Kansas Library Association

Today is Library Giving Day — a national day dedicated to supporting public libraries through charitable giving. 💙📚

Libraries rely on more than tax dollars. Donations fund programs, resources, and services that make a real difference in the communities we serve — and fill gaps that public funding rarely covers.

If your library has a foundation or friends group running a campaign today, share it. If you've been thinking about giving to your own library — today's a great day to start.

Learn more at http://librarygivingday.org

An update from the American Library Association about HR 7661.

"ALA continues to urge advocates to call their members of Congress at the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) and ask them to oppose H.R. 7661 and, instead, to support the Right to Read Act (H.R.6440 / S. 3365), which would provide much-needed funding to schools to ensure school libraries are well-resourced and well-staffed."

'Dangerous' bill inviting government censorship passes House committee The American Library Association condemns the March 17, 2026, passage of H.R. 7661 by the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Join us next week as we Focus On the Partridge Public Library!

🗓️ Tuesday, March 24
🕜 1:30–2:00 PM
🔗 Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/JL4EBXt9QoWB1qxCbhox2w

This month, Library Director Keturah Delahoy joins the program to chat about the recently completed library building project in Partridge, Kansas. The new space features a bright children’s play area, Colena’s Kids Hangout, and hosts programs like Maker Mondays, Builder’s Club, and Play & Chat, giving kids and families a place to create, build, and connect.

Watch the interview live over Zoom, or catch the recording later on YouTube. A recording link will be sent to everyone who registers.

Registration for the 2026 CULS Conference is now open!

📅 May 17th-18th
📍 Tebo Library, Fort Hays State University

Join the College and University Libraries Section for their 2026 spring conference at Fort Hays State University's newly-renovated Tebo Library! The conference will take place Monday, May 18, with a reception the evening of Sunday, May 17th.

This year's theme is "The Curious Library: We are All Learners Here," and we hope you will join us in sharing what excites and inspires you. Lunch and snacks will be provided on May 18th.

Learn more and register: https://kslibassoc.org/event-6607050?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=5/10/2026

Now's the time to ask your representatives to in FY 2027!

🔗 ala.org/showup

NEW: Congress has begun preparation for next year's federal budget, and they need to hear from library advocates like you.

The best way to show up during the budget process? Take action.

Tell your Representative to in FY 2027: ala.org/showup

Join us on the 17th as we explore a unique library dedicated to environmental learning located at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas!

Our host Dan from the Northeast Kansas Library System will be chatting with Patrice Gonzalez, Branch Manager with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, who grew up on the lake and now leads this small but vibrant library connecting kids, families, and schools to nature and science.

From live animal ambassadors—including reptiles, amphibians, and an arachnid—to outdoor learning spaces like native gardens, a restored prairie, and a musical amphitheater, this library makes nature accessible to all.

Watch the interview live over Zoom, or catch the recording later on YouTube. A recording link will be sent to everyone who registers.

📅 Tuesday, February 17
🕑 1:30–2:00 PM
🔗 Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/OB-Q-JgoS0SoT1j4bmQJiw #/registration

Calling all library school students: apply now for the 2026 KLAEF Scholarship!

The KLA Educational Foundation (KLAEF) is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship of $2,000. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a current member of the Kansas Library Association
• Must be enrolled as a graduate library school student or a student pursuing a library media specialist endorsement as part of a graduate degree program
• Must be at least enrolled in the second semester of the program
• Must be a student in good academic standing, i.e. not on probation

Be sure to review the guidelines before completing and submitting the application! Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://kslibassoc.org/KLAEF-Grants-&-Scholarships

Thank you to everyone who joined us (despite winter road conditions!) in Topeka for KLA Legislative Day!

Around 40 attendees spent a busy morning meeting with legislators and sharing positive stories about how libraries impact their communities. The group also heard from Representative Adam Smith and Representative Pam Curtis in the State Library of Kansas.

Couldn't make it? No worries! It's never too late to share your libraries' stories with your legislators!

A new season of Kansas library interviews kicks off next week with Kingman Carnegie Library director Leilani Wilson!

Like many public libraries across the state, Kingman offers strong, community-centered programming—painting classes, a mobile and bookable story time, adult book clubs, and more.

Join us next Tuesday to watch the interview live, or catch the recording later on YouTube. A recording link will be sent to everyone who registers.

🗓️ Tuesday, January 20
🕜 1:30–2:00 PM
🔗 Registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/KSTifEtMRkqu-DIVYF_yzg

The final 2025 Kansas Libraries newsletter is now available!

In the December issue:
• Save the date for KLA Legislative Day
• The Governmental Affairs Committee shares tips about talking to your legislators about libraries
• Best Small Library (Toronto Library) and KLA Presidential Awards recipients
• Member Spotlight: Jack Granath, Bonner Springs City Library Director
• and more!

Check it out here:https://kslibassoc.org/resources/Documents/KLA%20Newsletters/2025_12_KLA_Newsletter.pdf

Happy reading!