By Michele Robertson
Big things are happening at the Carlsbad Public Library, and if you haven’t been in a while, there are some pleasant surprises in store for you. From humble beginnings in 1897, the library has evolved and adapted with each turn of the century to meet the ever changing needs of society.
Sarah Jones, Library Director started in February 2020, and has many goals for the library, as can be seen in her strategic plan for the library, which can be found on the library’s website https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/library
One of her main goals is to make information readily available to the public. “We are so much more than just books,” Jones said. With her straightforward approach, the library is maintaining cultural, educational, and societal relevance while providing a much needed resource to the people of Carlsbad and visitors to our area. The library offers help with legal forms and can answer questions about community services in the area. The use of technology is readily available with the ability to research your family history, use the internet, print your resume, or rent a dvd. Of course, don’t forget to check out something to read from their collection of 60,000 or so books.
In addition to these great offerings, the library also hosts events for people of all ages. Early childhood enrichment activities in the Children’s Library include, Mother Goose, Toddler Time, and Preschool Story Time. Young children can enjoy Peaceful Play, Lego Club, and Stem Club. Stem Club is new to the library, registration is required to attend the stem club as space is limited. Teens are able to participate in Teen Art and the library offers teen self care kits every month. There is even a book club for adults to join, called Brews & Books. The library has collaborated with Milton’s Brewing to host a monthly book club meeting at the brewery. For more information on all of these events you can check out the library’s website, Facebook page, or stop by the library. All events at the library are free of charge to patrons.
Great news for book lovers, in addition to all the great events happening at the library, the annual book sale put on by the Friends of the Library will be happening at the civic center for two weekends this year! The weekend of September 24th and October 1st.
“I think of the library as a train station. It may not be your destination, but a stop on your journey. We can help point you in the right direction whether you are a tourist or a resident,” shared Jones. You do not have to have a library card to access the information or take advantage of most of the library services. Library cards are free and they open up even more possibilities to users.
“There is a misconception that with Google and the internet, that’s all we need now. There are things you can’t find online that you need. We can get you referred to people who can help you with your unique needs,” stated Jones. Jones shared a story about a gentleman who had gotten stuck in Carlsbad while traveling through. The library was able to direct him to community resources that helped him find work for what he needed to be able to continue his journey home. That kind of help can’t be found online.
If you are interested in volunteering at the library there are a couple of ways to do it. You can join the Friends of the Library and volunteer that way, or if any teens are interested there is a Teen Advisory Group at the library, see Beth Nieman the Youth Services Librarian for information on that. If you are interested in making a donation to the library, that can be done through one of their accounts at the Carlsbad Community Foundation or through the Friends of the Library, now a 501c-3 non-profit organization.
The Carlsbad Public Library is located at 101 S. Halagueno St. and their phone number is 575.885-6776. You can email Sarah at sejones@cityofcarlsbadnm.com