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Region 5 Blog November 18th, 2025
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Nov

17

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Director’s Insights: Celebrating Growth and Connection in Region 5

Posted by on November 17th, 2025 Posted in: Blog, New from NNLM Region 5, News from NNLM Region 5
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In November, we take time to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for in our lives. Personally, I’m thankful for my family, my home, and the fact that we’re entering peak pie season – hello, pumpkin pie.

At Region 5, we’re so grateful for the wonderful members who make up our organization. The curiosity, creativity, and dedication exhibited by the people who participate in our programming and funding are simply unmatched. Their energy and ideas fuel the initiatives that drive meaningful change across our region.

Since 2021, our membership has grown by over 100 organizations, with the greatest increase coming from public libraries. Over that time, our members have participated in numerous NNLM activities, too many to count, ranging from attending classes to applying for funding opportunities, all of which empower them to serve their communities more effectively.

This breadth of engagement translates directly into expanded opportunities for communities to access health information. Each member’s involvement, no matter how big or small, contributes to an intricate network of support and knowledge sharing. This network strengthens community health literacy, equipping people with the tools they need to make informed health decisions.

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, I encourage all of us to recognize the power of connection and the immense value of our collective effort. The work supported by Region 5 helps lay the foundation for healthier communities, where everyone has access to the information they need to thrive.

Image of the author ABOUT Kathryn Vela
Kathryn Vela is the Executive Director for NNLM Region 5.

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Developed resources reported in this program are supported by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) under cooperative agreement number UG4LM012343 with the University of Washington.

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