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February 2026

Message from the Board President
Library Guardians 2025
Why I Give - Dean Smith
A Word with Writers
Early Literacy Center Updates
Leopold Writing Contest
Smith's Inspiring Donations Program
Know your Library Support Groups

APLF Board President's Message

Hello Library Supporters.

Welcome to our first issue of BOOKISH for 2026. We have many announcements that I would like to share with you.

First, on January 22, 2026, Albuquerque Public Library Foundation elected two new Co-Presidents, Julia Grimes and Maria Geer. Both have been involved with APLF for many years and will ensure that the foundation continues to stay true to its mission to support library programs. You can read more about each of them in their “Why I Give” statements on our website. I will still be an active member of the board and am looking forward to their leadership.

Second, I have great news: we almost reached our 2026 annual appeal fundraising goal. We set a goal of $75,000 and raised just over $70,000. This represents the incredible commitment you have to the library and our community. Keep an eye out for our special Valentine’s day thank you email that lists the members of this wonderful donor community that you are a part of.

And finally, please continue to read below. We have launched our Library Guardians program, there are two A Word With Writers coming up in the next few months, and many exciting library programs you can participate in now.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this committed group of library supporters. I’m excited about our future.

Eryka K. MacKenzie

APLF Board President Emeritus

Our 2025 Library Guardian

Our Library Guardians donated $500 or more to Albuquerque Public Library Foundation.

Check-out the new web page so you can thank these generous donors when you see them around town, at your book club, or at your local library branch.

Why I Give

Dean Smith, a former library director of the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Library has joined APLF.

Read his Why I Give statement here.

A WORD WITH WRITERS

Don't miss these opportunities to hear from the writers and get your favorite books signed.

March 27, 2026 | 6 P.M.

Tickets and Event Details

April 20, 2026 | 6 P.M.

Tickets and Event Details

Early Literacy Center Updates

The library has been hard at work using your donations to update Early Literacy Centers around town. The pictures below represent the Juan Tabo, Lomas & Tramway, International District, and the South Broadway branches.

Deadline Approaching for the

2026 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. Encouraged by their teachers, students delve into his philosophies of land stewardship, especially as set forth in A Sand County Almanac, and explore the relevance of Leopold's classic and timeless observations to issues that they experience personally, locally, and globally.

Learn More & Enter Here

Support Us While Grocery Shopping!

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

This no-cost program makes donating easy based on the shopping you do every day.

Once you link your shoppers card to APLF with code CW809, all you have to do is keep shopping at Smith's and swiping your shopper’s card at check-out. Link your card today!

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

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization which raises funds to enrich library programs throughout the Pubic Library of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, NM. Learn more about why we are needed and other library funding HERE.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation, Inc. is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation

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