About Us
The Embudo Valley Library & Community Center was founded in 1992 in a single rented room with 2 volunteer librarians and a handful of donated books. In 2002, through a successful local fundraising effort, the organization purchased the 1.5 acre property that currently houses the library, a neighboring community center and an orchard and park.
We are a full public library, meeting all New Mexico State Library regulations, and we are a local grassroots civic and social service organization. Many volunteers help us run the library and its programs, providing critical educational, civic and social services to our region. We serve communities from Velarde to Vadito, a series of un-incorporated villages located in Rio Arriba County, and portions of Taos County, New Mexico, a population base of roughly 8,500 people.
Collection
Today the library collection includes over 12,000 circulating books, movies and audio books. We offer strong Southwest, art and children’s collections. To search our catalog click here or find "Book Catalog" in the main menu.
Public Access Computers
We offer four public access computers with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel available, as well as high speed internet access. There is WIFI available throughout the building and surrounding premises, even after hours.
Other Services
We offer print, copy, fax and notary services for small fees. We can generally notarize documents for you; you will need a picture ID verifying the name you will sign with.
You may also send or receive faxes at the library. Librarians are happy to administer faxed applications for a Rio Arriba Burn permit.
Need to register to vote or change you voter information? Pick up a voter registration form at the library.
Do you have a question you cannot find the answer to? Embudo Valley librarians might be able to help. Call the library or stop by for reference help.
Community Center
The library also maintains a neighboring adobe building that operates as both the Embudo Valley Community Center and a commercial retail space, currently housing the Dixon Cooperative Market. Use of the community center is available FREE (with a suggested donation) for local non-profit, educational or acequia groups. Check the calendar to see if the center if free the day you need it, then call the librarians to schedule your meeting or event. Would you like to use the community center or park & orchard for your private party or fundraising event? Call the library to find out about facilities rental rates.
Programs
The Embudo Valley Library runs several programs, including;
- an after school enrichment program for elementary school students,
- a popular summer reading program for youth,
- a weekly Family Literacy Program for pre-K children and their caregivers,
- and a low-power local radio station, KLDK 96.5 fm.
A weekly Farmers’ Market, takes place in our parking lot during the summer months, and our field and orchard serve as the area’s only public park.
In 2006 we were awarded the John Gaw Meem award for civic service by the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the New Mexico State Senate.
Funding
Do My Tax Dollars Support the Embudo Valley Library & Community Center?
Since the Embudo Valley Library serves un-incorporated areas of Rio Arriba County, we do not receive municipal tax dollars to support library operations. Thanks to Commissioners Elias Coríz, Alfredo Montoya and Felipe Martinez, we do receive a critical stipend from Rio Arriba County to help offset the cost of ongoing library operations. We are also eligible to receive New Mexico State Aid to public libraries, since we meet or exceed all minimum guidelines for public library service outlined in the NM Administrative Code 4.5.2.
Even so, in most years, this amounts to less than 15% of our operating need from government sources. The rest of our budget must be fundraised each year. We rely on local support and individual donations to make up a significant portion of our budget. Don’t miss our annual Art Auction and ongoing Book Sale fundraisers! In addition, several foundations provide core and program support to the organization.
Foundation Support
Our long term funding partners include
McCune Charitable Foundation
New Mexico Community Foundation
Presbytery of Santa Fe
Santa Fe Community Foundation
United Way of Northern New Mexico
Building Fund Contributors are:
Over 100 local individuals
For Our Future Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation
JE and LE Mabee Foundation
McCune Charitable Foundation
USDA Rural Development
We thank all of our supporters for making rural library service possible in the Embudo Valley watershed. If you would like to help support the Embudo Valley Library with a tax deductible donation, please contact the library to sign up as a monthly donor, or go to the SUPPORT US tab to make a one time contribution. Thank you!
