You are cordially invited to celebrate our historic milestone as we remember the past, honor the present and grow the future!
Saturday, March 22, 2025
3:00pm – 5:00pm
The original Main Library opened its doors in 1901 on the northwest corner of Edith Boulevard and Central Avenue. Joshua Reynolds was the library’s first benefactor. He purchased the property and gifted it to the City of Albuquerque, stipulating the land was theirs as long as a library remained on the site.
Built in 1925 with brick from the original Main Library, Frank Kimball, a City of Albuquerque engineer, designed the library in the regional architectural style of the time. Special Collections actually pre-dates anything done in the Spanish-Pueblo Revival style done by John Gaw Meem.
According to Teri Reynoso, Branch Librarian for Special Collections, "We like to say that Gaw Meem got the idea from us for Zimmerman Library on the UNM campus (1936-38)". The 1951 addition to the library was done by Gordon Ferguson of Ferguson, Stevens, and Associates. George Pearl did the 1977-78 renovation.
Gustave Bauman (1881-1971) created the interior painting throughout. Baumann was an American printmaker and painter and one of the leading figures of the color woodcut revival in America. His works have been shown at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and the New Mexico Museum of Art.
Since 1978, the formerly named Main Library, now known as the Special Collections Library, has grown its archival collection to over 100,000 materials that focus on local, state, and regional history and culture.
The 1925 Pueblo/Spanish Revival-style building is a registered Albuquerque landmark in the historic Huning Highlands neighborhood and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The research collections are available for in-house use only. Researchers must have a library card in good standing to access some materials.
Come and celebrate one of Albuquerque’s architectural treasures!
One of the joys in interviewing library staff for the readers of BOOKISH is having the pleasure of meeting library professionals in love with the libraries they represent. Teri Reynoso is no exception.
Teri started as a volunteer at Special Collections in 2012 and instantly fell in love with this unique neighborhood library. She has served as a temp Librarian at Main Library downtown, a Library Paraprofessional at South Broadway Library, and the Youth Services Librarian at the South Valley Library.
Teri completed her Master’s of Library and Information Science through San Jose State University in California. She was recently promoted to Branch Librarian at Special Collections in August, 2024 after being on staff there for a number of years. Her love of local, state, and regional New Mexico history is evident when she shares the list of current research projects she is working on. Teri is the very proud mother of Olivia (19) and Violet (15). Come say hello!
Desiderya "Desi" Costello is a Library Paraprofessional at the San Pedro Library. Desi is also the leader of the Navajo/English baby toddler story time at the San Pedro branch and strives to teach the younger generations about Navajo culture through library programming.
Desi is from To’Hajiilee, New Mexico and is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Her clans are the Mexican Clan, Waters Edge, Big Water, and Within His Cover.
You can see Desi peeking around one of the APLF Welcome Boards purchased with funds raised during our Spring Campaign. Desi has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Pre-Law from Fort Lewis College.
The San Pedro Library is located in a residential area on the SW corner of San Pedro Drive and Trumbull SE.
Book Stacks in Main Library, 1949, gelatin silver print
May 24 – November 2, 2025
Albuquerque Museum
The exhibition explores the history of the building and recognizes the people who provided access to a world of learning for thousands of Albuquerque residents through books, ephemera, art, and photographs.
The exhibition places Special Collections in the broader context of libraries across the nation as they face challenges with providing open, free access to everyone regardless of gender, age, ability, citizenship, or housing status.
This exhibition is organized by the Albuquerque Museum in collaboration with the Public Library of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County.
We have a regular three-year-old patron named Otto. On Tuesday, Otto and his dad were crammed in the old play area for a while. I told them to join us Thursday afternoon because we were expecting a new rug for our brand-new play area.
Today, Otto came roaring in asking if the new rug was ready. (His dad said he was asking about it as they pulled into the parking lot.) Otto ran around the new rug, checked out the rearranged toys, and declared "I like it!"
Crystal played a game of "jump on a [color] circle!" with him, and he was tickled silly! I think this improvement will prove very popular. (If nothing else, we are officially Otto-approved!)
Bentley Clark, Branch Manager, San Pedro Library
Reading books was a part of my life from an early age. Because my mother worked and my two older siblings were in school, my grandfather, who lived with us, read to me constantly. When I was just over two years old, he invited the neighbors over to watch me read “The Three Little Kittens.” Of course, I wasn’t really reading, but had memorized the book as he read it to me and knew when to turn the pages.
