finding jobs and starting businesses. Senator Stefanics closes at 1:55:20.

NMLA is supporting this $29.5 million appropriation for the Rural Library Endowment. Appropriations.

There is a news article from Source New Mexico describing the hearing: https://buff.ly/JENRAWA

👉 On December 4th, Freedom to Read New Mexico held a meeting for around forty people at the International District Library in Albuquerque to discuss censorship in New Mexico. Several local authors discussed the impact of book banning and censorship for authors and readers.

The sponsors of last year’s anti-censorship bills attended the meeting; Rep. Kathleen Cates, Senator Harold Pope and Julie Radoslovich, Legislative Aide to Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez. Several librarians active in the anti-censorship issue also attended. Freedom to Read New Mexico is a coalition of groups
including Grandparents and Allies for Truth which supported the anti-censorship bills in the 2025 Legislature.

IC - Economic and Rural Development Economic and Rural Development