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FAQs




Mission Statement    

The mission of the Santa Fe Public Library is to inform, enrich and educate the members of the community by creating and promoting access to a diversity of ideas and information, and by supporting lifelong learning and reading. In accomplishing its mission, the library honors the community's unique cultural heritage and traditions, while preparing its community members for the future.

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History and General Information

In 1896, the Women's Board of Trade and Library Association set up a reading room near the Plaza and on January 13, 1908, it opened the Santa Fe Public Library at 120 Washington Avenue. When the city needed a more spacious main library, the site chosen was the Berardinelli Building, a former city hall designed by John Gaw Meem in 1936. On January 17, 1987, a beautiful new facility at 145 Washington Avenue was opened to the public.

The La Farge Branch at 1730 Llano Street was opened on December 3, 1978 to serve the city's expanding southwest sector.

The Bookstop Library was opened at Villa Linda Mall in the Spring of 1988, first to serve as a temporary facility while the La Farge Branch was renovated and, then, as a permanent storefront library. The Bookstop was closed in 2006 in preparation for the opening of the new Southside Library. The Southside Library opened on March 23rd, 2007.

The Santa Fe Public Library is a division of the Community Services Department of the City of Santa Fe. It is primarily funded by city revenues and supplemented by funds from the Friends of the Library, the New Mexico State Library, private donations, and grants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a Library Card?

To register for a library card you must live, work, or go to school in the City of Santa Fe or Santa Fe County. Fill out an application at the Circulation desk and show a picture ID and proof of mailing address. Children under the age of 13 need a parent's or guardian's signature to get a card. A person with a library card issued by any other public library in New Mexico is eligible to receive a Santa Fe Public Library card.

You can also print out a Library Card Application Form from the list below.
Please fill it out and bring to any
library branch with picture ID and proof of mailing address to get a card.

Como Conseguir Una Tarjeta De Biblioteca
Para registrarse para una tarjeta tiene que vivir, trabajar o ir a una escuela en la ciudad o el condado de Santa Fe.Complete una aplicación al escritorio de prestar y entregar. Demuestre la verificación de una dirección del correo que indica que vive en la cuidad o el condado de Santa Fe, y una identificación de foto. Niños de edad trece o menos, necesitan que sus padres firmen por ellos para conseguir una tarjeta.

Una persona que tiene una tarjeta de otra biblioteca publica en Nuevo México puede recibir una tarjeta de la biblioteca publica de la cuidad de Santa Fe. Por favor llene una aplicación, enseñe su tarjeta de la otra biblioteca junto con su identificación de foto.

Adult's Application

Solicitud para Tarjeta de Biblioteca

Children's Application

Solicitud para Tarjeta de Biblioteca para Niños

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How long can I check things out?

 

Loan Period

Item Limits

New Books

14 days

4

Books

28 days

2 non-fiction / subject

Audiobooks

14 days

4

Music CDs

14 days

4

DVDs / Videos

7 days

4

Language tape or CD

14 days

1


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Borrowing privileges will be suspended with any item more than 14 days overdue.

Don't forget, you can review your checkouts, due dates and holds by logging into your record.

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Does the Library charge fines?

There are no overdue fines, but borrowing privileges are suspended when any item is more than 14 days overdue.

How do I renew?

You may renew online by logging in to your record, by touch tone phone at 955-6987, or by bringing them to any of the branches. Items may be renewed two times. Items with holds cannot be renewed. Renewals are allowed on overdue items within the first 14 days of the overdue process.

Where can I return books?

Library materials may be returned to any library branch of the Santa Fe Public Library. There are bookdrops at each library for returns after-hours. Sorry, we do not have reciprocal returns for other libraries.

Do you have computers I can use?

Computers with Internet access, word processing, and other applications are available at all branches. Computers can be reserved for 15, 30, or 60 minute slots. Reservations may be phoned in for same-day use or on a walk-in basis, first come first served. All computer services are free of charge and available to all library visitors. See our Computers in the Library page for more information.

