P’OE TSÀWÄ COMMUNITY LIBRARY
written by: Aspen Coriz-Romero, NM Rural Library Initiative
Ohkay Owingeh–meaning “place of the strong people” in Tewa–is a tribal community in northern New Mexico.
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Originally opened in 2005, the Ohkay Owingeh Community Library was renamed a year later to honor Ms. Esther Martinez, a revered linguist and storyteller whose Tewa name, P’oe Tsàwä, means “Blue Water.” The name resonates deeply and symbolizes the continuous flow of language, memory, and knowledge that the library nurtures every day. Under the dedicated leadership of Director Rexine Calvert since 2014, the library has blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub.
During my visit, I was welcomed to observe a moccasin-making class, a hands-on celebration of tradition and craft. One participant proudly showed me the base of his moccasin, which had to be carefully carved out and molded. Rexine explained that the boy was preparing to enter middle school and had been coming to the library since before kindergarten. It was a reminder of how libraries supports young people as they grow.
Thanks to rural library funds, the library has been able to expand its offerings with a rich array of workshops. These include pottery, pouch-making, dressmaking, and regalia creation such as leather belts and ankle bells. Culinary traditions are also honored through classes like atole-making, which bring generations together around shared recipes and stories.
This year’s summer reading program served 70 children, a testament to its role as a trusted and beloved space for youth. Students gather at the library after school to connect with friends, browse the computers, or simply unwind in a safe and welcoming environment.
The library’s collection is extensive, with sections of fiction, non-fiction, and youth literature dedicated to books about Native people. Beyond its shelves, programming includes clothing exchange events, nutrition workshops, morning stretch sessions with yoga mats provided, and weekly Tewa Language and Culture classes meant to reinforce the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous identity.
Additional services such as distributing menstrual products, delivering books to homebound patrons, and supplying bi-monthly bags of essentials to families highlight the library’s commitment to care. Through every class, workshop, and program, the P’oe Tsàwä Community Library fosters community and cultural continuity.
