diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/find_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/find_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
index d9567207e..75ebec3a8 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/find_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/find_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 # SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2024-2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-import functools
 import glob
 import os
 from collections.abc import Sequence
@@ -9,13 +8,13 @@
 
 from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.load_dl_common import DynamicLibNotFoundError
 from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.supported_nvidia_libs import (
-    IS_WINDOWS,
     SITE_PACKAGES_LIBDIRS_LINUX,
     SITE_PACKAGES_LIBDIRS_WINDOWS,
     is_suppressed_dll_file,
 )
 from cuda.pathfinder._utils.env_vars import get_cuda_home_or_path
-from cuda.pathfinder._utils.find_sub_dirs import find_sub_dirs, find_sub_dirs_all_sitepackages
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.find_sub_dirs import find_sub_dirs_all_sitepackages
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 
 def _no_such_file_in_sub_dirs(
@@ -80,37 +79,50 @@ def _find_dll_using_nvidia_bin_dirs(
     return None
 
 
-def _find_lib_dir_using_cuda_home(libname: str) -> Optional[str]:
-    cuda_home = get_cuda_home_or_path()
-    if cuda_home is None:
-        return None
-    subdirs_list: tuple[tuple[str, ...], ...]
+def _find_lib_dir_using_anchor_point(libname: str, anchor_point: str, linux_lib_dir: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    # Resolve paths for the four cases:
+    #    Windows/Linux x nvvm yes/no
     if IS_WINDOWS:
         if libname == "nvvm":  # noqa: SIM108
-            subdirs_list = (
-                ("nvvm", "bin", "*"),  # CTK 13
-                ("nvvm", "bin"),  # CTK 12
-            )
+            rel_paths = [
+                "nvvm/bin/*",  # CTK 13
+                "nvvm/bin",  # CTK 12
+            ]
         else:
-            subdirs_list = (
-                ("bin", "x64"),  # CTK 13
-                ("bin",),  # CTK 12
-            )
+            rel_paths = [
+                "bin/x64",  # CTK 13
+                "bin",  # CTK 12
+            ]
     else:
         if libname == "nvvm":  # noqa: SIM108
-            subdirs_list = (("nvvm", "lib64"),)
+            rel_paths = ["nvvm/lib64"]
         else:
-            subdirs_list = (
-                ("lib64",),  # CTK
-                ("lib",),  # Conda
-            )
-    for sub_dirs in subdirs_list:
-        dirname: str  # work around bug in mypy
-        for dirname in find_sub_dirs((cuda_home,), sub_dirs):
-            return dirname
+            rel_paths = [linux_lib_dir]
+
+    for rel_path in rel_paths:
+        for dirname in sorted(glob.glob(os.path.join(anchor_point, rel_path))):
+            if os.path.isdir(dirname):
+                return dirname
+
     return None
 
 
+def _find_lib_dir_using_cuda_home(libname: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    cuda_home = get_cuda_home_or_path()
+    if cuda_home is None:
+        return None
+    return _find_lib_dir_using_anchor_point(libname, anchor_point=cuda_home, linux_lib_dir="lib64")
+
+
+def _find_lib_dir_using_conda_prefix(libname: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    conda_prefix = os.environ.get("CONDA_PREFIX")
+    if not conda_prefix:
+        return None
+    return _find_lib_dir_using_anchor_point(
+        libname, anchor_point=os.path.join(conda_prefix, "Library") if IS_WINDOWS else conda_prefix, linux_lib_dir="lib"
+    )
+
+
 def _find_so_using_lib_dir(
     lib_dir: str, so_basename: str, error_messages: list[str], attachments: list[str]
 ) -> Optional[str]:
@@ -144,55 +156,55 @@ def _find_dll_using_lib_dir(
 class _FindNvidiaDynamicLib:
     def __init__(self, libname: str):
         self.libname = libname
+        if IS_WINDOWS:
+            self.lib_searched_for = f"{libname}*.dll"
+        else:
+            self.lib_searched_for = f"lib{libname}.so"
         self.error_messages: list[str] = []
         self.attachments: list[str] = []
-        self.abs_path = None
+        self.abs_path: Optional[str] = None
 
