NSLA Newsletter - December 2025
NSLA President
NSLA December Newsletter
Read on to learn about…
NSLA Awards Applications are ready!
What Joy’s Reading
This Month’s Top Socials
Notes from Your President
The end of the semester is often a whirlwind of book returns, grading, and final projects. Amidst the busyness, please know that your dedication does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the champions of literacy and the architects of critical thinking in your buildings. You provide our students with the tools to navigate a complex world and the stories that allow them to imagine a better one.
We are thrilled to announce a brand-new feature launching in the new year! Starting in January, keep an eye on our social media and email updates for #FollowMeFridays.
We know that some of the best inspiration comes from seeing how our peers utilize their spaces. Through short video tours, librarians from across Nebraska will be opening their doors to show off their creative displays, organizational hacks, and unique learning zones. It’s a virtual "library crawl" you won’t want to miss!
If you’ve made it this far in the newsletter, we have a small surprise for you! We value your engagement and want to brighten your holiday season. Please fill out this brief entry form NSLA Newsletter Drawing to be entered into a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift card. It’s just a small way for us to say thanks for staying connected with our community. Complete the form by January 5th, 2026.
Most importantly, I hope you find time over the coming weeks to close the laptop, step away from the shelves, and enjoy a well-deserved rest. May your winter break be filled with warmth, family, and—of course—a really great book.
Warmly,
Joy Harvey
What Joy’s Reading:
I recently read Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer, and I just knew I had to share it with all of you as a perfect holiday recommendation for middle-grade students. The story follows a brave girl named Juniper who, while searching for her missing mother, discovers a grumpy, woods-dwelling man who happens to be a world-weary Santa Claus in hiding. It’s a brilliant reimagining of the legend that trades typical sugary sweetness for Colfer’s trademark wit and a truly moving story about resilience. I think it's a fantastic pick for our libraries because it balances high-stakes adventure with big-hearted themes like kindness and community. Best of all, I was thrilled to see that the sequel, Juniper’s Journey, was just released, so your students can jump straight into the next adventure!
Celebrate Excellence! Nominate a Deserving Colleague for NSLA Awards!
It's time to recognize the outstanding contributions and dedicated work of school library professionals, administrators, and advocates across Nebraska! We encourage all members to nominate a deserving colleague (or even self-nominate) for the 2025 Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA) Awards.
We have several opportunities to honor excellence, including:
Nebraska School Librarian of the Year
NSLA Distinguished Service Award
NSLA Meritorious Service Award
NSLA Distinguished Administrator Award
You can find detailed descriptions of each award and access the nomination forms on our website: NSLA Awards Applications.
Important Deadline & Membership Note:
All award applications and nominations are due by Friday, March 15.
Please note that to be eligible for the prestigious Nebraska School Librarian of the Year award, the nominee must be a current NSLA member. We kindly ask that you confirm membership status before submitting a nomination for this specific honor.
This Month’s Top Socials:
RumorGuard from News Literacy Project:
I love using the News Literacy Project’s Rumor Guard with my students to practice fact-checking! I check new content regularly to see how it’s been evaluated, then collaborate with teachers so students can practice lateral reading and fact-checking skills. RumorGuard
Hidden Sticky Notes
Design a small graphic or short message that fits on a 3x3 inch sticky note. Example: “Shhh! You found a hidden golden ticket! Bring this to your librarian to claim your prize.” Stick these notes inside books—about 6 different books at a time—in titles that get checked out occasionally. When a student brings you a sticky note, give them a small prize, then hide a new note in a different book. Sticky notes work well because they’re less likely to fall out like loose paper.
These Books Should be Friends
Display idea: These books should be friends! Display books with similar subjects together, explaining what they have in common!
Golden Sowers for 26-27 School Year Announced!
NLA has announced the books The Golden Sower is Nebraska’s children’s choice award, and students get to choose the winners. To participate, students simply read 4 out of the 10 nominated books in the appropriate category and cast their vote. Explore the full list of nominees: Golden Sower 26-27 Nominees