History of the Library
 
The Placitas Community Library is a result of grassroots effort to establish a permanent library in Placitas.

We believe that our library is an essential building block in developing a sense of community pride and spirit.
 
The library opened on March 1, 2004. The temporary rented building was in a 1200 square foot building just

west of the Homesteads Shopping Center and was provided at minimal rent by Pepi Strahl, a resident of

Placitas.  Local talent, skills and materials transformed this garage into a workable library which opened in

March of 2004. Furniture and books for the opening were donated from libraries in Roswell and Los Alamos.
 
In 2003 the library incorporated and the IRS approved our non-profit status on March 1, 2005. In the

meantime in 2004, the library received “developing library” status from the New Mexico State Library

system. The library operates with volunteer help and currently has over 50volunteers including four

certified librarians. Since Placitas is an unincorporated village with no tax base, The Friends of the Placitas

Libraryraise all of the library's operating funds.
 
The Library provides important services, internet access, interlibrary loan and copier/fax use. Patronage

has doubled in the past year. The collection has rapidly expanded, now exceeding 14,000 items and

1,000 CDs, DVDs, audiotapes, large print and Spanish language books. The efforts of the Building

Committee have reached fruition, and our new building now stands at its new location at 453 Hwy 165. 

But, this was just Phase I, and efforts will be beginning on Phase II.  A great deal of money must once

again be raised to make Phase II come to life, and we will keep you up to date on our activities.

 
Placitas Community Library Funding
 
Basic operational expenses come from your donations:
Friends of the Library Annual Memberships
Annual Dinner and Silent Auction
Albuquerque Road Runners Annual 10K run
Jardinaros de Placitas (children's programs)
 
County General Obligation Bond –July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2011
 
NM State General Obligation Bond – July 1, 2007 – June 20, 2009
 
2006 and 2007 Grant from the American Library Association in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
We the People Foundation Bookshelf - a program that encourages young people to read classic

books and explore themes in American history, culture, and ideas.
This year's theme is "Pursuit of Happiness."
 
Donations of Time

The Library staff and Board are all volunteers.  All operating expenses are funded by very generous

community donations.  The fund raising efforts that lead to these donations are raised through the

efforts of the Friends of the Library.  The total monthly contribution of hours provided by the volunteer

staff is over 1,200 hours per month – a truly generous effort by wonderful volunteers.

 
Placitas Community Library Construction Funding
 
The Kerr Foundation  (A Matching Grant)
2:1 Challenge Grant for library construction – We are happy to report the challenge has been met!

Donations from The Karakin Foundation and also the Fidelity National Title Company on behalf of their local office.
 
Dept of Housing and Urban Development
Economic Development Initiative Special Projects Grant for the construction of the Placitas Community Library
 
State of New Mexico
From the State Legislature for the construction of the Placitas Community Library
 
Sandoval County
For purchase of 4 acres of land for the library acquired from Tom Ashe
 
State of New Mexico  
For furniture and equipment for the new library
 

Private Donations

From private individuals