+    def try_site_packages(self) -> Optional[str]:
         if IS_WINDOWS:
-            self.lib_searched_for = f"{libname}*.dll"
-            if self.abs_path is None:
-                self.abs_path = _find_dll_using_nvidia_bin_dirs(
-                    libname,
-                    self.lib_searched_for,
-                    self.error_messages,
-                    self.attachments,
-                )
+            return _find_dll_using_nvidia_bin_dirs(
+                self.libname,
+                self.lib_searched_for,
+                self.error_messages,
+                self.attachments,
+            )
         else:
-            self.lib_searched_for = f"lib{libname}.so"
-            if self.abs_path is None:
-                self.abs_path = _find_so_using_nvidia_lib_dirs(
-                    libname,
-                    self.lib_searched_for,
-                    self.error_messages,
-                    self.attachments,
-                )
-
-    def retry_with_cuda_home_priority_last(self) -> None:
-        cuda_home_lib_dir = _find_lib_dir_using_cuda_home(self.libname)
-        if cuda_home_lib_dir is not None:
-            if IS_WINDOWS:
-                self.abs_path = _find_dll_using_lib_dir(
-                    cuda_home_lib_dir,
-                    self.libname,
-                    self.error_messages,
-                    self.attachments,
-                )
-            else:
-                self.abs_path = _find_so_using_lib_dir(
-                    cuda_home_lib_dir,
-                    self.lib_searched_for,
-                    self.error_messages,
-                    self.attachments,
-                )
-
-    def raise_if_abs_path_is_None(self) -> str:  # noqa: N802
-        if self.abs_path:
-            return self.abs_path
+            return _find_so_using_nvidia_lib_dirs(
+                self.libname,
+                self.lib_searched_for,
+                self.error_messages,
+                self.attachments,
+            )
+
+    def try_with_conda_prefix(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self._find_using_lib_dir(_find_lib_dir_using_conda_prefix(self.libname))
+
+    def try_with_cuda_home(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self._find_using_lib_dir(_find_lib_dir_using_cuda_home(self.libname))
+
+    def _find_using_lib_dir(self, lib_dir: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
+        if lib_dir is None:
+            return None
+        if IS_WINDOWS:
+            return _find_dll_using_lib_dir(
+                lib_dir,
+                self.libname,
+                self.error_messages,
+                self.attachments,
+            )
+        else:
+            return _find_so_using_lib_dir(
+                lib_dir,
+                self.lib_searched_for,
+                self.error_messages,
+                self.attachments,
+            )
+
+    def raise_not_found_error(self) -> None:
         err = ", ".join(self.error_messages)
         att = "\n".join(self.attachments)
         raise DynamicLibNotFoundError(f'Failure finding "{self.lib_searched_for}": {err}\n{att}')
-
-
-@functools.cache
-def find_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname: str) -> str:
-    return _FindNvidiaDynamicLib(libname).raise_if_abs_path_is_None()
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
index 3160333aa..6a8392589 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.find_nvidia_dynamic_lib import _FindNvidiaDynamicLib
 from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.load_dl_common import LoadedDL, load_dependencies
-from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.supported_nvidia_libs import IS_WINDOWS
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 if IS_WINDOWS:
     from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.load_dl_windows import (
@@ -24,13 +24,15 @@
 
 
 def _load_lib_no_cache(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
-    found = _FindNvidiaDynamicLib(libname)
-    have_abs_path = found.abs_path is not None
+    finder = _FindNvidiaDynamicLib(libname)
+    abs_path = finder.try_site_packages()
+    if abs_path is None:
+        abs_path = finder.try_with_conda_prefix()
 
     # If the library was already loaded by someone else, reproduce any OS-specific
     # side-effects we would have applied on a direct absolute-path load (e.g.,
     # AddDllDirectory on Windows for libs that require it).
-    loaded = check_if_already_loaded_from_elsewhere(libname, have_abs_path)
+    loaded = check_if_already_loaded_from_elsewhere(libname, abs_path is not None)
 
     # Load dependencies regardless of who loaded the primary lib first.
     # Doing this *after* the side-effect ensures dependencies resolve consistently
@@ -40,15 +42,15 @@ def _load_lib_no_cache(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
     if loaded is not None:
         return loaded
 
