NSLA Newsletter - October 2025
NSLA President
NSLA October Newsletter
Read on to learn about…
Joining NSLA
Library Leaders Across Nebraska
Save the Date: Future Ready Conference 2026
Join the NSLA Board
This month’s top socials
Join NSLA!
If this is your first time receiving our newsletter—yay, welcome! Chances are, you’re not yet a member of the Nebraska School Librarians Association (NSLA), but we’d love for you to join our amazing community of library leaders!
💡 Now’s the perfect time to join or renew—NSLA memberships expire in September, so don’t miss this chance to stay connected and inspired all year long!
For just $40 a year, you’ll unlock:
✨ Monthly newsletters packed with creative tips, fresh ideas, and ready-to-use inspiration for your library programs.
🛡️ Advocacy support that has your back, plus easy-to-follow updates on important library-related legislation like LB390.
🤝 A network of passionate school librarians who are just as dedicated and awesome as you are!
💰 And here’s a tip: many schools will cover professional organization dues—so ask if your NSLA membership can be funded that way!
Don’t miss another issue or opportunity—renew or join NSLA today! Library Leaders Across Nebraska
Check out the map below to see just how far our NSLA network reaches! From Scottsbluff to Omaha and everywhere in between, school librarians are connecting, collaborating, and advocating for strong school libraries. Each pin represents a member who’s part of this amazing statewide community.
Not on the map yet? Join us today and help strengthen the voice of school libraries in every corner of Nebraska!
Save the Date: Future Ready Conference!
We’re thrilled to share that NSLA is partnering with the Future Ready Conference 2026, an event packed with inspiring sessions and a strong library focus!
Join us June 1–2 at the Nebraska Department of Education (500 S. 84th St., Lincoln) or connect virtually via Zoom. Whether you attend in person or online, this conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn, collaborate, and celebrate technology in education and libraries.
Mark your calendar and plan to be part of this exciting statewide event!
🌟 Step Into Leadership: Join the NSLA Board!
Are you ready to make a difference for school libraries across Nebraska? NSLA is looking for passionate, forward-thinking leaders to join our Board! This year, we’ll be electing a President-Elect, Secretary, and two Members-at-Large.
We’d love to see representation from all corners of the state—rural, suburban, and urban—because every voice strengthens our statewide community. Serving on the board is a meaningful way to grow professionally, build connections, and shape the future of school librarianship in Nebraska.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe someday I’ll get more involved…” — this is your moment!
If you are interested in running for one of these positions, please send your name and bio to nsla...@gmail.com.
Let’s lead together and keep Nebraska’s school libraries strong!
This month’s top socials:
T-Shirt Winner Announced!
Congrats to Cari Poston, our NSLA Facebook T-Shirt Winner! Thanks to everyone who participated in our fun online contest.
The Atlantic offers free access for high schools:
We’re excited to share that The Atlantic is offering free digital subscriptions to high school students — giving them access to thoughtful journalism, culture, ideas, and in-depth reporting at no cost. 👉 Learn more & claim access here: The Atlantic Free Digital Access
Spooky Display Idea:
Looking for a fun engaging contest for October? Print an outline of a ghost, have students make the ghost look like their favorite book character. Students cut out the ghost, put their name on the back, and then judge for prizes! NSLA Facebook Post: Spooky Display Idea
One of Lincoln Public School’s librarians tried this out and said the kids are loving it!
Congrats to NSLA’s Award Winners!
NSLA is thrilled to celebrate Kim Bender, school librarian at Humphrey Public Schools, as our 2025 School Librarian of the Year! Kim was nominated for her outstanding service to K–12 students—providing meaningful opportunities to engage with literature through weekly classes, creative budgeting, and thoughtful curation. Congratulations, Kim!
Congrats also go to our Distinguished Administrator Award Winner Heather Thompson of Shelby-Rising City! Want to nominate your administrator or a school librarian you know for an award? Learn more at our website: NSLA Awards Applications