State Library Dispatches Two New Bookmobiles to Serve Rural New Mexico

February 25th, 2018

(Santa Fe, NM) – Two new bookmobiles are being dispatched to serve thousands of rural New Mexicans without access to a public library by the New Mexico State Library, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. The new bookmobiles will serve two of the three routes covered by the State Library – the Northeast Route of the Cimarron office, and the East Route out of Tucumcari.

The new bookmobiles will be on display at the New Mexico State Library at 1209 Camino Carlos Rey in Santa Fe on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.   Members of the public and media are invited to view the new bookmobiles and obtain video and photographs.

"As the fifth largest and fifth most sparsely populated state, New Mexico has many small and rural communities with no access to a public library," said Department of Cultural Affairs Deputy Secretary Michael Delello. "Our staff finds that in each community these bookmobiles serve, the patrons are effusive in their appreciation for this program and grateful the have access to thousands of volumes without having to travel for miles to a large community with a public library.”

Each bookmobile is equipped with shelves of books and a circulation desk.  The customized specialty vehicles built by LDV http://www.ldvusa.com/​ are designed to carry the heavy weight of library materials. The exterior of the new vehicles features southwestern books written by New Mexican authors and the slogan "Driven to Read." The exterior “wrap” was designed by the Museum Resource Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

In operation since 1956, each bookmobile carries up to 3000 volumes of all types and genres. Staffed by a team of two people per vehicle, each bookmobile travels a monthly route with regularly scheduled stops in rural communities in its region. Patrons can browse genres from the bookmobile collections which are periodically rotated from the larger collection at the library office. The bookmobiles not only bring books, but other resources and programs typically available at public libraries, such as summer reading programs. 

​The dedicated team of library staff drive the bookmobiles, and at each stop, provide valuable information to improve the quality of life and well bring for the most rural residents. Books and materials on-board cover a wide variety of topics, which are cultivated to support education, rural economic development, and recreational enjoyment.  

Between the three bookmobiles, there are more than 4100 registered library patrons.  The bookmobiles are funded through capital outlay funds awarded by the New Mexico State Legislature. Ongoing operations are funded through the federal funds provided to the state library via the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Bookmobile Library Patron Comments:

"Thank you for enhancing my life with your professional services, friendship, and smiles. See you at the Winston Community Center" -- Patron in Winston, NM

"Thank you for finding this book for me. I wouldn’t have been able to get to read it without you!" -Gwen Gray from Quay, NM

"I am thankful you come to our town, and thankful you have books ready for me." Ann Marie, a longtime patron of Bookmobile NE

About the New Mexico State Library: Established in 1929, the New Mexico State Library provides services that support public and tribal libraries, delivers direct library services to rural populations, state agencies, the visually impaired and physically disabled, and students and citizens conducting research. The library supports public libraries by providing consulting services, offering training and continuing education opportunities, administering the librarian certification program, coordinating a statewide summer reading program and tribal library program, and administering state and federal grants to public libraries. Part of the executive branch of state government, The New Mexico State Library is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Main Library open 1:00 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Southwest History and Culture Room open 1:00- 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.  1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507-5166, Phone: (505) 476-9700. Events, news releases and images about activities at the State Library and other divisions of the Department of Cultural Affairs can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org.