New Mexico Library Association

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...

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