Last month, a group of NLA leaders met in Las Vegas for a retreat focused on re-imagining what our association can be. Hosted graciously at the Clark County branch of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (thank you to Director Kelvin Watson and Suzanne Scott for the warm welcome) we spent the day reflecting, planning, and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable NLA.

We’re calling it our “Renaissance”, and not just because it’s a great conference theme (although it is). It truly feels like the beginning of a new chapter, full of energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to serving Nevada’s library community better than ever.

Restructuring for a Stronger Future

It’s no secret that the last few years have been challenging for NLA. Our leadership structure was overdue for a reset, and many of our policies and documents hadn’t kept up with the realities of how we work today. During the retreat, we tackled that head-on.  We’re moving toward a simplified board structure, one that’s lean, efficient, and representative. Two strong models were discussed, but both prioritize inclusivity, clarity, and accountability.

We’re also modernizing our foundational documents. Bylaws, policies, and procedures will be reviewed and updated to make sure we’re building something flexible, clear, and truly member focused. Committees are being realigned too. From governance and advocacy to awards, professional development, and conference planning, each one will have clearly defined roles and co-chairs to foster collaboration and continuity.

It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, but hopefully it’s the kind of work that creates a solid foundation for the years to come.

Mark Your Calendars: NLA 2025 Conference

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 NLA Conference will take place October 16–18, 2025, in Las Vegas, timed to align with the Las Vegas Book Festival that weekend for even more energy and excitement!

Our theme? “Renaissance.” Yes, we’re leaning all the way in.

We’re envisioning a conference that feels as rejuvenating as it is informative. Expect meaningful sessions, creative programming, and maybe even a few unexpected touches. It’s going to be vibrant, revitalizing, and worth the wait.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for NLA

Here’s what’s coming soon:

• A new board structure, with updated bylaws and clear leadership roles;
• Committee updates are in motion; and
• A fall election so that by January 2026, we will be (mostly) fully operational.

In the meantime, we’ll begin rolling out more frequent updates to keep everyone in the loop. We’re committed to transparency, inclusion, and bringing the fun back into being a part of NLA.

This is just the beginning and we’re so excited for what’s ahead. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are new to the Nevada library world, we hope you’ll feel the shift. It’s not just a reset; it’s a renaissance.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

—
Posted by Kassie Antonucci, on behalf of the NLA Leadership Team

Nevada Library Association Statement on Executive Order Targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Nevada Library Association (NLA) is dismayed by and greatly opposes the Executive Order dated March 14, 2025 targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This action threatens to devastate critical library programs and services that countless Nevadans depend on, from rural areas to urban centers. IMLS plays an invaluable role in promoting literacy, workforce development, and community enrichment, and we urge members of Congress to take immediate action to reverse this decision. 

IMLS is the sole federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and represents just 0.003% of the federal budget – funds used for 125,000 public, school, academic, and special libraries across America. This funding empowers libraries to serve their communities efficiently and effectively and reductions to this funding will negatively impact Nevada libraries and their communities. 

Since 2020, Nevadans have benefited from just over $10 million in federal funding awarded from IMLS. These funds support essential services, such as:

- Bookmobile outreach to rural communities;
- Statewide databases;
- The Nevada Talking Book Services;
- Summer Reading Programs; and
- Workforce and economic development programs.

Without this vital support, many of these programs would be drastically reduced or eliminated, leaving our communities vulnerable and underserved.

Libraries in Nevada are not just “warehouses” for books; they are community hubs that provide essential services – tax help, language learning, after-school programming, technology access, resume workshops, and much more. They serve people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic statuses, ensuring equal access to education and information. Reducing or eliminating IMLS funding will endanger these services and rural and low-income communities will be disproportionately affected by these cuts.

The Nevada Library Association urges the administration to reconsider this harmful executive order. We call on Nevada’s Congressional delegation, state legislators, and local officials to stand up for libraries and the communities they serve. Libraries are essential to our democracy and our future. NLA asks all Nevadans who value literacy, learning, and opportunity to reach out to their elected officials and advocate for the continued support of IMLS.

Nevada Library Association 
www.nevadalibraries.org

Issued April 2, 2025

NLA IMLS Statement 04-02-2025.pdf

Dear NLA Membership/Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to start by sincerely apologizing for the lack of updates from NLA and any confusion this may have caused. We recognize the importance of clear and timely communication, and I deeply regret any concern that has arisen as a result.

Due to a variety of outlying factors, leadership faced challenges and uncertainty over the past year. I acknowledge that this contributed to gaps in communication and decision-making, and I want to assure you that we are taking active steps to address these issues.

While we were unable to host a conference this past year, we have not been idle. Behind the scenes, we have been working diligently on an organizational assessment aimed at strengthening NLA and ensuring it can serve our community more effectively in the future. This assessment is a critical step toward addressing longstanding challenges and positioning NLA for success in the years ahead.

In the coming months, we will share more details about the assessment and the proposed organizational changes it will guide. Once the assessment is complete, we will reach out to you—our valued members—for your input on the next steps.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape NLA’s future, and we are calling on anyone interested in being part of this transformation. If you are willing to help enact these changes or are interested in serving in a board or committee position in the future (whether as a temporary interim position or a fully elected seat), we encourage you to reach out now. Your involvement will help prepare us for a strong and collaborative year ahead.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of NLA. Together, we can ensure our organization remains a vital and vibrant resource for Nevada’s libraries.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or to express your interest in contributing. We look forward to working alongside you to build a stronger NLA.

Warm regards,
Kassie Antonucci
NLA President
Nevada Library Association

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