Libraries have long served as gateways to knowledge, literacy, and civic engagement. In recent years, they have also found themselves at the center of a growing national conversation about access to books, information, and intellectual freedom.
 
Join Sierra Nevada Forums for a screening of the documentary The Librarians, followed by a panel discussion with local library leaders. The film explores how librarians across the United States are navigating the challenges of book review policies and book bans while continuing to serve their communities.
 
Through personal stories and real-world examples, the film highlights the role librarians play in protecting the freedom to read and ensuring communities have access to diverse ideas and perspectives.
 
Following the screening, a panel of local library professionals will discuss the evolving role of libraries in our communities, the challenges they face, and why access to information remains vital for lifelong learning and civic participation.
 
Panelists:
Joy Holt, Director, Carson City Library
Dr. Betts Markle, Board Trustee, Carson City Library; President, Friends of the Library
Ananda Campbell, Teacher-Librarian, Carson High School; Lead Librarian, Carson City School District

Moderated by:
Michele Ravera, Host of Morning Edition, KUNR Public Radio

Want to explore more about the film and the topics it covers? Click below to learn more!
About the Documentary
Filmmaker Bios 
Freedom to Read Nevada: Learn more about efforts supporting access to books and information in our state

​RSVP Required:
The BAC Ballroom has limited seating. RSVPs are required for the April event.
Save your seat today!

Join us for a free community forum to address questions about immigration. What impact do immigrants have on our economy and culture? How diverse is Nevada’s immigrant community? What are the rules about immigrating to this country? What is the path to citizenship?
 
Moderated by Lucia Starbuck of KUNR Public Radio, this panel will explore immigration pathways, barriers within the current system, and common myths shaping public understanding. Time will be reserved for written questions from audience members.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums presents this discussion in partnership with the AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada.

​RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating.
Let us know you're coming:

Is this fraud?
Am I being scammed?
Assume the Worst.
Have you ever received a phone call, email, or text that just did not feel right? Maybe it sounded urgent. Maybe it sounded official. Maybe it asked for personal information or money.
 
Have you found yourself wondering: Is this a scam? Then this forum is for you! 

Fraud and scams are evolving quickly, and they affect people of all ages and backgrounds. From phone and email scams to identity theft and financial fraud, these schemes are becoming harder to recognize and easier to fall victim to. This February, Sierra Nevada Forums will bring together trusted voices to help our community better understand how fraud works, how to spot warning signs, and what steps to take if something goes wrong.
 
Sierra Nevada Forums presents A Conversation About Fraud, moderated by Tabitha Mueller of The Nevada Independent. The conversation will focus on real-world examples, current trends, and practical guidance that attendees can use to protect themselves and those they care about.
 
Panelists include:

• Timothy Johnston, Better Business Bureau
• Mark Krueger, Office of the Attorney General
• Riley Franco, AARP
• Ken Furlong, Carson City Sheriff

Moderated by Tabitha Mueller, The Nevada Independent. 
​
Together, they will discuss the most common scams currently being used, how fraudsters target individuals, what to do if you have been affected, and steps you can take to reduce your risk in the future.
 
The discussion will also explore the human impact of fraud, including how scams affect a victim’s health, relationships, and sense of trust, and why changing the way we talk about fraud is an important part of supporting those who have been affected.
 
This forum is presented in partnership with AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, organizations that share a commitment to education, awareness, and informed civic engagement.
 
RSVPs Requested

AI and Robots in Action: Exploring the Future of Technology in Our Everyday Lives

Featuring David Feil-Seifer, Ph.D.
Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno

Artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer science fiction. They are part of our present and rapidly shaping our future.  

They are changing how students learn, how doctors treat patients, and how engineers solve problems.

At this forum, you will have the chance to see robots in action, engage directly with emerging AI applications, and discover how this technology is being developed right here in Northern Nevada.

Dr. David Feil-Seifer, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, is one of the region’s leading researchers in socially assistive robotics, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. His work focuses on how robots and AI can be used in education, healthcare, and accessibility, as well as what role ethics will play in shaping this evolving field.
​
Whether you are fascinated by technology, curious about the future of work, or wondering how AI might impact your community, this is your chance to learn, interact, and explore what is next. Come ready to ask questions, try out real-world demonstrations, and experience how innovation is unfolding right here at home.

RSVPs Requested

Advances in precision oncology are reshaping cancer treatment. Learn how physicians screen for early detection and use genetic, molecular, and cellular information to tailor treatments to each patient’s individual needs. By analyzing the unique characteristics of every cancer, doctors can identify therapies that are more effective, minimize unnecessary side effects, and improve outcomes.
Moderator:
Dr. Timothy McFarren, OB/GYN, Carson City
Panelists:
Dr. Ragneel Bijjula, Medical Oncology/Hematology, Carson Tahoe Health
Lindsey Foxen, R.N., Oncology Nurse Navigator, Carson Tahoe Health
Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
Audience members will have the opportunity to submit written questions during the event.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!

The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” is one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in recent history. But what does it really mean for Nevadans? Join Sierra Nevada Forums as a panel of experts breaks down the financial and social impacts of this complex bill.
 
Topics will include:

• Tax changes and revenue cuts
• Shifts in health and human services, including Medicaid and SNAP
• Effects on Nevada’s small businesses
• Who benefits, who doesn’t, and when changes will roll out

 
With backgrounds in economics, politics, health care, and small business, our panel will bring clarity to this complex law and offer insight into how it may affect Nevadans, their families, and their communities.

RSVP Encouraged:
Registration is not required, but it helps us plan for materials and seating. 
​Let us know you're coming!

​​Paul Boger
KNPR
Panelist 
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Paul Boger is KNPR's Northern Nevada reporter and producer. He has reported extensively on state politics, elections, and policy, and now oversees statewide news coverage focused on providing context and clarity to listeners across Nevada.