Frequently Asked Questions
Does the library display works by local artists?
Yes, all library locations do, and if you’re an artist, we’d love to display your work. Please visit our Art Exhibits web page for more information.
Does the library offer services for individuals with disabilities?
All libraries are wheelchair accessible and have accessible parking. For people with low vision there is a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) available for use at the Main Library. A book or paper can be placed under the camera and the material is electronically magnified onto the screen. All locations have a selection of Large Print titles and Books on CD are available, as well.
Santa Fe Public Library staff is happy to assist anyone with special needs. Please inquire at the Reference Desk for assistance.
For information about book delivery to homebound patrons and residents of nursing homes, please contact the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library for more information.
Additional resources:
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)
NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NMCDHH)
Does the library host book clubs?
We offer a variety of virtual and in-person book clubs. Please check our calendar for upcoming meetings: https://santafe.librarycalendar.com/events/upcoming
For questions or help getting started, call the Main Library at (505) 955-6781, the La Farge Library at (505) 955-4862, or the Southside Library at (505) 955-2820. You can also direct questions to library@santafenm.gov.
Does the library accept donations?
We are accepting donations at both the Main Library downtown and at the Southside Branch Library. If you have one bag or one box (or less), you can drop it off at the Main Library reference desk or at the Southside Library bookstore during open hours. If you have a larger quantity to donate, we ask that you please make an appointment with us to drop them off. To leave a message with the preferred location, please call 505-955-2839. To email, books@santafelibraryfriends.org.
Due to space constraints, we ask for donations to be no more than the equivalent of 6 paper sacks / 4 banker boxes. Multiple appointments may be needed.
We can only accept clean, sell-able books and media. Please recycle worn books and media.
Thank you for helping the Friends raise funds for the Santa Fe Public Library,
Book Sales Committee
Santa Fe Public Library gratefully accepts gifts of new or used books and media items, such as CDs and DVDs, but the library does not accept the following:
- Dirty, shabby, soiled, moldy, water-damaged, or animal-damaged books
- Books that are ripped, torn, or with excessive marking
- Reader’s Digest condensed books
- Encyclopedias, real estate, law, medical, or text books
Books and media items given to the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library are reviewed by library staff for possible addition to the library collection.
Materials not selected for addition to the library are reviewed by the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library for possible sale at their book stores or book sales. All proceeds from the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library are given to the library.
All donations become property of the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library. No conditions may be placed on donated materials. A receipt for your gift is available from any Library Information Desk; however, receipts for gifts only indicate type and number of items donated, not monetary value.
Does the library sell books?
The Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library operate two book stores; one at the Main Library, 145 Washington Avenue, and another at the Southside Branch, 6599 Jaguar Drive. Main’s store is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Southside’s is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Additionally, the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library hold book sales. For more information, please visit the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library web site or call (505) 955-2839.
How can I work at the library?
All hiring for Santa Fe Public Library positions is done through the City of Santa Fe. Online job postings and applications can be found at the City of Santa Fe website or at any library location. All applications and questions about the hiring process should be directed to the City of Santa Fe, Human Resources Department.
How do I reserve a meeting room at the library?
Please reserve a room at any of our three library locations using our room booking calendar here.
All libraries have meeting rooms open to individuals or groups whose purpose is not illegal and whose conduct within the library is not objectionable. Use of meeting rooms is subject to the policies and rules outlined on the Library Policies web page. A meeting room contract must also be signed prior to the event. Contracts are available at the Library Policies web page.
Please check with the library for availability of audio-visual equipment.
For Meeting Room Reservations, please call the appropriate library:
Main Library:
(505) 955-6781
Oliver La Farge Branch:
(505) 955-4862
Southside Branch:
(505) 955-2820
Seating
- Main Library Community Room, 75 chairs and 8 folding tables
- Main Library Pick Room, 10 chairs and 1 conference table
- Oliver La Farge Branch Community Room, 50 chairs and 4 folding tables
- Southside Branch Community Room, 90 chairs, 12 folding tables
- Southside Branch Meeting Room, 24 chairs and 6 square tables
Does the library have public computers?
Santa Fe Public Library provides public access to computers free of charge. Computer users will need a library card to use the automated computer sign up system. Guest passes are available for those persons that do not have a library card and for visitors to the Santa Fe area. Computers may be reserved for up to 1 hour per day. All locations have 15 minute express computers. Reservations may be phoned in for same-day reservation with a library card. Library computers have Internet access, word processing and spreadsheet programs. The City of Santa Fe prohibits the installation of software or hardware on its computers. Black and white printing is available (10 cents per side). Color printing is not available.
Children’s Room computers are for use by children 12 years of age and younger.
The Main Library has a self-service fax machine that take credit, debit, and check cards.
All libraries have black and white photocopiers (10 cents per side) with free scanning capability (bring your own USB drive to save your documents). Library staff is able to provide limited, short-term technical assistance as needed. However, due to time constraints and technical expertise it may not be possible to answer all questions.
Does the library have wireless Internet?
All library locations are equipped with wireless Internet.
Policy on Internet Use
In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Santa Fe Public Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of the community. Free public use of the Internet in the library is a service that expands access to information and resources not readily available in Santa Fe.
Use of the Internet shall be consistent with the Library’s mission, goals, policies, and procedures, and with applicable local, state, federal, and international laws. Inappropriate or illegal use of this resource in the library, including but not limited to infringement of copyright laws, is prohibited and can result in loss of library privileges.
The Santa Fe Public Library endorses American Library Association’s statement on Access To Electronic Information, Services, and Networks. The Santa Fe Public Library does not monitor, and has no control over, the information accessed through the Internet and is not responsible for the nature of nor the accuracy of any information accessed on the Internet. Internet communications are not secure and the library is not responsible for the privacy of electronic communication.
The library is not responsible for inadvertent exposure by minors or adults to potentially offensive material accessed by Internet users on library equipment. The library is not responsible for what a minor or adult may locate on the Internet. As with other library materials, restriction of a minor’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.
Adopted by the Library Board on January 21, 1997.
Wireless Internet Policy
General rules regarding computer use still apply to the use of the library’s wireless Internet
Does the library offer tours?
Teachers may arrange to bring in classes for story times, tours, and research, by calling the appropriate Children’s Department at least two weeks in advance to schedule.
Children’s Department at the Main Library:
(505) 955-6783
Children’s Department at the Oliver La Farge Branch:
(505) 955-4863
Children’s Department at the Southside Branch:
(505) 955-2828
For all other tours, please contact the Reference Desk at the appropriate library at least two weeks in advance to schedule:
Main Library:
(505) 955-6781
Oliver La Farge Branch:
(505) 955-4862
Southside Branch:
(505) 955-2820
What if the library does not own a book I want?
The Library accepts suggestions of published works for new purchases. Please log into your library account and choose “Suggest a Purchase” from the left-hand “My Account” toolbar.
The Library is unable to purchase every title that is requested. We must therefore prioritize specific criteria in order to use funds wisely. The year of publication, community interest in the subject, reputability, and cost are taken into account. For more information, please view our Collection Development Policy.
Books published more than six months ago may be requested through Interlibrary Loan with a limit of three Interlibrary Loan Requests allowed per calendar month.
Can I volunteer at the library?
You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at the library. Please call (505) 955-6789 if you are interested in volunteering at any library location.
In addition, The Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library is a non-profit volunteer organization that assists the Library with special projects. To volunteer or to join, please visit the Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library website or call (505) 955-2839.