Time for Reflection
By Nancy Cummings-Schmidt
In 2009, shortly after I retired from my position as Director of the Washoe County Library System, I got a call from then-Nevada Humanities Board Chair, Joe Crowley. He had decided I’d had enough of a rest, and it was time to consider volunteer opportunities. He just happened to have one in mind, which led to my appointment to the Nevada Humanities Board of Trustees. So, here it is 2023, and after serving for over 13 years, it seems an appropriate time for reflection. I was most fortunate to come aboard as Nevada Humanities, under new leadership, was on the cusp of transition and change that led to a substantial organizational transformation. As part of that transformation, Nevada Humanities has become more visible and involved in all parts of Nevada, both rural and urban. It has become an organization embracing inclusiveness, finding a myriad of dynamic and meaningful ways to interact with individuals and communities.
This did not magically happen. It took an accomplished leader, Christina Barr and her staff—an awesome group of innovative and talented people—who truly believe in the mission of Nevada Humanities. It also took the passion and dedication of volunteers who served as members of the Board of Trustees through the years. As a board member, I participated in the process that took us from a somewhat disparate group to a much more cohesive and engaged one. This occurred in part due to Christina’s philosophy regarding board involvement and the board nurturing that took place as a result. An emphasis upon strategic planning was also a factor—strategic planning is not just an exercise that is occasionally addressed, it is an integral process woven into the fabric of the organization.
All of this enables board members to contribute in meaningful ways, not just attend meetings, review financial statements, approve budgets, and go home. It goes well beyond that. One specific memory in which I have been intimately involved as a board member rises to the top for me. In 2009, I gathered a group of volunteers together, and we established the Northern Nevada Reads project. The first book selected was The Basque Hotel by Robert Laxalt. Initial funding was provided by a Nevada Humanities project grant. The project began spreading to libraries throughout Nevada, and it transitioned into Nevada Reads. It also became too large for a group of volunteers to manage and needed a proper home. Eventually, the Nevada State Library, Archives, and Public Records folded it into their Nevada Center for the Book activities.
Over time, negotiations began with the State Library for Nevada Humanities to partner with them on the Nevada Reads project. This has ultimately resulted in the Nevada Center for the Book and all of its programs, including Nevada Reads, being adopted and implemented by Nevada Humanities, a fitting and proper home for both. Today, Nevada Reads has changed dramatically since it was run by the State Library. Nevada Humanities has grown and expanded the program in exciting and dynamic ways. So, thanks to Nevada Humanities, Nevada Reads will continue on into the future to the benefit of Nevadans across the state.
Serving on this board has been one of the most satisfying, stimulating, and productive volunteer experiences for me as I reflect upon the boards, commissions, committees—encompassing local, statewide, and national experiences—in which I have participated throughout my career.
Nancy Cummings-Schmidt is a fourth generation Nevadan born in Reno and raised in Las Vegas. She served as Nevada’s first female Peace Corps volunteer. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a graduate degree in Library Science from San Jose State University. In her retirement she has circled back to her theater roots and is a member of the Ageless Repertory Theatre in Reno as well as the Silver State Chautauqua.