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What a great summer!
I loved getting out and visiting libraries this summer and sharing out our experiences on our NMSL blog. I am catching up on posting, but you can read the articles posted so far under our Summer Reading Program tag. What comes through in every visit, in the summer and all year, is how invested our public libraries are in the success of their communities and their patrons. Libraries matter, and the work you do matters.
Take some time to reflect and regroup. And don't forget to turn in your surveys! Libraries matter - and we need the data to help prove it!
Kelly
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Colorful displays and crafts dominated the summer - with libraries really Coloring Our World and communities.
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Upcoming Days, Themes, Celebrations
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Start thinking about ways your library can celebrate!
September 15 is International Dot Day
Celebrate Creativity, Courage, and Collaboration
Sept 15 - Oct 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate the histories, cultures and accomplishments of Latinos, who have helped shape the United States over the last five centuries.
Sept 16 is National Voter Registration Day
September is National Voter Registration Month with September 16, 2025 recognized this year as National Voter Registration Day.
- New Mexicans can register online until October 7, 2025 for the November 4th election.
October 5-11, 2025 is Banned Books Week
This year's theme is Censorship is so 1984. Read for your Rights. Learn about the top 10 most challenged books of 2024 and start planning how you will mark the week at your library.
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All Summer Reading Surveys DUE August 31
- Parent/Caregiver
- Participant - NEW!
- Library Survey
Reminder that your participation in the surveys secures your access to the SRP materials for 2026!
And don't forget to PLEASE SHARE your recommendations for outstanding Performers and Presenters with other New Mexico Library Staff! We collect this information new each year so it is current!
Find everything in the SRP25 Niche Academy Module or please reach out for assistance.
Read the JULY CSLP Newsletter - here
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Looking ahead to...
Summer Reading 2026
Stay tuned for
more information!
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2025 Early Literacy Calendars
Don't forget you can print these out as a resource for Parents and Caregivers. Download - here.
They are great to have on hand for storytimes, outreach to preschools, community events, and more!
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@ SEEN ON SOCIAL
Social Media posts are a great way to see what is happening at New Mexico's libraries!
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Building Community Through Craft Programs
August 12 @ 1:00PM MT
Gain practical strategies for building shared learning experiences in your existing programming. Craft programs in libraries can create space for fostering social connection in addition to participating in art projects. In this webinar, explore practical strategies to encourage interaction among participants and build shared learning experiences in your existing programming. Learn how to design activities that enable people to express their talents and encourage them to step into leadership roles to help each other succeed.
Full details and to register - click here
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Social Media Roundup for Librarians
Wednesday, August 13 @ 12noon MT
What's new with social media? Join Melody Karle to learn about new social media platforms, existing platforms that have recently changed, and how social media is impacting libraries and library staff.
To register and for more information - click here.
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Citizen Science Month 2026:
Make Your Acts Count - A Kickoff for Libraries and Event Facilitators
Wed, August 20 @ 1:00PM MT
Libraries, museums, and community spaces are civic hubs—and in April 2026, they’ll also become launchpads for real-world research. Invite your community to take part in simple, fun, and meaningful citizen science projects that spark curiosity and make a local impact.
Join SciStarter and STAR Net to explore how your organization can easily integrate citizen science into events or programs. Whether you're planning a science festival, running a small rural library, or leading a large urban institute, there are flexible, ready-to-go projects that fit your capacity and audience.
Full details and registration here.
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Upcoming Webinars for
Librarians and Educators
These are free workshops to train YOU on the subject matter, so you can then conduct the program at your library. For virtual programs the first 20 registrants receive mailed kits of supplies.
Seeds and Soil - August 14, 10am-12pm (Virtual)
3D Printing 101 - August 26, 4-6pm @ Explora
Patterns to Virtual Thinking - Sept 11, 2-4pm (Virtual)
Rollin' Robots - Sept 18, 3:30-5:30pm @ Explora
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National Library Continuing Education Calendar:
Keep informed of nationwide opportunities (mostly free) directed at Library Staff through the National CE Calendar, hosted by the Maine State Library.
Access here - National CECAL
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Looking Ahead: Professional Conferences
There are many general and specialized conferences for library staff. Plan ahead to attend! Remember: LSTA funds can be used to send library staff to professional conferences. Click on the name to go to the conference website.
ARSL (Rural and Small Libraries) - Sept 17-20, 2025, Albuquerque, NM
ATALM - Oct 7-9, 2025, Cherokee, NC
New Mexico Library Association - Oct 22-24, 2025, Albuquerque, NM
Power Up: Leadership for Youth Services - March 26-27 - Madison, WI (Hybrid)
Public Library Association (PLA) - April 1-3, 2026, Minneapolis, MN
ALA National Conference - June 25-30, 2026, Chicago, IL
ALSC Institute (Assoc for Library Service to Children) - Oct 1-3, 2026, Buffalo, NY
Joint Council of Librarians of Color - Oct 7-11, 2026, Spokane, WA
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