Western Library System

08/14/2026

Greetings! ☀️
The August issue of the Western Sun is here! As summer winds down and we start looking ahead to fall, this edition is packed with great updates, opportunities, and stories from libraries across the system.

In this edition:
🍂 Upcoming fall conferences and retreats, including NLA/MPLA, School Librarians Day, and the Joint Youth Services Retreat

💻 Special pricing on AWE Learning Workstations

🚗 Fall Crawl

📚 Craig Johnson Author Tour

✨ And much more!

Happy reading!

The Western Sun August 2026

08/06/2026

Craig Johnson, bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mystery series, will visit four western Nebraska communities this September for the Western Library System’s 2026 Author Tour.

During his presentation, “The Man from Ucross: Population 26,” Johnson will discuss his writing and the Longmire series. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase books and connect with fellow Longmire fans.

Tour Schedule
• September 20, 1:00 p.m. MDT — Imperial (Chase County Schools Auditorium)
• September 20, 6:00 p.m. MDT — Sidney (Sidney High School Auditorium)
• September 21, 6:00 p.m. MDT — Scottsbluff (Midwest Theater)
• September 22, 6:00 p.m. MDT — Chadron (Chadron State College, Memorial Hall Auditorium)

All events are free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

07/31/2026

The July edition of The Western Sun is here! We hope you’re staying cool indoors—or perhaps enjoying a Summer Reading Pool Party!
This issue features my reflections on some recent book-related news, information about the United for Libraries Virtual Conference, along with information about the exciting upcoming joint conference of the Mountain Plains Library Association and the Nebraska Library Association.

Enjoy!

The Western Sun July 2026

06/29/2026

We had a blast hosting a Mario Kart Tournament at Broadwater Public Library during Broadwater Days! 🏁🎮
Interested in holding a Mario Kart Tournament at your library? Reach out to the Western Library System Office. We would be happy to help! 😊

06/12/2026

The June edition of the Western Sun is here! We hope you’re staying cool and hydrated now that summer has officially kicked off. Take a break, grab an ice-cold lemonade or iced tea, and see what other libraries across the system are up to.

In this issue:
• Upcoming conferences, including NLA/MPLA, Joint Youth Services, United for Libraries, and the WLS Annual Meeting
• Summer Reading kickoffs
• Adventures in hydro dipping
• And much more!

05/15/2026

The May edition of The Western Sun is here! You won’t want to miss this issue. It’s jam-packed with information, updates, and events. 🌞

Inside this month’s issue:
• Western Library System Annual Meeting
• Craig Johnson Author Tour
• Digital Skills Workshops with Amanda Sweet
• And much more!

Happy reading!

The Western Sun May 2026

04/21/2026

Today is National Library Workers Day, and we celebrate the library workers across western Nebraska. Thank you for your dedication to your communities, your commitment to free access to information, and the many ways you help patrons discover joy through reading, programs, and connection.

04/10/2026

The April edition of The Western Sun has arrived—and it’s packed with information! 📚✨

Inside this month’s issue:
• Fresh stories and exciting updates from libraries across the system
• An update on Nebraska Libraries on the Web
• A sneak peek at upcoming fall conferences

As National Library Week approaches, we’re celebrating all the incredible work you do to keep our communities informed, inspired, and connected. Thank you for being the heart of your libraries! 💛

Happy reading!

The Western Sun April 2026