-    if not have_abs_path:
+    if abs_path is None:
         loaded = load_with_system_search(libname)
         if loaded is not None:
             return loaded
-        found.retry_with_cuda_home_priority_last()
-        found.raise_if_abs_path_is_None()
+        abs_path = finder.try_with_cuda_home()
+        if abs_path is None:
+            finder.raise_not_found_error()
 
-    assert found.abs_path is not None  # for mypy
-    return load_with_abs_path(libname, found.abs_path)
+    return load_with_abs_path(libname, abs_path)
 
 
 @functools.cache
@@ -62,6 +64,18 @@ def load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
     Returns:
         LoadedDL: Object containing the OS library handle and absolute path.
 
+        **Important:**
+
+        **Never close the returned handle.** Do **not** call ``dlclose`` (Linux) or
+        ``FreeLibrary`` (Windows) on the ``LoadedDL._handle_uint``.
+
+        **Why:** the return value is cached (``functools.cache``) and shared across the
+        process. Closing the handle can unload the module while other code still uses
+        it, leading to crashes or subtle failures.
+
+        This applies to Linux and Windows. For context, see issue #1011:
+        https://github.com/NVIDIA/cuda-python/issues/1011
+
     Raises:
         DynamicLibNotFoundError: If the library cannot be found or loaded.
         RuntimeError: If Python is not 64-bit.
@@ -77,7 +91,13 @@ def load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
            - Scan installed distributions (``site-packages``) to find libraries
              shipped in NVIDIA wheels.
 
-        2. **OS default mechanisms / Conda environments**
+        2. **Conda environment**
+
+           - Conda installations are discovered via ``CONDA_PREFIX``, which is
+             defined automatically in activated conda environments (see
+             https://docs.conda.io/projects/conda-build/en/stable/user-guide/environment-variables.html).
+
+        3. **OS default mechanisms**
 
            - Fall back to the native loader:
 
@@ -85,14 +105,6 @@ def load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
 
              - Windows: ``LoadLibraryW()``
 
-           - Conda installations are commonly discovered via:
-
-             - Linux: ``$ORIGIN/../lib`` in the ``RPATH`` of the ``python`` binary
-               (note: this can take precedence over ``LD_LIBRARY_PATH`` and
-               ``/etc/ld.so.conf.d/``).
-
-             - Windows: ``%CONDA_PREFIX%\\Library\\bin`` on the system ``PATH``.
-
            - CUDA Toolkit (CTK) system installs with system config updates are often
              discovered via:
 
@@ -101,7 +113,7 @@ def load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname: str) -> LoadedDL:
              - Windows: ``C:\\Program Files\\NVIDIA GPU Computing Toolkit\\CUDA\\vX.Y\\bin``
                on the system ``PATH``.
 
-        3. **Environment variables**
+        4. **Environment variables**
 
            - If set, use ``CUDA_HOME`` or ``CUDA_PATH`` (in that order).
 
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/supported_nvidia_libs.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/supported_nvidia_libs.py
index 4b1eb5ce6..7933e909a 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/supported_nvidia_libs.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_dynamic_libs/supported_nvidia_libs.py
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@
 #     SUPPORTED_WINDOWS_DLLS
 #     SUPPORTED_LINUX_SONAMES
 
-import sys
-
-IS_WINDOWS = sys.platform == "win32"
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 SUPPORTED_LIBNAMES_COMMON = (
     # Core CUDA Runtime and Compiler
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/find_nvidia_headers.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/find_nvidia_headers.py
index f97f12c06..535d4b800 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/find_nvidia_headers.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/find_nvidia_headers.py
@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@
 from typing import Optional
 
 from cuda.pathfinder._headers import supported_nvidia_headers
-from cuda.pathfinder._headers.supported_nvidia_headers import IS_WINDOWS
 from cuda.pathfinder._utils.env_vars import get_cuda_home_or_path
 from cuda.pathfinder._utils.find_sub_dirs import find_sub_dirs_all_sitepackages
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 
 def _abs_norm(path: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ def _find_ctk_header_directory(libname: str) -> Optional[str]:
             if _joined_isfile(hdr_dir, h_basename):
                 return hdr_dir
 
