There are many libraries to choose from in Albuquerque. Children, casual readers and serious scholars alike will find something enjoyable to read as The City of Albuquerque and The University of New Mexico each run very good public libraries that serve the greater Albuquerque area very well. Use this guide to find out information on special events, hours of operation, address and telephone information and what some of Albuquerque’s bigger and more popular public libraries have to offer to patrons and scholars.
The Albuquerque Public Library System boasts no fewer than 17 locations across the greater Albuquerque area. Here is some information on two of the most popular locations:
Main Branch (http://www.cabq.gov/library/main.htm):
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-768-5141
Hours: Monday 10 AM – 6 PM Tuesday 10 AM – 7 PM Wednesday 10 AM – 7 PM Thursday 10 AM – 6 PM Friday 10 AM – 6 PM Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday Closed
Overview: If you’re looking for a copy of a hard to find book or books on tape, many locals will tell you the first place you should try is the Main Library. Albuquerque’s Main Library is located off of 5th and Copper in downtown. The largest of all the libraries in the Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County Public Library System, it has over 15,000 volumes on subjects as diverse as cooking to politics and much more. Among those 15,000+ volumes there is a large print section, a section of books in Spanish, a reference area and even books on tape. There is a children’s room where kids can find great books and an area for them to read them. Internet junkies can get their fix with free WI-FI and public computer use. If you want to use the public computer, a Smart Card that doubles as your library card to check out books is required. Smart Cards cost $3.00 and you are allowed to use the Internet for three hours a day on the public computers. If you have your own computer, the reception is good and it’s easy to configure your computer to the library’s network. Finally, there is a periodical section located upstairs that boasts at least 125 magazines and newspapers including nearly every issue of such venerable magazines like Time and TV Guide! Don’t forget to check out the Friends of the Library bookshop where you can find amazing deals on good books and records, too!
Why you should visit this branch specifically: If you need help using the databases that the Albuquerque Public Library System hosts, come see the staff at the Main Library. They are very knowledgeable and are very willing to help you learn how to use these databases effectively. Furthermore, if you are a scholar or a researcher of Albuquerque’s or New Mexico’s history, this branch has many valuable books and newspaper collections about Albuquerque’s and New Mexico rich history that you won’t find elsewhere.
Special Events: There is always something special going on at the Main Library. Ongoing events at the Main Library include the following as of this writing:
1) Guys Read. This is an ongoing initiative that is trying to help boys become better readers. Every week boys 6-17 and adults 18+ are invited to discuss what they have read, find new books to read and just learn in general how much fun reading can be! If you would like to participate call the Main Library for more information!
2) Art Exhibits: Every month the Main Library hosts art exhibits from local and internationally renowned artists. Photography, sculpture and scale models have been some of the types of exhibits shown at the Main Library. For more information on the special exhibits that will be shown at the Main Library, click here.
3) Preschool Storytime! If you have kids between the ages 3-5, bring them in to the Main Library on Wednesday’s for stories, crafts and special films. It’s always time well spent!
Special Collections Library: (http://www.cabq.gov/library/specol.html)
423 Central Ave. NE (corner of Edith and Central)
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 848-1376
Overview: Located at what used to be the location of the Main Library, the special collections branch houses research collections on genealogy and New Mexico history and culture. Most of the materials housed in the Special Collections branch are only available for use inside the library but copies can be made for a small fee. If you have your Smart Card, public computers are available for using the Internet and some genealogy databases that can only be accessed online including Heritage Quest Online and Ancestry Library Edition.
Why you should visit this branch specifically: If you are interested genealogy or if you love history, this is the place for you!! According to the library’s website, this library is home to New Mexico’s largest genealogical collection with well over 22,000 genealogy books, over 16,000 microforms, approximately 2,500 compact discs and almost 300 current periodical titles! Although it places a heavy emphasis on New Mexico genealogy, there are substantial records and resources from other sources as well including Federal census records for the entire United States from 1790 through 1930, immigration and ships’ passenger lists, the Periodical Resource Index (PERSI), and a large assortment of family genealogies. There is way too much to list here so if you want more information, look at the website or call.
Special Event and Exhibits: One of the neatest exhibits at the Special Collections Library is the Center for the Book. It’s a hands on exhibit that explains the history of the book and the printing press to anyone interested. The best part of the exhibit are the eight replicas of antique printing presses that span from the Gutenberg-era to1925. Call for details on how to arrange a tour of this interesting exhibit.
