Advocacy
One of the most important tasks as a library supporter is to communicate with elected officials whose actions can have an impact on libraries and the communities they serve. State laws and policies as well as federal programs affect all library types including public, academic, school, and special libraries.
NMLA's Mission
The New Mexico Library Association enriches the lives and lifelong learning of all New Mexicans by actively promoting the cooperation and development libraries and their personnel.
NMLA's Goals
- Through NMLA's advocacy, New Mexicans have open, equal, and free access to information and services through their libraries
- NMLA fosters cooperation among all New Mexico libraries
- NMLA attracts, retains, involves and develops active members and leaders for the library community
- NMLA facilitates development and improvement of New Mexico libraries
- NMLA effectively manages its resources to accomplish the Association's mission
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New Mexico Library Association Responds to H.R. 7661 Carlsbad, NM — Sarah Jones, President of the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA), issued the following statement in response to H.R. 7661: “H.R. 7661 opens Pandora’s box. When we begin banning or censoring books, we start down a path that threatens the very foundation of intellectual freedom in our country. Today it may be one title; tomorrow it may be another. Before long, we risk emptying our shelves until the only thing remaining is dust — and the loss will belong to all of us. Books are both windows and mirrors. They allow young readers to see themselves reflected in stories and to look through a window into experiences different from their own. They are often the starting place for important conversations between children, parents, and educators. Parents absolutely play a vital role in guiding what their own children read. Family involvement in reading choices is both important and appropriate. However, broad censorship measures remove the ability for families to make individualized decisions and instead impose one standard on all students. School librarians are highly qualified professionals. They follow established internal policies and procedures to select academic content that supports curriculum standards, student development, and diverse learning needs. Their work is thoughtful, research-based, and grounded in professional ethics. We must support our librarians and our children — not limit them. Restricting access to information does not strengthen education; it weakens it. The New Mexico Library Association stands firmly in support of intellectual freedom, professional library standards, the professional integrity of school librarians, equitable access to information, the protection of free speech and First Amendment principles, and the rights of students to access a wide range of age-appropriate materials. Our children deserve opportunity, understanding, and the freedom to explore ideas. We urge policymakers to protect those values.” |
NMLA Statement in Support of IMLS
Below is NMLA's official statement regarding IMLS. Please use this statement in addition to any information you wish to share with your elected officials.
IMLS Statement (Word Document)
On behalf of the New Mexico Library Association (NMLA), the Executive Board writes in support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in response to the Executive Order stating that IMLS must be reduced to its "statutory functions” and “non-statutory components and functions …shall be eliminated to the maximum extent…”.
IMLS provides crucial funding to New Mexico’s libraries through grants received from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This funding is essential for New Mexico libraries in bridging the digital divide, supporting education and workforce development, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening communities.
New Mexico State Library receives about $1.8M annually from LSTA. Grants to States funds the following programs:
- Rural Services (Bookmobiles, Books by Mail, Delivery to Public Libraries): 56% of LSTA funding
- El Portal Online Databases: 31% of LSTA funding (Includes accessing job training programs, career resources, adult continuing education, and small business support, test preparation.)
- Library for the Blind and Print Disabled: 4% of LSTA funding
- Interlibrary Loan: 3% of LSTA funding
- Summer Reading Programming: 1% of LSTA Funding
IMLS has also been a consistent and crucial source of funding for tribal communities in New Mexico through its Native American Library Services Grants. Since 2011, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe, and the Pueblos of Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambé, Ohkay Owingeh, Pojoaque, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Sandia, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Tesuque, Zia, and Zuni have all benefited from financial support aimed at improving library services within their communities. This funding continues to be available, with the Pueblos of Nambé, Santa Clara, Tesuque, Pojoaque, Isleta, San Felipe, and Ohkay Owingeh receiving IMLS Native American Library Services Grants in 2024.
Additionally, IMLS supports essential services such as:
● Expanding broadband access
● Delivering early literacy initiatives
● Providing STEM education, online learning tools, and after-school programs, tutoring, and test prep in public libraries and K-12 schools
● Preserving local history, languages, and traditions in New Mexico’s tribal and cultural institutions
● Digitizing historical archives to make New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage accessible to future generations
Libraries have long served as community hubs for accessing information, engaging in civic activities, and supporting lifelong learning. Federal funding for IMLS leverages state and local investments, multiplying the impact of library programs. Every dollar invested in libraries generates economic benefits by improving education, job readiness, and community engagement.
NMLA urges Congress to continue IMLS and grant programs through LSTA to ensure that libraries in New Mexico and nationwide can maintain and expand their services. Preserving IMLS means protecting access to information, education, and opportunities for all New Mexicans.
The links below can be used to contact your state legislators and members of congress:
https://www.nmlegis.gov/members/find_my_legislator
https://www.everylibrary.org/statementimls2025