Can I print?

Black ink only (10 cents per page) is available at all library branches.

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Do the libraries have fax machines for public use?

Fax machines for the public are available at the Main Library and Southside Branch Library and can be used with a credit card or debit card. These machines do not accept cash.

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Does the Library have Videos and Audiobooks?

Videos on VHS and DVD, music CDs, and audio books on cassette and CD are available for checkout at all branches. Loan periods vary according to material type.

What if I need help finding information?

Librarians are available at all locations to help people find the materials, and information that they need. A wide range of reference material is available, including general and subject specific encyclopedias, dictionaries, indexes, and directories. Reference librarians can also be reached by calling 955-6781 (Main), 955-4862 (La Farge), or 955-2820 (Southside).

Why log in to my personal record before I search?

When you go to the library catalog, it's a good idea to log in to your record first.

  • Once you are logged in to your personal record, you will be able to search our databases without putting in passwords.
  • You can renew your books.
  • You can look at your holds, and change your pickup location if it's not already waiting for you someplace.
  • You can freeze your holds when you go out of town, so that you don't lose your place in the queue for something you've been waiting for forever.
  • When you place multiple holds, you will not have to reenter your personal information.
  • By going to 'Modify Personal Information' you can make sure we have your correct e-mail address, and choose how you receive your notices.
  • Be sure to log out of your record when finished.

What if the book or video I want isn't on the shelf?

If the Library owns the title, but it isn't on the shelf, you can ask to place a reserve/hold on it, or place a reserve yourself through the library's online catalog. When the book is available you will be notified by phone, email, or mail, as specified on your library account.

What if the Library doesn't own the book I want?

The Library accepts suggestions of published works for new purchases. Fill out a blue request card at the Reference desk or Suggest a Purchase in the online catalog.

Titles that were published more than six months ago may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. This service augments our collection by borrowing books from academic, public, and special libraries around the country. Most Interlibrary Loan requests are filled within thirty days. Loans are usually free of charge. Request forms may be submitted in person at any reference desk or online. Please limit your Interlibrary Loan requests to 3 per month. This service is offered only to residents of Santa Fe City and County with library cards in good standing. Have a question? Please call us at (505) 955-6720 or email us.

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How do I find out about events at the Library?

A monthly Library Calendar of Events is available at each branch and online. Check our News Page for additional information.
For the latest news see Icarus... the Library Blog.

Do you have activities for children and teens?

There are story times for preschool age children at all locations. A special Books & Babies program for children 6 months to 2 years old and their caregiverd is offered at Southside and La Farge Branch Libraries. Summer reading programs include craft programs, storytelling, and puppet shows. Check out the Kids Page for the most up-to-date information.

Teens have opportunities to attend special programs and view Anime movies. A Teen Club meets every Thursday at Southside Branch during the school year.

Can children be left unattended ?

Children 9 years of age and younger may not be left unsupervised in the Library.
Children 9 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a person age 13 or older while in the library.

Does the Library host any book clubs?

The La Farge Branch has a Mystery book club that meets at 10:00 am on the 3rd Monday of each month, and a Detective Agency book club that meets in the afternoons on the 3rd Monday. The Association of American University Women’s bookclub meets once a month at La Farge; contact Sandra at 983-5125.

The Friends Book Group meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Main.

Please call the branches for confirmation of dates and times.

We also have book club resources on our Books and Literature page. Check with your local branch to get a copy of your book club’s latest pick.

Does the Library offer tours?

Teachers may arrange to bring in classes for story times, tours, and research by calling at least two weeks in advance to schedule.
Tours of the all libraries, including the "green" Southside Library can be scheduled by calling at least 2 weeks in advance.

Can I book a meeting room?

Reservations for free public meeting rooms can be made by calling 955-6784 (Main Media), 955-4862 (La Farge), or 955-2820 (Southside).
General information, policies, and rules about the meeting rooms are on our Meeting Rooms page.

