A Library Tour: Tony Hillerman Branch

When you drive up to Tony Hillerman Library, you can smell roses.  Why, you might ask?  Because the library is itself nestled amidst the rose beds of the Albuquerque Rose Garden.  In fact, library & garden share an entwined history-one might even say they have grown on the same trellis! In 1957, the library (then called Prospect Park) opened; in 1962, the planting of the west section of the Rose Garden began. Since then, the library has been renovated & renamed twice, & the New Rose Garden was opened in 1996.  It's a real Albuquerque beauty spot, &, once you check out your items from the library, you can sit outside on one of the many benches & breathe in the rose scent while you read or relax. On your Summer Reading passport, Hillerman Library has adopted the moniker Rose Island-in homage to the garden but also to their shape, an island (it is on a separate, irregularly shaped block) in the neighborhood.

From the Google Map of the area.

Tony Hillerman Library is located at 8205 Apache NE, located behind the Hoffmantown Shopping Center at the intersection of Wyoming Blvd and Menaul Blvd. on Apache Street NE.-visit the library website for driving directions & bus routes. The library offers many of the ABC Libraries' typical amenities-there are 20 public computers available, a fax service, Fiction to Go (slightly used, recently published fiction titles for sale-$2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks) & materials such as voter registration forms & bus schedules can be picked up here. This branch also offers a Free Magazine Swap! Hillerman Library has 2 study rooms for public use, but no community room.

Inside, the library is bright & airy. Expect to find, in the central area by the Information Desk, monthly "Armchair Adventures" displays.  Each month, these displays of fiction & non-fiction will take you to a different country!  The glass display case by the check-out will feature something related to the "Armchair Adventures" display.  Being an Anglophile, I counted myself lucky to be visiting when England was the country on display, & the case featured some lovely teacups. For Summer Reading, visitors will be able to browse the Novel Destinations display as well, with a collection of books about very interesting places. Also in this area, looking towards the children & teen area, you can see some delightful glass art by Christelé.

Speaking of the children & teen area, you will not want to miss the fun decorations here!  The walls are dotted with many handmade masks (leftover from a past program I believe) & there are cozy places to sit (including these cool cubbies on wheels where you can snuggle with a book & a fuzzy creature) & lots of bright colors.

Of course, while you are at the Tony Hillerman branch, you will not want to miss the displays dedicated to Mr. Hillerman himself!  This branch, which started out as Prospect Park & then in the '80s was renamed the Wyoming Library, became the Tony Hillerman Library in 2008, as this was the library used by the Hillermans who lived nearby on Texas Street. The library's webpage has a tribute page where you can find links to books & information about Tony Hillerman; inside the building, you can browse titles & memorabilia.

Our Summer Reading program, "One World, Many Stories/Un Mundo, Muchas Historias", is right around the corner, & Hillerman Library has a lot of treats in store for you, beginning on Saturday, June 4th, with their kick-off event, Explore the Sun!  This event will include a Special Solar Storytime, observing the sun with telescopes, meeting local solar scientists & astronomers, a chance to make your own sun dial, & more! Another fabulous summer program offering will be the One Planet, Many Puppets: Storytelling with Puppets and Masks, which is a free 7-week workshop for kids & teens 6-16. In this workshop, participants will explore puppetry traditions around the world while constructing puppets, creating characters, and developing scenes to perform.


Hillerman storytime regulars will recognize Vicky (above, with her puppets)!  You won't find her at storytime during Summer Reading, however-instead, she'll be leading the Puppet Workshop! Read more about Vicky's storytimes on her blog, Paper Plate Muse.


But that's not all that's going on at Hillerman Library! Visit the library web page to find out about all of this branch's events, which include the Stitching Club on Tuesdays, the Who Dunnit? Mystery Book Group, a variety of computer classes, & the Read to the Dogs program (monthly on the second Saturday).

If all these fun things to do at the library & hanging out in the Rose Garden are not enough incentive to pay a call on the Tony Hillerman branch, consider some other local attractions: if you need to do a little shopping, both the Hoffmantown Shopping Center & the Wyoming Mall are nearby; for a outdoor fun, there are 3 parks-Hoffman, Taylor, & Cutler-in the vicinity; & if you need a snack, you can't go wrong with Charlie's Front & Back Door, Le Chantilly, & Relish.  If you're an audiophile, don't miss Charley's 33s & CDs, just down Menaul-they have a great selection.

