From Storytime to Seeds: Inside Jemez Springs Library
Jemez Springs, NM is a village tucked within the Jemez Mountains.
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With its wood‑framed entrance and red accents, the Jemez Springs Public Library carries a lodge‑like charm that fits perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Book lending services in Jemez Springs began in 1956, when persistent community members organized a small collection inside the local Presbyterian church. By 1984, the village had established a dedicated building, allowing a more formal library to grow. Director Andrew Adaryukov shared with me the many ways the library serves the community today.
The early childhood program “Storytime for Babes and Tots” offers stories, songs, and rhymes that help little ones build early literacy skills. Summer brings Friday Fun, a weekly lineup of art projects, games, and STEM activities. Teens have their own space for adventure through the highly popular Dungeons & Dragons club.
Adults and seniors benefit from library programs as well. A trained instructor leads Tai Chi and strength training classes, helping residents maintain their mobility and overall health. The library also hosts a monthly book club and a newly initiated improv group, adding social opportunities for all ages.
Inside the library conference room, rotating exhibits display the work of local artists. The space also serves as a meeting place for village government and local organizations. Behind the building is the “Book Barn,” a shed filled with used books and DVDs for sale. Managed by the Friends of the Library, each purchase directly supports library services.
Due to the remote location of Jemez Springs, internet and cellular service can be spotty. One patron I spoke with shared that he regularly comes to the library to utilize the fast and reliable WiFi.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Jemez Springs Public Library is its huge “Library of Things”. Patrons can borrow jumper cables, a compass, ukulele, toolkit, projector, and much more! There is also a seed library stocked with native varieties for local gardeners, who can even borrow garden tools with their library card.
Whether through storytime, internet access, or the amazing “Library of Things”, the Jemez Springs Library demonstrates how rural libraries meet community needs through essential and innovative services.
