NMHC WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER

We are pleased to welcome Melanie Ratliff of Fort Sumner, N.M., to the New Mexico Humanities Council board of directors. Since February 2022, Melanie has served as the Director of The Fort Sumner Public Library, bringing an experience and passion for community enrichment to her role. As a proud native of Fort Sumner, Melanie has been instrumental in expanding cultural and educational programming throughout Fort Sumner and De Baca County.

Before transitioning to the library world, Melanie spent 25 years in radio as an on-air talent and senior marketing account executive, leveraging her expertise in networking and promotion. Melanie is deeply involved in the library community, currently serving as Co-chair of the NMLA’S Public Library Director’s Special Interest Group, Chair of the Rural Library SIG, a new member this year to the NMLA’s annual conference programming committee, the Vice-President elect last month at the NM Municipal League Librarians meeting at the Municipal League’s annual conference, and current Vice President/Recording Secretary of the NM Rural Library Initiative board of directors. She has a specific interest in rural libraries, and the growth and development of all New Mexico libraries.

We asked her why she chose board membership with the NMHC? Here’s what she had to say:

My grandmother was an oil painter, a lover of history, culture, the arts, and experiences. I didn’t know it was humanities, I just knew it was interesting, and fun, and important for people to know and learn about what makes us who we are in this unique state. I love the NMHC Speakers Bureau and what it brings to our rural community. It’s the opportunity to hear more stories and get in as many of the current 55 tribal and rural libraries and rural schools. This is such an important mission, I want more people to know about the NMHC and to utilize all it has to offer.

Melanie’s commitment to rural libraries and all New Mexico libraries aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to collaborate with her and benefit from her insights and dedication. Please join us in giving Melanie Ratliff a warm welcome!