About the Library

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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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 verification. Adults must also provide a local reference. Children under the age of 13 need a parent'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.

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
AV Equipment	3 days	no limit

Does the Library charge fines?

There are NO OVERDUE FINES, but borrowing privileges are suspended when library materials are not returned on time.

How do I renew?

Items that are not overdue or on hold for someone else may be renewed 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.

Where can I return books?

Library materials may be returned to any library branch. There are bookdrops at each library for returns after hours.

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 min., 30 min., or one hour 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.

Can I print?

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).

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 at catalog.ci.santa-fe.nm.us. When the book is available you will be notified by phone, email, or mail, as specified on your library card account.

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

The Library accepts suggestions for new purchases. Fill out a blue request card at the Reference desk. Titles that were published more than a year ago may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. This service augments the local collection by borrowing books from academic, public, and special libraries around the country. Most requests are filled within thirty days. Loans are usually free of charge. Request forms must be submitted in person at any reference desk. Only three Interlibrary Loan requests per month can be accepted for an individual. This service is offered only to residents of Santa Fe County with library cards.

How do I find out about events at the Library?

Do you have activities for children and teens?

There are story times for preschool age children and babies. Summer reading programs include craft programs, storytelling, and puppet shows. Teens have opportunities to attend special programs, join a reading club, or be a reading mentor.

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.

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).

Do you have art displays?

For inquiries about the Main Library gallery, as well as other art spaces and display cases, please check out our exhibits information.

Does the Library accept donated books?

The Library is grateful for gifts of used or new books and media. 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 Library book stores or book sales. All funds raised from book sales are used to purchase new books. Receipts for gifts can only indicate the type and number of items donated. The donor is responsible for deciding the value of donated items. Gifts may be dropped off at any location during regular business hours.

How can I volunteer?

To volunteer, or for more information, contact the staff member in charge of volunteers at 955-6789 (Main), 955-4868 (La Farge), or 955-2810 (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, call 690-7364 or go to santafelibraryfriends.org.

Do you offer any special 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 available. Volunteers provide limited 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.
TDD-TTY Services 955-6715.