-    conda_prefix = os.getenv("CONDA_PREFIX")
+    conda_prefix = os.environ.get("CONDA_PREFIX")
     if conda_prefix:  # noqa: SIM102
         if result := _find_based_on_conda_layout(libname, h_basename, conda_prefix):
             return result
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/supported_nvidia_headers.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/supported_nvidia_headers.py
index afd9067de..1b2855c0c 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/supported_nvidia_headers.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_headers/supported_nvidia_headers.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-import sys
 from typing import Final
 
-IS_WINDOWS = sys.platform == "win32"
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 SUPPORTED_HEADERS_CTK_COMMON = {
     "cccl": "cuda/std/version",
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_utils/platform_aware.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_utils/platform_aware.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..196a0df7f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_utils/platform_aware.py
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+import sys
+
+IS_WINDOWS = sys.platform == "win32"
+
+
+def quote_for_shell(s: str) -> str:
+    if IS_WINDOWS:
+        # This is a relatively heavy import; keep pathfinder if possible.
+        from subprocess import list2cmdline  # nosec B404
+
+        return list2cmdline([s])
+    else:
+        import shlex
+
+        return shlex.quote(s)
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_version.py b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_version.py
index 001da9389..9fca58d64 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_version.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/cuda/pathfinder/_version.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-__version__ = "1.2.3"
+__version__ = "1.3.0"
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/nv-versions.json b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/nv-versions.json
index 9fcc3f0ab..db8fecd82 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/nv-versions.json
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/nv-versions.json
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@
         "version": "latest",
         "url": "https://nvidia.github.io/cuda-python/cuda-pathfinder/latest/"
     },
+    {
+        "version": "1.3.0",
+        "url": "https://nvidia.github.io/cuda-python/cuda-pathfinder/1.3.0/"
+    },
     {
         "version": "1.2.3",
         "url": "https://nvidia.github.io/cuda-python/cuda-pathfinder/1.2.3/"
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/conf.py b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/conf.py
index 4ede571f2..1ef35cc18 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/conf.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/conf.py
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@
 # Add any paths that contain custom static files (such as style sheets) here,
 # relative to this directory. They are copied after the builtin static files,
 # so a file named "default.css" will overwrite the builtin "default.css".
-html_static_path = ["_static"]
+html_static_path = []  # ["_static"] does not exist in our environment
 
 # skip cmdline prompts
 copybutton_exclude = ".linenos, .gp"
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/contribute.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/contribute.rst
index 4bfcd9c38..26b592ca5 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/contribute.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/contribute.rst
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ Thank you for your interest in contributing to ``cuda-pathfinder``! Based on the
 1. You want to report a bug, feature request, or documentation issue
     - File an `issue <https://github.com/NVIDIA/cuda-python/issues/new/choose>`_ describing what you encountered or what you want to see changed.
     - The NVIDIA team will evaluate the issues and triage them, scheduling
-    them for a release. If you believe the issue needs priority attention
-    comment on the issue to notify the team.
-2. You want to implement a feature, improvement, or bug fix:
-   - Please ensure that your commits are signed `following GitHub's instruction <https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/about-commit-signature-verification>`_.
+      them for a release. If you believe the issue needs priority attention
+      comment on the issue to notify the team.
+2. You want to implement a feature, improvement, or bug fix
+    - Please ensure that your commits are signed `following GitHub's instruction <https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/about-commit-signature-verification>`_.
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release.rst
index 62dbf7ad6..b46579557 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release.rst
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ Release Notes
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 3
 
+   1.3.0 <release/1.3.0-notes>
    1.2.3 <release/1.2.3-notes>
    1.2.2 <release/1.2.2-notes>
    1.2.1 <release/1.2.1-notes>
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.0.0-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.0.0-notes.rst
index 33c794197..a8cfc3857 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.0.0-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.0.0-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.0.0 Release notes
 ========================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.1.0-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.1.0-notes.rst
index 14c3ba5b8..dd09179f3 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.1.0-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.1.0-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.1.0 Release notes
 ========================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.0-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.0-notes.rst
index 6037dba84..56a40cf59 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.0-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.0-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.2.0 Release notes
 ========================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.1-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.1-notes.rst
index 7a8e410fe..fe0e147c1 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.1-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.1-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.2.1 Release notes
 =======================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.2-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.2-notes.rst
index 0a483081e..b879fb23a 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.2-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.2-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.2.2 Release notes
 =======================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.3-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.3-notes.rst
index 3fa08bd19..18e146906 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.3-notes.rst
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.2.3-notes.rst
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 .. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
 .. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
-.. module:: cuda.pathfinder
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
 