Lastly but certainly not leastly, Hillerman Library may be the only branch in the system that has this handy print magnifier, for those of you who might not want to strain your eyes on teeny tiny print!
 
 

A Library Tour: Taylor Ranch Branch

"The best view in town."  That's what a Taylor Ranch staff person told me first thing upon my arrival at the branch & I could only concur. The east bank of windows in the Main Room provide a fabulous view of the Sandia Mountains year round and provide fantastic natural light for the building! I found myself this morning in a completely unfamiliar area of Albuquerque, at a branch I had never been to before (a little embarrassing to admit after almost 20 years in New Mexico & almost 7 years working with ABC Libraries).  I am here to tell you that the driving directions from the library website are completely right, & that you don't want to miss visiting the Taylor Ranch Library because it does have the best view in town-among other attractions!

Taylor Ranch Library is located at 5700 Bogart NW in the Santa Fe Village Park at the corner of Unser Boulevard and Montano Road.  This branch opened in November 1989, replacing the original Taylor Ranch branch at Taylor Ranch Road and Montano Road.  The library is open a total of 60 hours a week; it is open seven days a week and until 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday.  Taylor Ranch has 24 public computers in the Main Room as well as four in the Children's Room for children under 14 (parents with small children with them may also use these PCs).  Only Main Library has more internet computers for public use! Taylor Ranch also offers many of the standard amenities of the ABC Libraries' branches: fax service; Fiction to Go (slightly used, recently published fiction titles for sale-$2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks); voter registration forms, None for the Road DVDs, & bus schedules are all available, but the branch does not have a meeting room or study rooms.  Not that there aren't plenty of cozy nooks to study in!  Also, on the south side of the building, there is a covered patio that is used primarily for library programs, but can also be used by other groups, pending approval by the branch manager.

Taylor Ranch Library offers many programs for all ages, including three different storytimes, a monthly Stargazers Party, A Good Yarn weekly stitch group, Music by the Petroglyphs, a monthly book discussion group...I could go on, but you'll probably want to check for yourself on their branch page! Additionally, you can schedule a computer tutoring session (or just get more information about the sessions) by calling (505) 897-8816.

A lot of customers for this branch are families with children & teens, so as you might imagine, they have a great section for that age group, very colorful & lively.  Look for their many displays, including the one on Science Fair Projects that is kept up pretty much year-round.

I caught Taylor Ranch before they had decorated for this year's Summer Reading, but based on the great artwork left from last year's program ("Make a Splash", above), the branch will be something to see! Of course there will be a bevy of special programs at Taylor Ranch (or "Taylorvania") for the upcoming Summer Reading program, "One World, Many Stories/Un Mundo, Muchas Historias"-including the Library Battle of the Bands. Interested teen musicians, bands, djs and performers should contact Jason at jshoup@cabq.gov or 897-8816. Super Sumo is on the lookout for teen volunteers for the Summer Reading program, as well.

One could hardly mention Taylor Ranch Library without noting its close proximity to the Petroglyph National Monument, but that's certainly not the area's only attraction! The library itself is located in Santa Fe Village Park, where there is a playground, soccer fields, & a dog park. Bring a picnic! Nearby is the Don Newton/Taylor Ranch Community Center at Kachina Street and Taylor Ranch Road, where you can find a plethora of programs for all age groups. After Memorial Day, consider a visit to Sierra Vista Pool-children from 5-14 are even eligible for the Metro Aquatic League, a swimming and water polo league hosted by the City of Albuquerque-and the 10 courts of the Sierra Vista West Tennis Complex.

With so much to do & see, you'll definitely want to make Taylor Ranch Library part of your Summer Reading adventure! Get the Taylorvania stamp on your Summer Reading passport! Don't forget to like them on Facebook! Also, they have a great assortment of booklists, if you need a reading suggestion.
 

Special thanks to Taylor Ranch Library staff member Ellen for the great tour & providing much of this information!