The special collections branch also has monthly special events on a wide variety of topics pertaining to genealogy and history. Look at the website for more information.
Here are a couple of other libraries that are well known and well used in Albuquerque. They are operated by the University of New Mexico.
Zimmerman Library:
University Libraries ( http://elibrary.unm.edu/zimmerman/)
MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505)-277-9100
Hours: Since Zimmerman Library is located on the campus of the University of New Mexico, hours vary depending on when UNM is in session. Call for the latest hours of operation.
Overview: Located on the campus of the University of New Mexico, Zimmerman Library is one of the largest libraries in the state of New Mexico and it is also the largest library in the University of New Mexico’s library system. It offers both students and outside scholars alike access to over 40,000 volumes as well as over at least 2500 journals on all sorts of disciplines ranging from Accounting and Taxation all the way to Zoology. This library also has a wonderful collection of rare volumes and a very comprehensive holding of newspapers and periodicals.
Zimmerman Library also has access to many comprehensive e-journal databases that can be accessed by both students and the general public alike. Finally, the library staff is very helpful at providing expert guidance on how to use all of the library’s resources and the people I have worked with have never hesitated to be of assistance.
In addition, Zimmerman Library also hosts the Center for Southwestern Studies( http://elibrary.unm.edu/cswr/ ) . A whole library onto itself, this center provides scholars and students access to 40,000 books and periodicals relating to the history of New Mexico and to the Southwestern United States. According to the center’s website, the major strengths of the center, “Include Native American, Chicano/Hispano, Spanish Colonial, and environmental history, plus a wide range of locally published and archival materials documenting the region.” However, scholars may also find materials on other subjects. I have used the center’s resources while studying, of all things, the history of baseball in New Mexico and the center was able to help me uncover 19th century and early 20th century newspaper articles and pictures! It’s absolutely amazing what you can find here! The staff is helpful and they do a great job explaining how to use their resources, too. Visiting scholars should call or e-mail first to see if the center can find materials pertaining to your studies.
Why you should visit this library specifically: If you are a researcher, a scholar or just an amateur historian like me, this library is a good place to start in your search for materials for your research. There is enough material and links to other libraries on a wide variety of subjects to help you get a good start on your research. Furthermore, the staff members at Zimmerman are very friendly and are eager to help!
Special Event and Exhibits: The Center for Southwestern Studies and Zimmerman Library hosts all sorts of special events, lectures and exhibits throughout the year. Since they vary from month to month, click here for a current listing of special events and exhibits.
Finally, another good library in the University of New Mexico Libraries System is the Health Centers Library (http://hsc.unm.edu/library/ ). If you are a scholar who is doing research on health related topics, this is the place for you. Here’s some information about this library.
Health Sciences Library
1 University Of NM # 9 5100,
Albuquerque, NM 87131 (corner of Stanford and Marble)
(505)-272-2311
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 7am – 11pm
Friday: 7 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 11 pm
(Closed during all UNM holidays).
Overview: Located on UNM’s North Campus, this library is one of the most comprehensive medical libraries in the state of New Mexico. If you are a beginning researcher, this place can be a little overwhelming. It includes well over 35,000 books and periodicals and journals in hard copy and well over 2000 e-journals. Students and scholars can use this library to do research on any topic pertaining to health and the health care industry. Outside scholars are advised to call or e-mail first before coming here to be sure that there are journals pertaining to your research because the library staff tends to be a bit indifferent to the needs of the outside scholar. If you can, use UNM’s online e-journal search engine or the Health Sciences Library’sonline e-journal search engine before coming to this library. It will save you lots of time and effort.
Why you should visit this library specifically: If you are interested in doing research on diseases, the health care industry or want to do research before you ask your doctor about any health concerns–this library is a good place to do research.
Special Events and Exhibits: There are several permanent memorials, sculptures and exhibits located near this library. My favorite one is the Phil and Olga Eaton Sculpture Garden. Walking through the garden on the way to work is always inspiring and uplifting. You also got to check out one of the sculptures called “Genesis”. Everytime I walk by it I feel ready to face the day. Who says art can’t inspire?!
There you have it: Five libraries in Albuquerque that serve both the casual readers and the more serious scholars. I hope this guide is of some help to you as you use Albuquerque’s vast library resources. Good luck with your research and happy reading!
For more information on other libraries within the Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County Public Library System and the University of New Mexico Library system, check out these websites:
For the University of New Mexico Library System : http://elibrary.unm.edu/.
For the Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County Public Library System: http://www.cabq.gov/library/branches.html.
