ABOUT THE LIBRARY

The Ruidoso Public Library provides knowledge, technology, and inspiration to the Ruidoso community. The Library is a hub of books and education, a meeting place of minds, and an incubator of ideas.

We work hard to engage residents from all walks of life in a safe and respectful environment – free and open to all in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

Our Story

Humble Beginnings: The 1950s

Originally organized by members of Beta Sigma Phi in the 1950s, the library was first housed in the Ruidoso Federated Woman’s Club Building on South Evergreen Road in the Village of Ruidoso.

Sorority President and Worthy Grand Matron Jocelyn (Jo) Leland’s record of those earliest days has been lost, but well-remembered names include Margaret (Maggie) Leland, Earlene Phillips, and Mrs. John Thompson. This early library was funded entirely by donations and staffed by volunteers under the supervision of Murray Weindorf, a retired librarian.

Village Governance and Early Growth: 1960s

In 1960, the Village of Ruidoso accepted governance of the Library and created the Library Advisory Board. Jane Parks served as the first President of the Board.

The Library was then moved to Old City Hall on Wingfield Street, a building that had previously been a school and is now the Ruidoso Athletic Club (RAC). Jo Leland hired Pat Ward, a college graduate with a degree in Library Science. There, beside the Village Jail and Police Station, Pat Ward presided over the Library housed in two small, dark rooms.

After 1966, the Library moved again—this time to the old airport terminal, located approximately where the Convention Center now stands. Here, Ruth McGuire Spiegel directed the Library, enjoying a larger, brighter space, Village funding, and State Aid.

A Permanent Home: The 1970s

With the foresight of both the Library Advisory Board and Village officials, a new building at Junction and Sudderth was constructed in 1975.

Various librarians served at this location—now the Ruidoso Community Center—including Monese Barron, Kathy Moore Flannery, Marion Elzy, and Mary Lou Gooch, who remained until her retirement in 1993.

Modern Design Among the Pines: The 1990s

Nestled among the tall pines next to a four-mile nature walk, the present library building was designed by A.S.A. Architects and constructed in 1997 under the direction of Nancy Osterberg and Village Manager Allen Briley.

This beautiful two-story facility is ADA-compliant, energy-efficient, and encompasses 14,600 square feet. A view of Sierra Blanca greets visitors entering the lobby. Tall vaulted windows, a garden maintained by the Lincoln County Garden Club, an outdoor reading patio, the Friends’ Book Shoppe, and cozy window seats all enhance the library experience.

The building also includes a climate-controlled Archive Room containing microfilm, first-edition monographs, the New Mexico Collection, and genealogy resources.

Technology Takes Off: 2000s

Phyllis Reed became director in 2002, ushering in a new era of technology. The Library grew from three public access computers in 2002 to twenty-nine computers and two self-check machines by 2006.

Today, the Library offers open-access Wi-Fi, an enhanced catalog, and a robust e-branch that provides downloadable e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and more.

Expanding Access and Upgrades: Recent Years

The Library has recently upgraded its facilities with a new HVAC system, automatic doors, security gates, and updated technology in the Conference Room.

It has also added an Outreach Van and continues to expand services and improve facilities whenever possible.

Serving the Community Today

A dedicated staff of seven now serves the Ruidoso community, annually checking out over 90,000 books, DVDs, and audiobooks, issuing cards to 1,500 patrons, and assisting with 3,000 computer sessions.

The Library welcomes more than 90,000 visitors each year, answers over 11,000 reference questions, hosts programs for 5,000 people of all ages, and maintains a website offering digital resources for remote users.

A Legacy of Learning and Community

What began with a group of remarkable women—and the help of countless volunteers, donors, officials, and patrons—has grown from a few shelves in the Ruidoso Woman’s Club to a thriving community hub that provides books, information, technology, and lifelong learning for all.