Western Library System

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

03/13/2026

A new edition of The Western Sun has officially marched in—and it’s packed with resources, updates, and ideas for your library! ☀️

What’s on the shelf this month:

• Summer Reading resources and program ideas
• A reminder about the Public Library Survey (due April 1!)
• NLA Advocacy Day and PLTS Spring Meetings
• News and highlights from libraries around the system

Happy reading! 📖

The Western Sun March 2026

02/13/2026

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

Inside this month’s issue:
• Program Ideas for America’s Semiquincentennial
• Public Library Survey Update
• Upcoming events, including Big Talk From Small Libraries and NLA Advocacy Day

Wishing you a wonderful Library Lovers’ Month! 🌞

Enjoy reading!

The Western Sun February 2026

01/21/2026

Calling all paleo-librarians!

The recordings of the 2026 WLS Summer Reading Workshop have been unearthed and are ready to view! For your convenience, the workshop is split into two recordings:

🦴 2026 Summer Reading Workshop – Morning Session: https://youtu.be/o15J2GRe73A

🦕 2026 Summer Reading Workshop – Afternoon Session: https://youtu.be/smx9idGA8o0

If you have any questions or need help brainstorming ideas, feel free to reach out to us at the Western Library System — we’re always happy to help you dig up some great program inspiration!

Recording: 2026 Western Library System Summer Reading Workshop (Morning Session)📍 Alliance Public Library — Alliance, Nebraska📅 Tuesday, January 13, 2026Ti...

01/09/2026

The January edition of The Western Sun has arrived!

Inside this month’s issue:
• A Winter Reading Wonderland at Crawford Public Library
• 2025 NLA Conference and Read Aloud Nebraska Workshop
• A Snowman CD Craft Idea
• Upcoming Grant Opportunities
…and much more!

Wishing you an amazing 2026 from the WLS Office!

The Western Sun January 2026

12/17/2025

The December edition of The Western Sun, your monthly digest of upcoming events, training opportunities, and grants and scholarships, has officially arrived!

Inside this month’s issue:
• Register for the WLS Summer Reading Workshops!
• Highlights from the NLA Conference from WLS scholarship recipients
• News from around the System (featuring lots of holiday festivities!)
• Sidney Public Library’s new bookmobile
…and much more!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from the WLS Office!

The Western Sun December 2025

12/08/2025

Stop by the Legacy of the Plains Museum between now and December 23 to check out the amazing Trees Along the Trail!

You can vote for your favorite trees by purchasing tickets at the museum. Tickets are just $1 each.

Western Library System set up a tree featuring snowflakes made from book pages, plus a snowglobe ornament representing each public library in the WLS service area.

Huge thanks to Legacy of the Plains for inviting WLS to participate this year! 🎄✨