 ``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.2.3 Release notes
 =======================================
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.3.0-notes.rst b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.3.0-notes.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..91b0ac732
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/docs/source/release/1.3.0-notes.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+.. SPDX-FileCopyrightText: Copyright (c) 2025 NVIDIA CORPORATION & AFFILIATES. All rights reserved.
+.. SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
+
+.. py:currentmodule:: cuda.pathfinder
+
+``cuda-pathfinder`` 1.3.0 Release notes
+=======================================
+
+Released on Sep 29, 2025
+
+Important update to the ``load_nvidia_dynamic_lib`` documentation
+-----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The documentation for :func:`cuda.pathfinder.load_nvidia_dynamic_lib` now calls out
+an important behavior:
+
+* **Do not close** the OS handle returned (``LoadedDL._handle_uint``). Avoid
+  ``dlclose`` (Linux) and ``FreeLibrary`` (Windows).
+
+* **Reason:** the function's result is cached (``functools.cache``) and shared across
+  the process. Closing the handle can unload the module while other code still holds
+  a reference, which may cause crashes or latent errors.
+
+This note is documentation‑only; there is no API change in 1.3.0. See issue #1011
+for background and discussion:
+https://github.com/NVIDIA/cuda-python/issues/1011
+
+Highlights
+----------
+
+* Add a Conda-specific search into ``load_nvidia_dynamic_lib()``.
+  This makes the search more intuitive and predictable.
+  (`PR #1003 <https://github.com/NVIDIA/cuda-python/pull/1003>`_)
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/child_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib_helper.py b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/child_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib_helper.py
index 4ca905989..72ee80c89 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/child_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib_helper.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/child_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib_helper.py
@@ -5,8 +5,10 @@
 # lightweight module. That avoids re-importing the test module (and
 # repeating its potentially expensive setup) in every child process.
 
+import json
 import os
 import sys
+import traceback
 
 
 def build_child_process_failed_for_libname_message(libname, result):
@@ -24,15 +26,20 @@ def validate_abs_path(abs_path):
 
 
 def child_process_func(libname):
-    from cuda.pathfinder import load_nvidia_dynamic_lib
+    from cuda.pathfinder import DynamicLibNotFoundError, load_nvidia_dynamic_lib
     from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.load_nvidia_dynamic_lib import _load_lib_no_cache
     from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs.supported_nvidia_libs import (
-        IS_WINDOWS,
         SUPPORTED_LINUX_SONAMES,
         SUPPORTED_WINDOWS_DLLS,
     )
-
-    loaded_dl_fresh = load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname)
+    from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
+
+    try:
+        loaded_dl_fresh = load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(libname)
+    except DynamicLibNotFoundError:
+        print("CHILD_LOAD_NVIDIA_DYNAMIC_LIB_HELPER_DYNAMIC_LIB_NOT_FOUND_ERROR:")  # noqa: T201
+        traceback.print_exc(file=sys.stdout)
+        return
     if loaded_dl_fresh.was_already_loaded_from_elsewhere:
         raise RuntimeError("loaded_dl_fresh.was_already_loaded_from_elsewhere")
     validate_abs_path(loaded_dl_fresh.abs_path)
@@ -50,4 +57,4 @@ def child_process_func(libname):
         raise RuntimeError(f"not os.path.samefile({loaded_dl_no_cache.abs_path=!r}, {loaded_dl_fresh.abs_path=!r})")
     validate_abs_path(loaded_dl_no_cache.abs_path)
 