In time, he did teach me to read, and when I discovered the public library in our tiny, rural town, it was a turning point in my life. The treasures it held opened the world to me. I could re-experience the night the Titanic went down, solve mysteries with Nancy Drew, face danger with Gunga Din, and slip through the wardrobe into Narnia with Lucy.
As my life progressed, public libraries continued to foster my love of books, and reading about history became a passion. In time, it turned into my profession. Libraries furnished routes for my research and continued to open the world to me.
All this was possible because Andrew Carnegie, who, in the late 19th century, began to establish a system of free libraries around the world and in the United States. The endowment from his fortune ultimately allowed for almost 1700 libraries in the U.S. to be built.
One of those free public libraries was in my small town, without which Narnia, India, and invincible women would not have been an early part of my life. I know I’m not the only one who experienced the joy and wonder of this opportunity. Given that, why wouldn’t I want to support public libraries in every way I can?
Whatever one might think of the rich Robber Barons of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Carnegie was responsible for the concept of a free library system tied to the community. The optimum words in this concept were “free” and “community.”
In a very real sense, libraries are the community. They not only provide a sanctuary for those who seek books and knowledge but also have become, as one librarian put it, “where the rubber meets the road.” Needs are met. Cultural ideas are shared.
As community hubs, libraries foster community engagement. And even in the modern technological age, libraries and librarians have proved to be adaptable in harnessing those pursuits to community needs, with early literacy and school readiness programs, free computer and Wi-Fi access, and digital literacy programs.
And all of this for free? Yes, libraries are freely accessible to all. There are no requirements for using them other than holding a library card and respecting the institution.
As enticing as that sounds, there is a hitch. Essential services, librarians, staff and equipment are not free. Government funding, tax dollars, bonds, and public donations are necessary.
I am proud to add my support to this effort through giving and working with the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation.
Because I believe in the concepts of “free” and “community,” why wouldn’t I?
You are invited! Please help us in celebrating our community and bulding in the Downtown area for 50 years!
Where: Downtown Public Library
501 Coper NW 87102
When: Saturday, Feburary 22, 10am – 4pm
11am – 12pm: Celebratory speech and proclamation
12pm: Tour of the brutalist building
2pm: Concert performer
10am – 4pm: Community resource fair, activites, and refreshments
The Leopold Writing Program invites New Mexico students in grades 6-12 to submit original essays for our 2025 Writing Contest.
Please consider these instructions, and then respond to the ESSAY PROMPT below.
Write about the song or melody that you hear in a body of water (such as a stream, river, lake, acequia, ocean, etc.) and what you would answer back.
Bookmark This Page for Library Events!
There is always something happening at each of the 19 libraries in our Public Library system. Our recent survey told us you wanted more information about upcoming events at all locations - so here we go!
Updated daily, here you will find activities and events at all library locations. In addition, you can search for events by the name of the library or by the day of the week. Activities and events are designed for all different ages from infants and toddlers to teens and adults. It almost goes without saying there really is something for everyone.
IDEA: Introduce your kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews to the wonder and resources of the public library. Get them a library card if they don’t already have one. Show them the library is a safe and welcoming place and how to ask for help. Once learned, these skills will help them in their studies and daily lives at every grade level and beyond. Librarians are always available to help you explore and learn. Just ask!
Events at each public library are ALWAYS FREE and open to everyone.
Do Good. Feel Great!
Holiday Book Sale
Sat, Dec 14 from 10am – 4pm
Members always FREE
Non-members $2
Main Library Activity Room - Lower Level
501 Copper Ave NW
Give the Gift of Membership to The Friends of the Public Library and shop for gifts at their bookshop - pre-owned books, music and other media. This year give a membership for every book lover on your list to The Friends of the Public Library!
BENEFITS
The Friends’ Main Library Bookshop is open Mon-Sat 10:30 am to 2 pm.
This program makes donating easy based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to APLF @ CW809 all you have to do is shop at Smith’s and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
Here’s how it works:
Sunday, Oct 20, 3 PM
South Broadway Cultural Center
1025 Broadway Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Presented by Bookworks, the Abq Public Library Foundation, and AMB Concerts.
Visit bkwrks.com for more information.
