new mexico libraries to see a variety of facility upgrades

Nearly a dozen public and university library infrastructure projects across New Mexico are expected to see work this year.

Members of the New Mexico State Legislature earlier this year approved more than $2.6 million in capital outlay funding for library upgrading and improvement projects. Of that amount, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham approved projects with a combined funding value of just over $1 million.

The largest outlay, at $400,000, is going for the replacement of an elevator in the Townsend Library on New Mexico State University’s Alamogordo campus.

Exactly $300,000 has also been approved for improvements to a learning commons area inside the Zimmerman Library on the University of New Mexico’s main Albuquerque campus.

The Governor approved $100,000 in funding for improvements to the community room of the Taylor Ranch Library in Albuquerque, while at the same time vetoing $50,000 for roof and HVAC work at that same facility.

The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County’s South Valley Library has been approved for $80,000 for a new roof and HVAC system; while $70,000 has been secured for renovation work at the Juan Tabo Library in Albuquerque.

The Carrizozo Community Public Library, Village of Corona Public Library, and Ruidoso Public Library, all in Lincoln County, have been approved for $10,000 each for technical and infrastructure work.

Another $10,000 in funding was approved, also for technical and infrastructure work, at the Estancia Public Library in Torrance County.
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The Governor vetoed $1.5 million in additional funding for the construction of a new library in Albuquerque’s International District, along with $50,000 for roof work at the Jemez Public Library in Sandoval County.

​By Garry Boulard

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