New Mexico
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.
Arizona State baseball will host a four-game homestand, beginning with New Mexico State on Wednesday, April 22.
The Sun Devils and Aggies faced each other in late March, with ASU winning 10-4. The two teams will meet for the final time at 6:35 p.m. at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
ASU will then welcome Baylor on Friday, April 24, for a three-game series. The Sun Devils have yet to face the Bears this season, but ASU has been doing well so far and has been in the top 25 for four weeks.
Sophomore center fielder Landon Hairston earned Big 12 player of the week honors on April 13, after delivering five home runs in five games. His 10 runs in that stretch were tied for the second-most nationally and his 14 runs batted in were tied for third-most nationally. All nine of his hits went for extra bases, three more than any other player.
ASU’s series against Baylor will start at 6:35 p.m. for the first two games, followed by a 1:05 p.m. start on Sunday, April 26.
April 19
Softball at Houston, Cougar Softball Stadium, noon.
April 22
Baseball vs New Mexico State, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
April 23
Women’s golf at Big 12 Championship, Dallas Athletic Club, TBA.
Track and field at Penn Relays, Franklin Field, 1:22 p.m.
Beach volleyball at Big 12 Championship, Bear Down Beach, all day.
April 24
Baseball vs Baylor, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
Softball vs Texas Tech, Farrington Stadium, 7 p.m.
April 25
Lacrosse at Colorado, Prentup Field, 11 a.m.
Softball vs Texas Tech, Farrington Stadium, 3 p.m.
Baseball vs Baylor, Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6:35 p.m.
Reach the reporter or send tips for stories at jenna.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com, as well as @jennarortiz on X.
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Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
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