Since its beginnings more than 60 years ago, the State Library has been a leader in the development of New Mexico's public libraries, helping them to build the programs needed by their communities.

The Library's heritage is evident today in the Rural Services Program. Four bookmobiles serve the entire state, stopping in some 260 communities, logging more than 80,000 miles a year.

Books by Mail rounds out the service by sending books through regular mail to subscribers remote from the scheduled bookmobile stops.

Library programs serve more than 1,000 libraries throughout the state — public and academic. Staff members bring new skills and tools to these libraries by putting on workshops, distributing equipment, and providing training and technical assistance for computer networking.

The State Library also serves the State Government with access to work-related information and reference materials. And through its Talking Book program, the Library reaches 4,500 visually impaired and physically challenged people each year.