Welcome to the Española Public Library

History of the Library

The Española Public Library is a non-profit, tax-supported institution that serves the citizens of Española and the surrounding areas. Established in 1915 by the Española Women's Club and Library Association, the Library is presently housed in the Richard L. Lucero Center that also houses the community gym, public swimming pool and public meeting rooms. The library has approximately 50,000 volumes including books, encyclopedias, paperbacks, video and audiocassettes. The basic objective of the Española Public Library is the provision of books and materials that aid the individual in pursuing education, research, general information and creative use of leisure time. Following is information regarding the library's services and policies.

Library Cards

Library cards are issued free of charge to residents who have an Española Valley mailing address, work in the Española Valley, or go to school in the Española Valley. In order to obtain a library card, the applicant is asked to provide identification that will be used to register the new borrower. Adult cards are issued to patrons who are 18 years of age or older. Children's cards are issued to patrons under 18 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian. By signing, the parent or guardian agrees to see that all items checked out are returned and to pay for any item(s) that may be lost or damaged.

Adults may borrow up to 8 items (books, audiovisual materials, sound recordings) at a time. Children may borrow up to 10 items (books, audiovisual materials, sound recordings) at a time.

If a library card is lost or stolen, a replacement will be issued for $3.00; the charge for a second replacement is $4.00, a third $5.00, and a fourth $6.00. No cards are issued after the fourth. If there is a change of address, the card must be reissued, and new card limits on checkout will apply.

Circulation

All library materials may be borrowed for the regular loan period of three weeks, with the exception of circulating encyclopedias that may be borrowed for three days. Reference, locked case materials, and current or back issues of magazines and newspapers do not circulate. When an examination preparation booklet is borrowed, a cash deposit equal to the replacement cost of the item is required. In order to borrow library materials, patrons must present their library cards. A temporary card for one day only may be obtained for $1.00. Library materials may be renewed twice by bringing the items into the library. Library materials may also be renewed by telephone. Any item on which another patron has placed a RESERVE may not be renewed.

Overdue Material

Overdue items incur a daily fee of 10 cents per item up to a maximum of $3.00 for each item overdue. Any patron whose account exceeds a total of $5.00 for all materials will have his or her borrowing privileges suspended until the balance is paid.

An outside drop is available for returns 24 hours a day. It is orange and is located in front of the Lucero Center.

Lost or Damaged Materials

If a book or other item is lost or damaged the borrower is charged the cost of replacement. For damaged items, the borrower is charged the repair cost. For example, if a book must be rebound, the charge is usually $6.00 but may be more. If a book pocket is damaged, the charge is $1.25. Other forms of damage may include water or other fluid stains or warping, dirt, pencil or pen marks, torn pages, or torn plastic bags.

Reserves

If an item is owned by the Library but is not on the shelves, a reserve may be placed. The patron fills out a reserve card, and when the item is returned to the Library, the patron is notified. Materials on reserve will be kept at the Circulation Desk for one week.

Interlibrary Loan

If the library does not own a particular item, it may be possible to borrow it from another library via the New Mexico State Library's Interlibrary Loan program. There is a non-refundable charge of $1.00 per item requested. Items are usually received within 2-3 weeks. Periodical articles can be requested through MAGNET and can usually be faxed overnight.

Children's Story Hour

The library presents a story hour for pre-school aged children Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. During the hour, the librarian may read a story, show a film or video, and offer a craft activity. There is no admission charge.

Summer Reading Program

For eight weeks during the summer, the Library will present a Summer Reading Program designed to help young people develop their reading skills. Children aged 8-12 will meet on Tuesday mornings at the Library from 10-11, and children aged 3-7 will meet on Thursday mornings at the Library from 10-11. There is no charge for the program but children must register to participate.

Tours

The Library staff can provide tours of the library for any interested group. Tours usually include a talk regarding library services as well as a walk-through of the library. There is no charge for tours, but reservations are required.

Photocopy Service

The Library offers a coin-operated photocopy machine. Copies are $.15 cents per page.

Facsimile Transmisison

The library staff will send and receive Faxes for the public at a charge of $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.

Income Tax Forms

During the tax season, the library offers free copies of many most-used Federal and State tax forms. It also has reproducible forms that can be photocopied for a charge of 25 cents per page.

Public Typewriters

Two electric typewriters are available for public use in the Library at no charge. The user must provide paper, erasers, and correction fluid.

Reference Section

Some materials in the Library are used by many patrons for reference or research work and may not be taken from the Library. Types of popular reference materials are encyclopedias, language dictionaries, statistical abstracts, almanacs, manufacturers directories, quotation books, maps and atlases, geographical and biographical dictionaries, and telephone directories on microfiche. These may be used in the Library by patrons or with assistance from the staff who will, in addition, answer reference questions over the telephone.

Collection

The library holds materials on a wide variety of topics in both the adult and youth sections. In addition, there are major separate collections:

• Adult
  Fiction Biography Southwest (Circulating, Reference & Locked Case) Spanish Reference Video Cassettes Audio Cassettes Science Fiction Western Large Print (Fiction & Non-Fiction) Short Stories Magazines Mystery Newspapers Pamphlet File New Mexico State Government Publications
• Youth
  Fiction Biography Southwest Spanish Reference Video Cassettes Audio Cassettes Easy Readers Beginner's Books Holiday Books Magazines
  The Library has a large number of paperback books for all ages that may be borrowed with or without a library card or may be traded.
• Computers
  The Library offers public access computers free to the public. All have Internet access as well as Microsoft Office software. Additionally, educational software is available.