Responsibilities
What we do
The Advisory Board has 8 vacancies: A City At Large Position, A County At Large Position, and Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9.
Contact the Library Advisory Board to learn more and get involved.
Tues, Oct 8: Early voting BEGINS
Tues, Oct 22: Last day to request mail-in ballot
Sat, Nov 2: Early voting ENDS
Tues, Nov 5: Election Day - polls open 7 am to 7 pm. Absentee ballots accepted until 7 pm
Register to vote or update your registration if your name or address has changed. Your personal information must match the information that is on file with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If you or someone you know will be 18 before November 5, 2024, they can register now.
Already registered? Confirm your voter registration now!
Once you enter the required information, you will be able to view:
This past Saturday morning, I read a weekly knitting newsletter and learned about a knitting designer (Norah Gaughan) who was new to me.
So I went the the ABC Library website, and lo, all of her books are on Hoopla! I checked out the two that interested me, and looked through them. Turns out that I will never knit any of her lovely designs, but I found that out, and got to see her work.
Finding a book in our library that I’ve heard about online, or on the radio, or in a print catalog happens pretty often. Thank you for choosing so many fascinating books for us.
– A Satisfied Library Patron
A.I. images, videos, and audio clips are everywhere this election season. Don’t get fooled.
Learn how to spot A.I. from the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office.
When in doubt. Check it out.
These are my Children
Cindy Dominguez, Artist
Emma Fergusson Library
Tamale Man
Eric Garcia, Artist
South Broadway Library
Perros Jugando con Hilo
Pato Aguilar, Artist
International District Library
Additional pieces will be installed at Lomas Tramway, Central & Unser, and Taylor Ranch Libraries. All new additions will eventually be added to the library’s public art webpage.
NOTE - In order to register as a new voter or update your registration online, your personal information must match the information that is on file with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
If you or someone you know will be 18 before November 5, 2024, they can register now. Please vote!
These are the things that must match:
Register to vote or update your registration if your name or address has changed. Register to vote in federal, state, county, and city elections in New Mexico. You can also update your registration if you want to change your political party.
Are you registered to vote? Confirm your voter registration now!
Once you enter the required information, you will be able to view:
At the East Mountain Library, we just had a little girl tell us that for her fifth birthday, “I wanted to go to the Library for my birthday.” It was adorable!
As you can imagine, the days leading up to Library Director Dean Smith’s retirement were busy ones. We asked that he share his reflections on all that has happened over the past 16 years.
What jumps out to you as you think about your time in Albuquerque?
Librarians have a tendency only to look forward. There’s always just so much to do that there is little time to look back and think about what has happened and what we have accomplished. It is overwhelming when we look at the very long list of accomplishments we all share. And it is a very satisfying exercise.
What are the highlights?
First of all, we survived a worldwide pandemic and continued to provide continuous and uninterrupted services online. Though limited and reduced, we also managed to provide in-person services for all but three months of that time.
When the parking lot at the San Pedro Library was replaced 10 years ago, I found myself saying, “That is a beautiful parking lot.” Not something I ever thought I would say.
Along the way, we added three much-needed Community Rooms for programs and meetings at the Juan Tabo, Taylor Ranch and Tony Hillerman Libraries.
And, of course, we added two new libraries: the Central & Unser Patrick J. Baca Library and the International District Library.
And I cannot forget that we created the truly, most outstanding Library sign in the world.
We also updated our logo and moved to a new Integrated Library System, which is a big deal for librarians. We created a career ladder for our paraprofessionals and created positions called Library Community Services Coordinators to help with the increasing social service needs.
What was the greatest challenge?
Probably the most frustrating thing I’ve learned is how hard it is to spend money. Between the red tape of government purchasing and the bureaucracy of the system itself, getting projects off the ground is almost always a challenge.
What did you enjoy the most?
The most satisfying thing is working with all the people—the customers, elected officials, colleagues and supporters—all of whom love their libraries and want to make them even better.
You probably noticed that I have used “we” in most of this cataloging of accomplishments. This is not the royal we but is really an acknowledgment that none of these accomplishments are achieved by one person. It took a team to get them done.
All of us working together makes the Public Library possible!
Dean Smith
April 10, 2024 at 7pm
Have you bought your ticket to the next A Word with Writers event with Hampton Sides? Did you know that when you buy a ticket, you’re also donating money to the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation?
