by Cassandra E. Osterloh (Cherokee Nation), Tribal Libraries Program Coordinator, New Mexico State Library
Tribal public libraries across New Mexico continue to play a vital role in supporting their communities through access to information, technology, education, and culturally grounded programming. Data from FY25 (23 tribal public libraries, with 22 reporting) highlights the breadth and impact of services provided by these libraries, underscoring their importance as community-centered institutions.
During FY25, New Mexico’s tribal public libraries recorded 79,459 library visits and served 36,795 registered users, demonstrating consistent and meaningful community engagement. Access to technology remains a critical service: libraries supported 162,163 WiFi sessions and 20,642 computer uses across 324 public-access computers, helping support education, employment, and communication needs.
Collections and resource sharing also remain a cornerstone of tribal library services. Libraries loaned more than 1,045,000 physical and electronic items, averaging over 47,000 items per library. These materials support literacy, lifelong learning, cultural preservation, and community knowledge-sharing.
Programming continues to be a significant area of impact. In FY25, tribal libraries offered 3,176 programs attended by 38,589 participants. These included 1,597 early literacy programs, alongside hundreds of programs for teens, adults, and intergenerational audiences. From early learning support to career development and cultural programming, tribal libraries provide inclusive spaces that reflect community priorities and values.
New Mexico’s tribal public libraries strengthen their communities each day by offering access to technology, early literacy support, intergenerational learning opportunities, and resources for education and workforce advancement. Grounded in the communities they serve, they remain essential to sustaining knowledge, language, culture, and opportunity across tribal nations in New Mexico.
A snapshot of this work is captured in the accompanying graphic, which highlights key FY25 data from tribal public libraries across New Mexico.