A Library Tour: South Valley Branch

The South Valley Library, at 3904 Isleta Boulevard SW, on the corner of Isleta & Camino del Valle, is our next stop. This branch, a distinctive pink building, was built around 1990.  The architects made a real effort to make the building blend in with the community to which it belongs. In a 1993 Albuquerque Journal article titled "Storybook Setting", Steve Brewer said "[t]in roofs & dormer windows give the South Valley Library the look of a New Mexican farmhouse."  In the same article, he basked in the natural light from the windows all around the building & mentioned that the library has "a grassy ampitheater under an arbor like sunshade out back".  A lovely place to spend some time!

South Valley offers many of the ABC Libraries' typical amenities-there are 14 public computers available (including two dedicated Spanish language terminals), a fax service, Fiction to Go (slightly used, recently published fiction titles for sale-$2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks) & materials such as voter registration forms & bus schedules can be picked up here. This branch also offers a Free Magazine Swap! South Valley also has a meeting room & 2 study rooms for public use.

Fotonovelas

Reflecting the rich diversity of its community, South Valley has a large International Collection, with an emphasis on Spanish materials-including a few spinners of fotonovelas & paperbacks in Spanish. The South Valley Library is also proud to be part of the area's annual El Kookooee celebration. South Valley schoolchildren design models for the figure, which is ceremonially burnt ("to help you burn your fears away", according to El Grito) during the month of October in nearby Rio Bravo Park. The children's models are displayed in the South Valley Library; later, the winning model will be placed in a special case, also at the library. See a picture of last year's El Kookooee on the Weekly Alibi's website.

El Kookooee..Se Quema! Display & models from last year's contest.

Besides El Kookooee artworks, South Valley Library has other interesting displays. Make sure to check out the north side of the building, where you'll find another display case & the library's Freedom Shrine, which includes copies of many famous documents, including Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address & John F. Kennedy's inaugural address.

The staff at South Valley are really gearing up for this year's Summer Reading Program, "One World, Many Stories/Un Mundo, Muchas Historias"! (Look for the branch on your passport under the name "South Vallandia".) They are planning a series of  World Explorer programs for children age 6-10 to learn about different countries, including Australia, Greece & Brazil, with crafts, food, music & games! Storytime for Preschoolers with Toni-Lynn will be Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. during Summer Reading.  This will be a lively & fun program, featuring music, fingerplays, creative movement, & crafts!  More information on South Valley's upcoming "One World, Many Stories" programs will be forthcoming on their web page.

The flag of South Vallandia.  Their national motto is "Leer es Poder"!

Where can one find the South Valley Library web page? From the ABC Libraries home page, you can click on the link for "Events and Programs/Storytime" (under the heading "Library Services and Programs") to visit the South Valley page, among others. There you can find contact information, hours, directions, featured resources, & information about events at the branch, including their Thursday Night Fiber Fever program!

While visiting the library, you will not be at a loss for things to do in the area! The South Valley Pool & Water Slide is right next door,along with the South Valley Little League Baseball Field & the Rio Bravo Skate Park, not to be confused with Rio Bravo State Park, which is just behind the library. The South Valley Growers' Market, on Saturdays from 8 a.m.- noon, is right across the street at Cristo Del Valle Presbyterian Church. Another must-see in the South Valley area is the Hubbell House at 6029 Isleta Boulevard NW-"a community jewel" located on El Camino Royal that was built in the years following the Civil War. If you get hungry during your visit, there is a paletería, La Michoacana, in the neighborhood; El Mezquite Market (one of 3 in the Albuquerque area at 3765 Isleta Boulevard SW) has a great Mexican deli; & Abuelita's New Mexican Kitchen, at 6083 Isleta Boulevard SW across from CNM, is a staff favorite.

For more on the South Valley area, check out the City of Albuquerque website.  Jeff Hartzer's poem "On The Bus" will also take you on a short, but entertaining, tour!

If you stop by the South Valley Library, don't miss their Staff Recommendations! (I liked What Was Lost, too.)

A Library Tour: Los Griegos Branch

Welcome to the first branch in our tour-Los Griegos!  It is located at 1000 Griegos RD NW, on the southwest corner of 10th Street and Griegos Road in a residential neighborhood. You can find directions from the freeway, by surface street & by bus here.

Los Griegos might look unassuming from the road (I found it easy to miss driving west on Griegos-twice!), but there is a charming walkway nestled amongst the trees.  Once inside, it is light & airy. 

Los Griegos offers many of the ABC Libraries' typical amenities-there are several public computers available, a fax service, Fiction to Go (slightly used, recently published fiction titles for sale-$2 for hardbacks and $1 for paperbacks) & materials such as voter registration forms & bus schedules can be picked up here. This branch also offers a Free Magazine Swap!  Los Griegos does not have a meeting room or study rooms for public use.

A lot of artists use the Los Griegos Library, which is reflected in the display wall at the branch.  There is a two year wait list to be featured!  Right now, puppets from the Puppet Playhouse are on display.

There is a lot of other art to see scattered throughout the library while you are there!  My favorite is this heart:

Los Griegos, one of the first branches in the library system, has a lot of loyal patrons!  One library staff member knows a 50-year-old woman who got her first library card as a child at Los Griegos & it is still her branch library!  & who wouldn't like spending time at Los Griegos?  For instance, it's very kid-friendly:

As you can see, they are already gearing up for Summer Reading with their African drum on display!  The program doesn't start until June 3rd, but you could still stop by before to check out Miss Lin & her miniature guitar at Early Birds Storytime or Big Birds Storytime!



Miss Lin

Each library branch has its own web page, which you can reach from the ABC Libraries home page.  Visit the Los Griegos page to view contact information, hours, directions, featured resources, & event information.  Besides storytime, Los Griegos offers a variety of programs, including Second Saturday Stitching, Los Griegos Reading Group, & computer tutoring. Stop by & inquire about the new book group Los Griegos is starting!

There have been a lot of articles about the Los Griegos neighborhood in the local blog Duke City Fix: check out "Hidden Los Griegos"; "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"; "San Isidro de Los Griegos"; & "Los Griegos" for more information.

Since the Los Griegos Library is in a residential neighborhood, there are not a lot of attractions in the immediate vicinity. However, the branch is about halfway between 4th Street-not too far from Garcia's Kitchen-The Original, the China Phoenix 2 stamp store, the French Riviera Bakery &  the VSA North Fourth Art Center-& Rio Grande Boulevard, where it's just a quick drive to Johndi's barbecue restaurant (at 3851 Rio Grande Boulevard NW), Flying Star Cafe (in the retail plaza that also contains Bookworks, Pennysmiths Paper, & Lily Barrack) & La Montanita Co-op. 

If you are in the area, make Los Griegos one of your stops during Summer Reading! You can get a stamp for your passport & kick back at this friendly, mellow branch.

More Los Griegos pictures are available on Flickr.

One World, Many Stories: Summer Reading Passports!

The flags of Cherrytopia, Juantapolis, & Taylorvania.




Our 2011 Summer Reading Program is gearing up to start in just about a month-the program will run from June 3rd-July 30th-& I, for one, am raring to go!  This year's themes will be One World, Many Stories for kids; You Are Here for teens; & Novel Destinations for adults. There will be weekly prizes for kids & babies.  There will be weekly prize drawings for teens & adults. There will be grand prizes for teens & adults at the end of the summer. There will be programs for all ages.  We'll have fun, fun, fun until the final reading log/card is rounded up!

Part of the fun of One World, Many Stories will be the addition, this year, of Library Passports!  This year you'll be encouraged to get to know your world through books, but you can also take this time to get acquainted with some different branches in your library system!

See the city this summer! Get stamps in your One Library, Many Stories passport!

If you are interested in a Library Passport, all you will have to do is request one.  You will then take the passport to each ABC Libraries' branch that you visit-each branch is considered a "country"-& get a stamp from each one, such as Cherrytopia (Cherry Hills), Juantapolis (Juan Tabo), & Taylorvania (Taylor Ranch).

If you have have visited at least four countries (libraries), you will be given a “World Traveler” entry form to fill out, & you will be entered to win a prize at the end of the summer!  If you complete your entire passport by visiting all libraries, you will have your photo taken and added to our website!

abcreads knows deciding which "countries" to visit can be a tricky decision.  Maybe you just want to visit ones near you; maybe you'd like to make a special trip, & visit somewhere a little off the beaten path.  To help you decide, in the next few weeks I'll be posting "A Library Tour"-I'll be going to all the branches, taking a few pictures, rounding up some interesting facts for you.  It'll be an adventure for me too-in the 6 years I've worked for ABC Libraries, I've been to most branches at least once, but there are a couple I've never visited. 

If you are interested in participating in the Library Passport program, keep checking back for more details!