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 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!
| Event Details Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM) Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall Address: 449 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703 Admission: Free and open to the public Please note: No large bags or recording permitted. A recording of this forum will be available on this website afterwards. Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio, The Nevada Appeal, and In Plain Sight Marketing |
Panelists:
 | Joy Holt, JD, MSLS Library Director, Carson City Library Joy Holt serves as Library Director for the Carson City Library. She views libraries as community hubs that support lifelong learning, literacy, and connection by providing access to information, resources, and collaboration. Holt believes libraries must continually adapt to the evolving needs of their communities while embracing new ideas and approaches to service. She emphasizes that each library reflects the unique community it serves and should grow alongside it. |
 | Dr. Betts Markle Board Trustee, Carson City Library President, Friends of the Library Dr. Betts Markle has worked in professional library leadership for more than thirty years. She previously served as Library Director at Sierra Nevada College and later as Collection Development Librarian at the Nevada State Library. Her service has also included appointments to the Nevada State Council for Libraries and Literacy and the Carson City Library Board of Trustees. In retirement, Markle continues to support libraries as an advocate and community leader. She believes libraries play a critical role in strengthening education, civic participation, and healthy communities. |
 | Ananda Campbell Teacher-Librarian, Carson High School Lead Librarian, Carson City School District Ananda Campbell is the Teacher-Librarian at Carson High School and serves as Lead Librarian for the Carson City School District. With nearly three decades in education, she is deeply committed to student learning and equitable access to information. Campbell represents school libraries on the Nevada State Council for Libraries and Literacy, where she advocates for policies and programs that strengthen literacy across communities. She believes libraries are transformative spaces where students develop critical thinking skills, discover new ideas, and grow as lifelong learners. |
Moderator:
 | Michele Ravera Host, Morning Edition — KUNR Public Radio Michele Ravera joined KUNR in 2014 as a volunteer and now hosts Morning Edition. She produces several regular segments, including “In the Weeds” with Urban Roots Teaching Farm and the library-focused features “On the Shelf” and “On the Kids’ Shelf.” Ravera graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Her first radio experience involved reading Sunday comics on the air for listeners with vision impairments. She has worked as a DJ, recording engineer, airborne traffic reporter, and talk show producer. After living in several cities and small towns, including Gerlach, Nevada, she now calls Reno home. Ravera enjoys exploring Nevada through camping, photography, rockhounding, and gardening. |
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