VISION: To cultivate an empowered and thriving community.
Mission: The mission of the Embudo Valley Library and Community Center is to build community by providing educational, cultural, and recreational resources for area residents. The library provides public library service, literacy programming for children and youth, formal and informal public gathering space for meetings and resolana, and an evening cultural series. Our property is home to a volunteer community radio station, a public park, a farmer's market, and a cooperative grocery store.
History: Embudo Valley Library & Community Center was founded in 1992 in a rented room with 2 volunteer librarians and a handful of donated books. In 2002 we purchased the 1.5 acre property that currently houses the library, a neighboring community center, an orchard and park, and Dixon Cooperative Market grocery store. Dixon Cooperative Market opened their doors in 2005 in the original Zeller’s/Lebeo’s store building; the coop has since expanded to a full service grocery store and deli. Rent from the Co-op helps support library operations. In 2014 Embudo Valley Library completed and moved in to a new 3,000 square foot library to better serve the needs of the community.
Over 60 volunteers help us run the library and its programs. We serve communities from Velarde to Vadito, in Rio Arriba and Taos Counties, New Mexico.
Strategic Plan: The strategic plan is a three year plan aligned with the organizational mission and vision that outlines goals and objectives regarding library services and operations.
Facilities Master Plan: There are two views of this plan. One provides a vision of the property when fiestas are taking place. The other (called "non-fiesta") provides a vision of the property at all other times. Before beginning any new projects as a part of the facilities master plan, the library will solicit community input.
Master Plan (fiestas), and Master Plan (non-fiestas)
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. In 2012, we were recognized as one of "America's Star Libraries" by Library Journal. This recognition was based on statistical analysis of our service data. In May 2015, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced Embudo Valley Library as a winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, in recognition of outstanding service to our community.
EVALUATION LAB: Embudo Valley Library worked with UNM Evaluation Lab in the 2018-2019 academic year to explore how the library can support community revitalization. The evaluation plan contains community demographic data and a literature review on rural revitalization. The evaluation report contains the analysis of data from three focus groups addressing community strengths, values, and needs, and recommendations and next steps. See our evaluation plan HERE. See our evaluation report HERE.
The library in-house collection includes over 17,000 books, movies and audio books. Over 8,000 e-books and downloadable audio books are available through the New Mexico Library To Go consortium HERE. We have two special collections: the Southwest collection and the Nuclear Worker’s Support collection. To search our catalog click here or find "Online Catalog" in the main menu.
We have seven public access computers with MS Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, and Adobe PhotoShop. Black Mesa Wireless provides the library with 100MB highspeed internet. 24-7 WIFI is available throughout the building and surrounding premises.
We offer print, copy, fax and notary services for small fees. We can generally notarize documents for you; call ahead and bring a picture ID verifying the name you will sign with. You may send or receive faxes at the library. Librarians are happy to administer faxed applications for a Rio Arriba County 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.
Use of the community center is available (with a suggested donation) for local non-profit, educational or acequia groups. Call the librarians to schedule your meeting or event. Would you like to use the community center or orchard for your private party? Call the library to find out about rental rates.
A weekly Farmers’ Market takes place June-September in the Dixon Cooperative Market parking lot. The field and orchard behind the library serve as a public park.
Embudo Valley Library provides fiscal sponsorship services. We are the fiscal sponsor of the Embudo Valley Neighborhood Watch, the Dixon Farmer’s Market, New Mexico Rural Library Initiative, and the Power of Story in Communities Project in partnership with the National Endowment of the Humanities, the Santa Fe Opera, the New Mexico State Library, and the Department of Cultural Affairs.
The people who helped us build our new library are:
Over 100 local individuals
For Our Future Fund: Santa Fe Community Foundation
We thank all of our supporters for making rural library service possible in the Embudo Valley watershed. To support the Embudo Valley Library with a tax deductible donation, go to the SUPPORT US tab. Thank you!
Ongoing support provided by:
