Libraries are among the most trusted institutions in America, providing opportunity and enrichment at every stage in life. Yet in recent years, libraries have been facing unprecedented challenges – bans on library materials and programs, threats to cut local funding, and state legislation that would criminalize librarians for doing their jobs. Now the federal government is moving to cut off its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico Marriott Albuquerque Pyramid North
NMLA's 2025 Annual Conference theme, Making Due, asks New Mexican librarians to come together and talk about how we make things work, even when it's hard or have limited resources.
The Border Regional Library Association (BRLA is an organization that founded in 1966 for the promotion of library service and librarianship in the El Paso/Las Cruces/Juarez metro area. Membership includes librarians, paraprofessionals, media, and supporters from the tri-state area of Trans-Pecos Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Chihuahua.
There will be a mixer event hosted in part by the City of Las Cruces on Friday, November 14th from 6-8 p.m. at the Branigan Cultural Center located at 501 N Main Street in Las Cruces, NM. Author Denise Chavez will be the guest speaker. Please note that there is an extra charge of $20 per person for this event to cover some expenses.
Registration Rates for the Conference:
Registration Rates for Friday Night Event:
$20 per person (Optional, Extra Charge added to registration)
If you prefer, you can print the form and return by regular mail. Electronic submissions should be submitted by Friday, October 31, 2025, and mailed forms must be postmarked by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Sebastian Diaz, BRLA Treasurer
10805 Bywood Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 sdiaz@utep.edu
For general questions regarding the conference please contact:
Sarah Booth, Deputy Director of Libraries - Quality of Life Department, City of Las Cruces. Phone: 575-528-4017. Email sbooth@lascruces.gov
For any questions regarding the meals for the conference please contact:
Monique Paez, Senior Office Manager, Quality of Life Department, City of Las Cruces. Phone: 575-541-2048. Email: cpaez@lascruces.gov
Does your library have Indigenous documents, photos, recordings, or historical items, but you’re not sure how to handle them? Join us for Ask an Archivist, a conversation series where you can bring your questions—big or small—and learn from archivists who specialize in Indigenous collections.
Together, we’ll talk about:
This is a chance to get practical guidance, resources, and ideas you can use right away in your library. Whether you work in a public, academic, or special library, you’ll leave with tools to better care for the Indigenous materials entrusted to your collections.
Bring your questions and let’s learn together.
Unite Against Book Bans Mission: "Unite Against Book Bans strives to stop the removal of reading materials from America’s libraries and schools, which has soared to record highs in recent years. Unite is working to defeat the vocal minority that seeks to impose their views on others by restricting the First Amendment right to read freely."
Unite Against Book Bans Beliefs:
This subject guide was originally based on resources the presenter and program participants shared at the 2017 New Mexico Library Association Mini-conference program Transforming Ourselves through Professional Development.
Pages of this guide are predominantly organized based on the following areas.