-    sys.stdout.write(f"{loaded_dl_fresh.abs_path!r}\n")
+    print(json.dumps(loaded_dl_fresh.abs_path))  # noqa: T201
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_find_nvidia_headers.py b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_find_nvidia_headers.py
index da0f0e01e..cdea0cd28 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_find_nvidia_headers.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_find_nvidia_headers.py
@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@
 
 from cuda.pathfinder import find_nvidia_header_directory
 from cuda.pathfinder._headers.supported_nvidia_headers import (
-    IS_WINDOWS,
     SUPPORTED_HEADERS_CTK,
     SUPPORTED_HEADERS_CTK_ALL,
     SUPPORTED_SITE_PACKAGE_HEADER_DIRS_CTK,
 )
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS
 
 STRICTNESS = os.environ.get("CUDA_PATHFINDER_TEST_FIND_NVIDIA_HEADERS_STRICTNESS", "see_what_works")
 assert STRICTNESS in ("see_what_works", "all_must_work")
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def test_find_libname_nvshmem(info_summary_append):
         if have_nvidia_nvshmem_package():
             hdr_dir_parts = hdr_dir.split(os.path.sep)
             assert "site-packages" in hdr_dir_parts
-        elif conda_prefix := os.getenv("CONDA_PREFIX"):
+        elif conda_prefix := os.environ.get("CONDA_PREFIX"):
             assert hdr_dir.startswith(conda_prefix)
         else:
             assert hdr_dir.startswith("/usr/include/nvshmem_")
diff --git a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
index 5f35d996d..b50c644a6 100644
--- a/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
+++ b/cuda_pathfinder/tests/test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 
 import functools
+import json
 import os
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
@@ -13,6 +14,7 @@
 from cuda.pathfinder._dynamic_libs import supported_nvidia_libs
 from cuda.pathfinder._utils.find_site_packages_dll import find_all_dll_files_via_metadata
 from cuda.pathfinder._utils.find_site_packages_so import find_all_so_files_via_metadata
+from cuda.pathfinder._utils.platform_aware import IS_WINDOWS, quote_for_shell
 
 STRICTNESS = os.environ.get("CUDA_PATHFINDER_TEST_LOAD_NVIDIA_DYNAMIC_LIB_STRICTNESS", "see_what_works")
 assert STRICTNESS in ("see_what_works", "all_must_work")
@@ -72,7 +74,7 @@ def test_runtime_error_on_non_64bit_python():
 @functools.cache
 def _get_libnames_for_test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib():
     result = list(SUPPORTED_NVIDIA_LIBNAMES)
-    if supported_nvidia_libs.IS_WINDOWS:
+    if IS_WINDOWS:
         spld_other = supported_nvidia_libs.SITE_PACKAGES_LIBDIRS_WINDOWS_OTHER
         all_dyn_libs = find_all_dll_files_via_metadata()
         for libname in spld_other:
@@ -96,11 +98,20 @@ def test_load_nvidia_dynamic_lib(info_summary_append, libname):
     # to ensure isolation of global dynamic linking state (e.g., dlopen handles).
     # Without child processes, loading/unloading libraries during testing could
     # interfere across test cases and lead to nondeterministic or platform-specific failures.
-    timeout = 120 if supported_nvidia_libs.IS_WINDOWS else 30
+    timeout = 120 if IS_WINDOWS else 30
     result = spawned_process_runner.run_in_spawned_child_process(child_process_func, args=(libname,), timeout=timeout)
-    if result.returncode == 0:
-        info_summary_append(f"abs_path={result.stdout.rstrip()}")
-    elif STRICTNESS == "see_what_works" or "DynamicLibNotFoundError: Failure finding " in result.stderr:
+
+    def raise_child_process_failed():
+        raise RuntimeError(build_child_process_failed_for_libname_message(libname, result))
+
+    if result.returncode != 0:
+        raise_child_process_failed()
+    assert not result.stderr
+    if result.stdout.startswith("CHILD_LOAD_NVIDIA_DYNAMIC_LIB_HELPER_DYNAMIC_LIB_NOT_FOUND_ERROR:"):
+        if STRICTNESS == "all_must_work":
+            raise_child_process_failed()
         info_summary_append(f"Not found: {libname=!r}")
     else:
-        raise RuntimeError(build_child_process_failed_for_libname_message(libname, result))
+        abs_path = json.loads(result.stdout.rstrip())
+        info_summary_append(f"abs_path={quote_for_shell(abs_path)}")
+        assert os.path.isfile(abs_path)  # double-check the abs_path