It’s all thanks to Bookworks Albuquerque.
Bookworks is among our most supportive organizations. We are thrilled to partner with them to bring you special events that benefit both the community and APLF.
Donations are eligible to be matched by The Albuquerque Public Library Foundation (APLF) Board of Directors. Your generosity can make magic happen: $5 becomes $10, $25 becomes $50, $50 becomes $100.
Donations will go to fund programs and services not covered by our library’s operating budget. As reflected in these pictures, they include music, Literacy Kits, Read to the Dogs, Event Guides, STEM, STEAM, and more
I’ve been interested in the concept of community and in love with the written word for most of my life. Joining the Albuquerque Library Foundation Board and supporting the foundation’s mission is a “no brainer.”
I’m talking about the big picture here, not the many wonderful programs and services our libraries offer, described by other board members’ statements, on our website, and in our newsletters. Today there are fewer opportunities than ever for people of all ages and from all walks of life to come together physically and experience commonality. The public libraries in our city are one of the last places we can enter and become part of and take part in our Albuquerque community --and many intellectual communities--for free. There’s much discussion nowadays about the loneliness and isolation people feel – our libraries are a small, vital antidote to this in our city.
I benefited from the usual communities that fortunate children can join. Like many other board members, I brought home the most books allowed on childhood trips to the library. Books took me to different worlds; in my East Coast library, built by Andrew Carnegie, I found Laura Ingalls Wilder and the American West. (Maybe that’s one reason I’m here in New Mexico.)
At college a beautiful Perpendicular Gothic style library was the heart of the campus. It had a grand entrance hall containing a fireplace you could almost stand in with a huge Art Deco tapestry above it. There were large, cushioned seats grouped around the fireplace, where fires crackled during winter. In the turbulent Sixties, when I walked into that soft silence, I found both respite and knowledge. It was another world, where the community of students over the last century and more had drifted between the shelves and held books I had in my hands
My interest and membership in community goes beyond academia. In graduate school I got a grant to photograph communes in the Southwest and traveled around in 1969 and 1970 with my Pentax Spotmatic. I lived in an artists’ community in the Seventies (it had a library!). I attended the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa Institute in the year we started its poetry library. Later, when I joined the vibrant law school community here, the UNM Law Library was the center of life. I learned how to take short naps face down on a book and joined the siblinghood of the law. As a lawyer, I worked on voting rights cases protecting a crucial component of citizens’ rights. For years, I represented a pueblo in its efforts to protect its sacred symbol from commercial use and ownership by those not part of that Native American community. When I got a grant to write about the countercultural communities I’d photographed decades before, Zimmerman Library provided the silence and the research material I needed. Still later, I spent several years each September on the New Mexico State Fair Portrait project. At our booth, we photographed fairgoers in one of the last remaining places New Mexicans of all ethnicities, walks of life, and economic backgrounds come together to have fun. My photo archive is now part of the Beinecke Library at Yale’s Western Americana Collection.
I’ve described libraries as spaces I inhabited, but occupying each of them also were exceptionally patient and selfless people, always ready to answer questions and help at just the right moment. People who were and are committed to a deep sense of community and public welfare.
So, to me (and really, it seems to me, to anyone who really thinks about it), the fact that the library staff and Albuquerque Public Libraries are essential parts of our community is another “no brainer.” I’m happy to support them, to try to make them and our community stronger.
Juan Luis Borges said, “I have always imagined Paradise to be a kind of library.” My view of the hereafter isn’t exactly the same; still, my Paradise would contain a great library. In the meantime, I’m glad to give back and be part of the Foundation’s efforts to support these essential building blocks of our community here on earth.
The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a respected source of nonprofit information.
As we enter our tenth year of service to the Albuquerque community, we wish to make it easy for donors and potential donors learn about APLF’s impact and financial information.
By clicking on the Platinum badge, you will be taken to the Candid website. Candid is the umbrella organization that includes GuideStar, the Foundation Directory and additional resources for non-profits.
Eryka MacKenzie
Eryka MacKenzie
President, APLF Board of Directors
After 10+ years of servant leadership, Julia Clarke has moved into the President Emeritus role at the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation. The Foundation and the library system can’t thank her enough for her leadership and knowledge. Luckily, she will be continue to be a part of the Foundation in a more supportive role.
Thank you, Julia, for all you have done and all you continue to do for the support of libraries.
