In a large, low-population state like New Mexico, with lots of rural communities, libraries play a vital role in literacy, education, and job skills training—along with the simple joy that comes from learning and being immersed in the numerous worlds that can be found within a book's pages.

Each of the 130 libraries across New Mexico, including 21 tribal libraries, serves the specific needs of its own community. Many tribal libraries, such as the Santa Clara Pueblo's library, maintain a community archive of historic photos, interviews, and oral histories that preserve the past and help restore the language.

Also, youth programming plays an important role in helping kids become early readers through story time, summer reading challenges, and special events. Youth programming also provides databases for research, tutoring, and resources for homeschoolers.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

New Mexico State Library

Santa Clara Pueblo Community Library

Aspen Song Kids

Carnegie Library in Las Vegas

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Encounter Culture, a production of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, is produced and edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios.

Hosted by Emily Withnall, editor at El Palacio Magazine

Executive Producer: Daniel Zillmann

Technical Director & Post-Production Audio: Edwin R. Ruiz

Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe

Editor & Production Manager: Alex Riegler

Editor: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota)

Theme Music: D'Santi Nava

Instagram: @newmexicanculture and @elpalaciomagazine

For a transcript and full show notes, please visit podcast.nmculture.org