GRANTS, NM – The Grants Public Library has many resources available to the community that most are probably unaware of. These resources include a clothing closet and food pantry, passes for free admission into museums and online resources.
The Grants Public Library started their clothing closet and food pantry during the COVID pandemic. The library receives donations of clothing and food that is available to those in need. The library has also received monetary donations which they used to purchase toiletries and other necessities. Library Director Nadine Jiron spoke about the closet and pantry, “I’m looking to see if we could get some sort of grant or something to possibly buy more of those supplies to have them available. It’s helpful… I’ve seen that it’s been used.” The closet and pantry are also located outside of the library which allows individuals to get the supplies they need without the fear of being judged.
If anyone is interested in donating clothing, food, or money they can come into the library or call and staff members can meet them outside to take their donations. The library also has a program called Food for Fines, which is where individuals can donate non-perishable food to cover fines that they have on their account. The non-perishable food donations only cover up to $5, which according to Jiron is quite a bit considering its 10 cents per day for fines.
To get a library card an individual would need to supply a picture ID and a piece of mail or anything that has the individuals name and current mailing address. For any children under the age of 14 would be under a parent or guardians’ card. If the parent or guardian has a card the child, then could be issued their own card which they will be responsible for. Jiron stated, “The kids love to have their own card vs. having to use their parents’ card.” Those with a library card can check out up to seven materials, for Blue-Rays and DVD’s the maximum amount you’re able to check out is five. The checkout period is 21 days. The first library card is free, but to replace a card it is $1.08. The library is also cash only.
With their new system individuals can go online and request renewals and put holds on books. They can also request inter-library loans where if a book is not available at the Grants Public Library, they can request a loan where another library can loan the book of choice to the library. The library has a reading app called Overdrive Libby, where individuals have access to audiobooks and e-books. Individuals can login to the Libby app with their library card number and the passcode which is 1111.
Through the New Mexico State Library, there are family passes that individuals can check out to get free admission into certain parks and museums across the state. Some of the parks and museums that are included in the passes are: New Mexico History Museum, New Mexico Museum of Art, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and a few others. With the pass individuals can get free admission for up to six people. Jiron stated, “It can be a money saver.” The passes can be checked out by anyone with a library card in good standing and the checkout time is five days, afterwards individuals will be asked to complete a short survey.
The library also has board games that can be checked out and can be played in the courtyard, and individuals can hang out with friends. The smoothie shop is also in the library courtyard that is mostly open during library hours. The library has puzzles that can be completed both in the library, but also puzzles that can be taken home to be worked on as well. Jiron stated, “It’s great because you know that’s what we want, is for people to come in here and enjoy. To get away from their everyday mundane.”
Jiron spoke about what she wants the community to know about the library, “I think that it’s important that they understand that we are here for the community. Our goal is to provide the community with as much as we can, whether it be materials or resources. Whether it be you know help getting through.” Jiron also spoke about how they try to do as much as they can for the community, “We do what we can… we just want it to be a user-friendly, community, safe hub. We are here for the community, and we want to be utilized as much as we can. If there are community events… if we can contribute to it in anyway, we would love to be able to do that.”
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. If you have any questions regarding the library and its resources, you can reach out by calling the library on 505-287-4793.
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