ABOUT US

The Vista Grande Public Library is a nonprofit corporation established to serve the residents of area communities with free and equal access to resources, materials and services that encourage and support their educational, cultural, recreational, intellectual and informational interests. Its mission is to stimulate a life-long love of learning in an environment that fosters community interaction.

Service Area
The library serves the southeastern part of Santa Fe County, including but not limited to Alteza, Amansador, Apache Ridge, Belicia, Cañoncito, Cielo Colorado, Cielo Turquesa, Cimarron, Dos Griegos, East Ranch, Eldorado, Galisteo, Glorieta, Lamy, La Paz, Las Nubes, Los Caballos, Los Vaqueros, Ojo de Vaca, Old Road Ranch, Ranchitos de Santa Fe, Rancho Mirador, Rancho San Lucas, Rancho Verano, The Ridges, Rodriguez, San Sebastian, Stanley, Sun Ranch, Tierra de Casta, Tierra Colinas, Tierra Sabrosa, Valencia, and Vista Sierra Bonita.

Membership
A library card is required to borrow materials and can be obtained by showing identification and proof of address when completing an application. Children under the age of 13 need a parent's signature.

Background
The Vista Grande Public Library opened its doors in April 2001, although it had been the dream of a number of dedicated area residents for years before that. A Library Committee had been formed in 1996 and over the next four years, it was able to get the New Mexico State Legislature to approve more than a half-million dollars, under the control of the County of Santa Fe, to establish a 1600-square-foot library. Ground was broken in April 2000, and the new facility opened its doors a year later.

Before long, however, the library outgrew its premises, and the Legislature and County were once again approached for money to fund an expansion. A children's room, however, was a significant additional cost not covered by that appropriation. A contribution from two local families enabled the library to fulfill its dreams of having a special room for children. The groundbreaking for the expansion was held in January 2003, and construction was finished in May. The dedication ceremony of the expanded library occurred on March 12, 2004.

Unlike other public libraries that operate with local government funds, this library is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, with its membership consisting of adult library-card holders. Consequently, each year the Board of Directors must raise money through fundraisers and donations to make up its operating budget. In addition, grants are sought to enhance library services.