Do you have art displays?

The Main Library, as well as the Oliver La Farge and Southside Branches have art display areas. Please check out our exhibits page for more information.

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Does the Library accept donated books?

The Santa Fe Public Library is grateful for gifts of used or new books and media items in good condition. Please do not donate ripped, torn, dirty, shabby, soiled, excessively marked, animal-damaged, moldy, or water-damaged books or materials. The library does not accept Reader's Digest condensed books, encyclopedias, real estate, law, medical or text books of any kind. The library appreciates your help by following this donation policy.

A limited number of magazines may be donated as well. If you wish to donate magazines, please place magazines on the "Freebie Shelf."

The Library reserves the right to decide which gifts will be added to the library collection, and which are sold in the Friends of the Santa Fe Library book stores or book sales. All funds raised from book sales are used to purchase new books for the library. Receipts for gifts only indicate the type and number of items donated. These may be picked up at the Reference desk. The donor is responsible for deciding the value of donated items. Gifts may be dropped off at any location during regular business hours. Please call the library before donating a large number of items.

Does the Library sell books?

At the Main Library and the Southside Branch, quality donated books are sold for $2 ($1 for paperbacks) by volunteer members of the Friends of the Library. All proceeds go to purchase more resources for all three branches of our public library.

Friends Bookstore Hours:
Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. - 4p.m.
Phone (505) 955-2832 to contact the Southside Library's Friends bookstore

The Friends of the Library also have seasonal book sales. Check our News page and the Friends of the Library page for upcoming events.

How can I volunteer?

If you are 13 years or older, you may volunteer with the library. For more information please contact the staff member in charge of volunteers at 955-6792 (Main), 955-4868 (La Farge), or 955-2820 (Southside). In addition, The Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library is a non-profit volunteer organization that assists the Library with special projects. To volunteer or join, go to Friends of the Library.

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How can I work at the Library?

All hiring for Library positions is done through the City of Santa Fe.  Online job postings and applications can be found on the City’s websiteAll applications and questions about the hiring process need to go to the City of Santa Fe's Human Resources Department.

Do you offer any services for people with disabilities?

All libraries are wheelchair accessible and have accessible parking. For people with low vision there is a CCTV available for use at the Main Library. A book or paper can be placed under the camera and the material is electronically magnified onto the screen. All locations have a selection of Large Print titles and Books on CD available. Contact the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library for more information about book delivery to homebound patrons and residents of nursing homes. Please inquire at the Reference desks. The staff is happy to assist anyone with special needs.
Telecommunications Relay Service available at http://www.cdhh.state.nm.us/TRS.aspx.

Other questions?

Email us at library@santafenm.gov, or call your local library branch.

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The Santa Fe Public Library Board

The seven member board is appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Board includes city and county representatives and recommends library policy in consultation with the Library Division Director and staff.

The present Board members are Jennifer Jaramillo, President; Grace Brill, Vice President; Bill Heimbach, Angelo Jaramillo, Lou Hernandez, Angela Matzelle, and Jan Duggan.

The Library Board may be reached at 145 Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

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Contact Information

Email: library@santafenm.gov
Library Administration — 955-6789

Circulation email: circulation@santafelibrary.org

Main Library Reference — 955-6781
Main Library Children's Room — 955-6783
Main Library Media Department — 955-6784

La Farge Library Reference — 955-4862
La Farge Library Children's Room — 955-4863

Southside Library Reference — 955-2820
Southside Library Children's Room — 955-2828

Telephone Renewal — 955-6987

Interlibrary Loan — 955-6720
Email: interlibraryloan@santafelibrary.org


Friends of the Library — 955-2839
Email: friends@SantaFeLibraryFriends.org


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City of Santa Fe

Santa Fe Public Library
is an agency of the
City of Santa Fe,
Community Services Department.



Santa Fe Public Library
145 Washington Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 955-6780


Email: library@santafenm.gov