The Grants Public Library serves an important role in our community, acting as a center for learning, connection, and growth. It hosts reading events, which supports the significant brain development that occurs in children from birth to five years old. This early exposure to literature plays a crucial role in fostering cognitive growth and improving language skills.
The library's mission extends far beyond just serving children. It offers numerous programs and resources for the entire community, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Keeping Up with Trends
To be sure that the library meets the needs and wants of its patrons, the Grants Public Library stays current with the latest titles and trends in literature.
The library keeps close relationships with various publishing companies, allowing it to receive updates on upcoming releases and popular titles, while also encouraging suggestions from the community, making sure that its collection reflects the interests of local readers. According to Librarian Caroline Ramirez, library staff “Periodically weed out books”, ensuring that the library stays up to date.
If the Library does not have a specific book that you would like to check out, simply ask the front desk. The library utilizes inter-library loans, which allows them to request books from libraries across the country. This ensures that community members have access to a broader range of literature. The library offers a diverse range of services to assist and engage the community with technological support, specifically providing services such as faxing, scanning, laminating, printing, and copying. With internet access available, patrons can complete online homework and receive help if needed. Programs and classes hosted include a summer reading program and events like Tot & Me story time, where volunteers can read with local children.
The Grants Public Library offers basic computer classes, 3D printing sessions, and crafts to cater toward different interests and age groups.
Online resource access is available through the library's website, patrons can access platforms like Overdrive for downloading e-books and audiobooks. The library also links to educational resources, such as El Portal and Brainfuse, which provide live online tutoring and homework help in both English and Spanish.
A Space for All Ages
According to Ramirez, the Grants Public Library is committed to serving the needs of individuals of all ages.
The library is a destination for school field trips and offers plenty of resources for educators and students. Key offerings include large print books for those with visual impairments, as well as connections to resources for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, patrons can receive a free Family Pass to visit museums and historic sites throughout New Mexico. The library encourages community engagement through events such as quarterly blood drives and exhibition showcases, while offering computer and internet access for all patrons. Library Card
Obtaining a library card is a simple process, and completing it will grant a license to an unlimited number of books that can transport the reader to an infinite number of worlds.
Visitors need to bring a picture ID and a form of mail that has their current address. For children aged 14 and younger, a parent or guardian must accompany them to sign the application. The first library card is free, while replacement cards are available for a small fee of $1 plus tax.
Even those who do not have a library card can read and utilize library resources. The library offers conference and reading rooms that can be reserved for meetings, tutoring sessions, or educational classes. Also, a bulletin board in the foyer showcases postings for nonprofit community events and activities.
The Grants Public Library receives its main funding from the City of Grants, and additional money from the New Mexico State Aid and General Obligation Bonds which are voted on by the people of Cibola.
These funding sources are vital, allowing the library to continue offering services and resources that help community members access information and improve their everyday lives.
Future Considerations
Despite its modern resources and commitment to technology, Ramirez is concerned about the potential for complete digitalization.
The staff believes in the importance of maintaining a physical collection of books and resources, ensuring that individuals can access information in various formats.
An essential aspect of the library's mission is its dedication to protecting freedom of speech, as Ramirez wrote, “Libraries stand behind freedom of speech.”
The Grants Public Library believes that authors should not have to fear censorship or book banning, and its diverse collection reflects a wide range of viewpoints and topics.
The Grants Public Library currently has over 32,000 items, including books, e-books, board games, laptops, and DVDs.
Ramirez informed “We offer reference questions over the phone, or they can contact us through email or Facebook.”
The library invites everyone in the community to use the wealth of resources available. From reading materials to engaging programs for all ages, the Grants Public Library is truly a cornerstone of our community.
Editor’s Note: Editor Diego Lopez is currently reading the Pendragon: Journal of an Adventure Through Time and Space, a book which Grants Public Library did not have in stock. Because of this, the library has gone out of its way to acquire these books, even temporarily, for his ability to read the series. This effort is appreciated, just one of the many services offered by the Grants Public Library.
The Cibola Citizen is thankful for the Grants Public Library and the Grants City Council for keeping this important academic institution open and available to all of Cibola.