Welcome to the New Mexico Library Association's 103rd annual conference!
Tentative Schedule
Current information is available here.
The Registration Process
NMLA hopes that you have a smooth registration process. To facilitate the process, before registering please familiarize yourself with the following details.
Scholarships
A limited number of conference scholarships have been made available. You can view more information on the Scholarships Page. To apply please reach out to contact@nmla.org by October 1st.
Celebrations!
Each conference we hold several celebrations. We honor outstanding library workers and library supporters during our Thursday Awards Ceremony Dinner. And we host an author during our Friday Author Luncheon.
Thursday Awards Ceremony Dinner
Cost
$32/ticket
Meal Options
Green Chile Chicken Alfredo Buffet, which will offer:
- Grilled Chicken Breast or Plant-based Chicken Alternative
- Linguini Pasta
- Green Chile Alfredo Sauce
- Steamed Broccolini
- Garlic Bread
- Frosted White Cake
- Cheesecake
Closing date for meal purchases is October 10.
Any dietary acommodation requests must be submitted to contact@nmla.org at time of purchase.
Friday Author Luncheon
Cost
$32/ticket
Meal Options
A Taco Bar Buffet, which will offer:
- Chipotle Chicken
- Vegan Black Bean Quinoa
- Taco Shells
- Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chopped Onions
- Cheddar Jack Cheese
- Guacamole
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Pinto Beans
- Spanish Rice
- Key Lime Pie
- Frosted Chocolate Cake
Closing date for meal purchases is October 10.
Any dietary acommodation requests must be submitted to contact@nmla.org at time of purchase.
Preconference Sessions
Please select your preconference sessions at time of registration.
Wednesday Morning Session: 9:00 am - noon
- Working with the New Mexico State Library: What to Know as a Library Director with Carmelita Aragon Kelly McCabe, Ursula McDade, Ada Negraru from New Mexico State Library / Development Bureau
- Planting the Seeds of Open Education with Jennifer Jordan from UNM University Libraries
- Growing Digital Opportunity: The Evolving Role of Libraries in Digital Inclusion with Bo Ford from New Mexico State Library
- What's It About? An Introduction to Subject Analysis and Classification. Sarah Edwards Obenauf with Bradley Carrington, and Angelica Bernaert from New Mexico State Library
Wednesday Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Fundamentals of Leadership with Jason E Shoup from Rio Rancho Public Library
- Nourish Your Programs with Art-Rich STEM Activities with Christine Shupla from Lunar and Planetary Institute
- Convincing the Unconvinced: Using Data to Prove Your Library Matters with Ursula McDaid from New Mexico State Library
Conference Sessions
In case you didn't look at the full schedule, here are the session offerings. No registration required.
Friday Morning Sessions: 11:00 am - noon
Session 7
11:00 am - 11:50
- From Story Seeds to Community Blooms: Library Ideas that Grow Engagement with Karin Trujillo
- Growing Your Community: How-tos of Creating a Seed Library with Jeri Hurd
- Bringing Your Collections to Full Bloom: Displaying Your Materials in the Best Light with Susan Asplund
- Rooted in Belonging: Weeding Out Imposter Syndrome and Gaining Agency & Community Through Zines with Jess Zubia and Jessi Galanter
- Highlighting Collections and Community Through Open Access Digital Tours with Regina Bouley Sweeten
Friday Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Session 8
1:05 pm - 1:55 pm
- Blooming Researchers & Writers: A Story of Collaboration Between an Academic Librarian and a Writing Instructor with Joy Urbina & Dr. Isabel Baca
- Making the Career Switch: Moving From One Library Type to Another with Erin Renee Wahl, Kimberly Underwood and Veronica Soto
- Tiny Book Crafting with Susanne Caro
- North Fourth Street: Albuquerque’s Original Route 66 with Joe Sabatini
- Art of Being Present with Jess Zubia and Alisa Gonzalez
Session 9
2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
- Battle of the Books Basics with Karin Trujillo
- Empowering Libraries to Support Caregivers: Essential Resources and Strategies with George Strawley
- Grow Your Own Reading Challenge: Using Google Forms and Data Studio to Create Your Own Digital Reading Tracker with Heather Christensen
- Decolonizing the Catalog- How We Ditched Dewey in our Indigenous Collection with Lisa Longeteig & Tara Abeita
- Growing Your Summer Reading Program with Kelly McCabe
Lodging
Lodging is not processed by NMLA, but we do provide here online access to several local lodging options.
Courtyard by Marriot
456 East University Avenue, Las Cruces, NM
Reserve your room with Courtyard
Group reservations must be made no later than two (2) weeks prior to arrival, by October 7, 2026
The Fine Print
Cancellation Policy: Due to costs associated with the conference, cancellation requests must be received in writing by 09/30/2026, email to contact@nmla.org. Payment is non-refundable after this date.
Code of conduct: NMLA is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone engaged with the association at events regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, religion or other group identity. Harassment will not be tolerated in any form and constructive discussion is encouraged during all NMLA programming.
Check payments: Mail to PO Box 26074, Albuquerque, NM 87125
Questions?: Call (505)400-7309 or email contact@nmla.org.
Thank you for joining NMLA at its 2026 Conference!