I, Eryka MacKenzie, as the incoming President would like to introduce myself and let you know that I am here to serve both the Foundation and the libraries. You can learn more about why I believe in supporting libraries. I am looking forward to an exciting 2024. We are planning multiple opportunities to engage with the community, improve our technology, and, of course, support the libraries in all ways possible. It should be an exciting year.
One new initiative we began in 2023 is the creation of videos to engage with library supporters on social media. If you aren’t yet following us on your social media platforms, be sure to follow us on both Facebook and Instagram. For extra enticement, here is a short video that we had lots of fun creating.
Thank you for all you do to support the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Libraries. We couldn’t do the work without you.
Community Giving. Community Strong.
Howard Seltzer
Lomas Tramway Library - 2nd Saturday of the month @ 2 pm
Join us on our trip to PERU on February 10th at 2 pm at Lomas Tramway Library, followed by one of our trips to RUSSIA on March 9th. Our World Travel Programs are always on the second Saturday of the month at 2 pm.
Hope to see you there - Howard
My wife Marsha and I developed a passion for travel very early in our marriage, which was unusual because neither of us grew up in an era or a family that emphasized travel. In the early days we concentrated on domestic travel here in the Southwest, mostly driving, and then expanded to places like Sanibel Island, Cannon Beach, and Hawaii. In 1974, what was then the University of Albuquerque, sponsored a flight out of Albuquerque – the first-ever charter flight from Albuquerque to Spain and Morocco and we were hooked. That was it, the beginning.
We have been doing the World Travel Programs at the Lomas Tramway Library for several years with the outstanding support of staff person, Sandy Morris. Sandy produces all the flyers and brochures, and I couldn’t do it without her. We took a break for COVID but once again gather on the second Saturday of each month at 2:00 pm. I would be delighted to have you join me as I share the pictures and background information on places we have visited. I always welcome comments and memories from the attendees. Let’s get together for some fun “armchair” travel without the hassle of jet lag!
Elephants on the Serengeti as seen from a hot air balloon in the morning sun.
Floating over the a massive herd of wildebeests on the Serengeti. As far as the eye could see.
Eileen O’Connell
Eileen O’Connell is one of the jewels in our library system crown. She laughingly revealed her informal title to as “Empress of the Database.” We met when she managed the Special Collections Library at the corner of Central and Edith. Her enthusiasm for the library was as contagious then as it is now.
Eileen currently supervises a talented staff of seven including four in Material Support Services and three in Digital Services. She became a customer of the San Pedro Library at age six, a page at age sixteen and later became Manager of the San Pedro Library. She knows our libraries from the inside out.
“Everything that taxpayer dollars buy, it’s my job to make sure you can find it and use it.” It’s a big job when you consider there are more than 300,000 active users of the library system and over 900,000 physical assets, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, etc. And not everyone searches for the same thing in the same way. Eileen and her staff enjoy solving the puzzles of different search approaches that take into account misspellings, missing words and any number of issues most of us never consider. We just expect the right answer to show up when we want it. And it usually does, much to their credit.
“A great part of the job is being able to bring so much to our customers that can enrich their lives.” At the same time, customers might not consider that not everything is available in every format. Eileen smiled patiently, responding, “If it doesn’t exist, we can’t buy it.”
In closing I asked her if there was anything she would like to say to our BOOKISH readers and she didn’t hesitate. “If you use our libraries in person, bring a friend who has been away from the library for a while. Libraries need to be here.” And libraries need you. Thank you, Eileen, for your stewardship.
Because libraries serve so many people for so many reasons, we continue to share these notes with you. It is a real boost when patrons share their thoughts and let staff know what they appreciate most.
Written to the San Pedro Library:
Received at the Cherry Hills Library:
Shared by the Central & Unser Library - Patrick J. Baca Library Staff:
"Fake news” is not news you disagree with. The ability to tell accurate news from fake news is an important skill that you'll use your entire life. This guide will give you valuable insight in telling fact from fiction online, plus a chance to exercise your newfound skills. Remember to always read beyond the headline. What’s the whole story? You'll find more great information at the TEEN ZONE!
Did you know the Library has its very own YouTube account? Come see all your favorite story time videos, STEM activity videos, and more, all in one place! Great resources for parents!
PO Box 25792, Albuquerque, NM 87125
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