• Mon.Tue.Thurs. Noon. to 8 p.m.
• Wed.Fri.Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed Sundays

General Facts and Information:

A study and community survey in 1999 pinpointed the need for a new library facility in the southwest quadrant of the City.

The southwest quadrant has the fastest growing area of the city and when the branch opens its doors, over 4000 school age children will be within walking distance. The population is projected to go up 50% in the next 15 years.

Library usage and circulation of materials has gone up over 50% in the last 15 years though out the City.

In 2006, 871,000 people visited the two existing branches, Main and La Farge. Over a million visitors are expected in 2006- 2007 due to the new branch.

The Facility:

The new library is the first new branch serving Santa Fe in 27 years.It is located at the corner of Jaguar Drive and Country Club Road. The address is 6599 Jaguar Drive.

The new branch is 25,000 square feet (compared to Main at 25,000 public space and La Farge 11,500 public space).

Designed by architect Isaac Benton , Isaac Benton and Associates, AIA, Albuquerque, in partnership with Harvey Monroe, Jr., AIA, of Terraplen, Santa Fe.

Construction by Cameron Construction Company, Santa Fe.

The building is energy efficient with rainwater harvesting and cistern storage: radiant heat and natural light boost the energy efficiency. Native plant landscaping will complement the building.

The chidren's room has a performance seating area for programs.

The Teen room has 2 study rooms.

A Community Room and coffee shop/meeting room will be available to the public.

The Friends of the Library will operate a used book store on site.

What's Inside:

60,000 items—books, CDs, Books on CDs, DVDs and videos will be the core collection at southside.

Over a mile of new books will be put into place in the new branch in its Opening Day Collection of materials.

The Library's goal is 20% of its materials in Spanish or bi-lingual.

Three patios will be available for reading and programs: Adult, Teen and Children's.

Special Programs:

Special funding from foundations have provided staff support for programming such as Book Babies, for caregivers and children from ages 6 months to 18 months; a teen outreach coordinator for programming and special events. Other grants have provided for books and other needed materials. The Friends of the Library will provide Summer Reading and Book Buddies, a reading mentoring program, at southside in addition to the other two locations.

Art:

The Southside Art in Public Places committee has selected Stuart Keeler of Chicago to coordinate all art for the building. Local artists were selected to provide works to support the theme of "Word Flow." Art is an integral part of the building from tin work on the South fascia to floor art to ceramic tiles on patios and sails in the children's room. Art installation will not be completed until early March 2007.

Funding:

The City of Santa Fe CIP Bonds provided $4.8 million for capital outlay. The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission provided $120,000 for art at the library.