in-demand library in placitas, new mexico planning for expansion

Built exactly a decade ago, the Placitas Community Library in east central New Mexico is more than just a place filled with books.

It is also a busy community center where residents in the town of Placitas, with a population of just under 5,000, gather for any number of events, including art exhibits, book clubs, and both children and adult reading programs.

For that reason, officials with the library, which was formerly housed in a garage before moving to its current location off  New Mexico State Road 453, would like to see a new addition built to the facility that would be designated entirely for meetings.

The proposed addition would measure around 1,300 square feet and will go up on what is currently patio space directly outside the one-story library.

Sandoval County has now issued a Request for Proposals asking for ideas on the project. Submission deadline date is December 18.

It is expected that it will cost just under $1 million to build the expansion. In response, the library has been engaged in an active fundraising campaign for the project.

Earlier this year, members of the New Mexico State Legislature additionally approved $350,000 in capital outlay funding to get the new library space built.

By Garry Boulard

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