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December 2025

Table of Contents

Letter from the Board President
Fall Appeal Letter
Alamosa Library Reopening
December Fun at the Library
Why I Give | New Board Members
Mad Farmer Gazette
2026 Leopold Writing Context
Know your Library Support Groups

Happy December Library Lovers!

2025 is coming to close and what a year it's been for the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation. We've gotten to know Kate Alderete, our new library director, and learn more about her plans for the library and how we can help. Also, we've made some changes at the Foundation that I'm happy to share with you.

First, we have completed a re-design of our website. Please take a few moments to take a look. Our team worked hard with Ruby Creek Designs, a local web designer, to help bring this updated look to the site. We are hoping it will be easier to navigate and allow you to find the important information you are looking for. If there is something you would like to see on our site, please reach out and let us know.

Also, we have launched a new donor recognition program called the Library Guardians. People can become a Library Guardian by donating $500 or more to APLF in a single calendar year. You can learn more about this program here.

Lastly, I would like to thank each and everyone one of you for supporting APLF. But of course, our work isn't done. We are aware that there are many issues in our community that are asking for your support. However, we at APLF believe that the power of the library to bring resources, education, and community to all is crucial. When doing your end of year giving, please ensure APLF is on your list so we can continue to support library programs throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

Eryka MacKenzie

President, APLF Board of Directors

Annual Fall Appeal

In cased you missed this in your mailbox, here is a copy of our annual appeal. We thank you for continuing to support the Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County staff, programs, and events.

Alamosa Library Branch Reopening

The west side’s Alamosa Library reopened on October 20, 2025 after a 10-week closure for renovations. The improvements include new paint, carpet, and furniture, and were made possible through funds set aside from Albuquerque District 3 City Councilor Klarissa J. Peña.

Councilor Peña participated in the opening celebration.

December Fun at the Library

Be sure to bring the special children in your life to the library to write their letters to Santa. Each year the library collects and mails the letters to the north pole just in time for Christmas.

There are also other seasonal events like Snowflake Workshops, the Gingerbread Extravaganzas, and more.

Check the library online event guide to see everything that is happening.

Meet Out Newest Board Members

Barbara Verble

Why I Give:

Stories are fun — regardless of how they come to us. Some of my best memories are around stories: My dad reading to my siblings and me, listening to story hour on the radio...

Cindy Burns

Why I Give:

I started my library career working at Albuquerque Main Library, Children’s room. At that time, the Main library was filled with hundreds of children from the local elementary schools...

Read the complete WHY I GIVE stories HERE

The Mad Farmer Gazette

December - January Edition

Attached is the most recent edition of the Mad Farmer Gazette from the Public Library providing updates about the community farm, recipes, and more.

The 2026 Aldo Leopold Writing Contest

Each year, the Aldo Leopold Writing Contest invites New Mexico students in Grades 6-12 to submit essays in response to a carefully crafted and thought-provoking prompt inspired by the writings of Aldo Leopold: conservationist, educator, philosopher, and writer.

Cash prizes are awarded to the top essayists in three grade categories: Grades 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12.

Deadline for entries are Friday, February 13, 2026.

Know Your Library Support Groups

The Albuquerque Public Library Foundation raises money to enrich Library programs, services, and facilities not covered by public funding.

Our vision is to support the pursuit of knowledge, community life, and limitless learning

opportunities for everyone.

Donate to APLF

The Friends of the Public Library raises money to fund educational and literacy programs along with other community activities.

Join the Friends of the Public Library to stay informed and get discounts at their bookstore and book sales.

Join the Friends

The Library Advisory Board serves as a liaison between the community and its City and County government.

Stay informed of all the Library Advisory Board activities and priorities through their newsletter.

Join LAB Mailing List

Smith’s Inspiring Donations will donate 0.5% of all eligible spending to APLF that customers have linked to their Rewards Card.

This no-cost program makes donating easy based on the shopping you do every day.Once you link your Rewards Card to APLF @ CW809, all you have to do is keep shopping at Smith’s and swipe your Shopper’s Card.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation raises funds to enrich library programs, services and facilities not covered by public funding throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; all gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation