LORDSBURG-HIDALGO LIBRARY
written by: Aspen Coriz-Romero, NM Rural Library Initiative
Lordburg is a town in Southwestern New Mexico and the county seat of Hidalgo County.
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The Lordsburg-Hidalgo Library was built by the Worker’s Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937 with adobe walls and high viga ceilings. Stepping through the wooden doors, I was greeted by Rita, who has served at the front desk for over 30 years, and Collista, who began her journey 8 years ago as a Children’s Librarian before becoming Director.
As Collista guided me through the library’s offerings, I was struck by the sheer variety of programs designed to engage every age group. The summer reading program, for instance, welcomed 70 participants–equally divided between children and adults. Beyond reading, activities included weaving, building fairy houses, and a performing arts lesson led by a young patron who is a dancer.
The STEM after-school program introduces students to hands-on experiments in coding, circuit boards, and even building a pneumatic elevator. Word Wizards is a writing club that provides a playful approach to grammar and storytelling through dice prompts and mad libs. Emotional growth is nurtured as well, with Inside Out, a school-age book club focused on emotional intelligence where participants receive journals to reflect on their experiences.
The library’s commitment to mental health wellness also extends to adults, offering a self-help group for those seeking healthy coping strategies. Social connection thrives through the Deadbolt Mystery Society, a monthly puzzle-solving club. And physical health is supported by daily chair yoga sessions.
My personal favorite were the “Adult Life-Skills” classes, which covered things like how-to change a tire or write a check. A local banker was invited to do a financial wellness presentation with information on loans and interest rates. The program challenges traditional library norms, but as Collista put it best, “Libraries are about learning.”
As a certified Entrepreneurship Librarian, Collista is a resource for small-business owners and curated a business guides collection. She’s developing an adult makerspace with a cricut, EZ press, CNC router, and printer plotter. These resources will empower local entrepreneurs to innovate and grow.
The Lordsburg-Hidalgo Library stands as a reminder that libraries are not just a place for books, but dynamic spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow.
