New Mexico

Group asks lawmakers for additional funding to help rural New Mexico libraries

Published

1 month ago

December 19, 2025

Group asks lawmakers for additional funding to help rural New Mexico libraries

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — They are community pillars in some of New Mexico’s towns. However, for dozens of the state’s rural libraries to survive, advocates are now hoping state lawmakers can pitch in with a crucial life-line.

“It’s critical for our success to have this space available to us,” said Placitas Community Library Patron, Geeta.

Geeta and her book club meet every month inside the Placitas Community Library. For them, it’s convenient and comfortable.

“Being in an environment with all of these books just feels right,” said Jody, who is also involved in the book club.

However, the rural library east of Bernalillo, said they offer much more than just books.

“Everyone comes here when they need anything. When they need internet, when they need books, when they need faxing, we really are the heart of the community,” said Board Chair at the Placitas Community Library Lynnette Fields.

While serving the community, the Placitas Community Library is among dozens across New Mexico that see no municipal funding.

“We don’t have any tax dollars. We get our funding from the New Mexico state library, from county bonds, and mostly from donations from our patrons,” said Fields.

The library is part of the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative which helps 60 remote libraries statewide in towns from Clayton to Abiquiu.

“We support rural libraries with hands-on help. Things like grant writing, helping them with programming, and questions about bylaws,” said Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative Shel Neymark.

Normally in towns without any other public services, rural libraries often host education programs and other resource connections. The initiative is asking lawmakers for nearly $30 million next legislative session to double the size of their endowment.

“The disbursements from the endowment would give each library approximately $45 thousand dollars a year,” said Neymark.

The organization said each of the 60 libraries received more than $20,000 this year. The Placitas Community Library said the critical funding keeps the doors open, helps grow their collection and a lot more.

“We are also going to get a sound booth which will allow our patrons to come in and have meetings in a private space,” said Library Director of the Placitas Community Library Lynne Hynes. “When that funding comes in, it allows us to provide the furniture, the spaces, the things that we need.”

The initiative is also a key player in opening new libraries. They are working now to see possible new openings in Pecos and La Cienega.

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