Our Library Programs

Ways to Give

BOOKISH

e-Newsletter

View BOOKISH as a Webpage

April 2026

Message from the Board Co-Presidents
National Library Week
Why I Give - Dominic Montoya and Melissa Gonzalez
A Word with Writers
Congratulations Bookworks!
Smith's Inspiring Donations Program
Know your Library Support Groups

APLF Board President's Message

Hello Library Supporters,

Welcome to the second edition of Bookish in 2026!

Julia Grimes and Maria Geer are working to fill the shoes of our predecessor, Eryka MacKenzie, who is now APLF Board President Emeritus. Eryka set a high standard, which we are striving to meet.

The Board is focused on the Spring fundraising campaign, which will be held from April 27 through May 5. The Fundraising Committee is hard at work on developing materials to promote the campaign, and we look forward to keeping you informed about the campaign.

Finally, we are working with Bookworks on three “A Word with Writers” programs. The first will be Erik Larson, whose 2024 book Demon of Unrest was released in paperback on March 10th. Mr. Larson will appear at the KiMo Theater on March 27, 2026 in conversation with New Mexico’s own Hampton Sides. This event has already sold out! On April 20th Alex Mayyasi will appear at the South Broadway Cultural Center to discuss his new book, Planet Money: A guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life. And on June 16th Andrew Sean Greer, author of Less, will discuss his latest book, Villa Coco.

Thank you for being a part of this committed group of library supporters. We are excited about our future!

Julia Grimes and Maria Geer

APLF Board Co-Presidents

National Library Week

Celebrate National Library Week

April 19-25, 2026

Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program Reading Rainbow, Mychal Threets will serve as Honorary Chair of National Library Week.

“Find Your Joy,” is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy for them at the library. The theme amplifies a message that is ever-present in Threets’ recurring viral videos about the innumerable ways people can find joy in the library and in his debut picture book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, which was published on February 3, 2026.

Learn more about the history of National Library Week.

You can also celebrate books and libraries all April long!

April 2

International Children's Book Day

April 4

School Librarian Day

April 6

National Library Day

April 9

Support Team Literature Day

April 10

National Bookmobile Day

April 14

National Donate a Book Day

April 16

National Librarian Day

April 21

Thank you for Library's Day

April 25

Independent Bookstore Day

Why I Give

Learn about APLF's new board members.

I give to the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation because libraries are one of the few places that belong to everyone. They are where curiosity is encouraged, opportunity is shared, and community is strengthened—no matter a person’s age, income, or background...

Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in a small, bucolic town in Connecticut, we had access to many

things that most small towns do not have – including a public library. As a kid, I spent many

school nights there, sometimes using it as an excuse to meet up with friends...

Read the complete WHY I GIVE stories HERE

A Word with Writers

Proceeds from A Word with Writers events are donated to APLF to support library programs.

This is a fun and easy way to support the library.

Join Bookworks and APLF for the NPR podcast Planet Money for a one-night-only event to celebrate the publication of the new book, Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces that Shape Your Life.

Featuring Planet Money contributors Alex Mayyasi and Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, special guest Kyla Scanlon, and an interactive audience Q&A.

April 20, 2026 | 6 P.M.

Tickets and Event Details

Join Bookworks and APLF in partnership with Santa Fe International Literary Festival for A Word with Writer event featuring Andrew Sean Greer for the release of his new book, Villa Coco.

Andrew will be in conversation with local author, Emily Zipps.

June 16, 2026 | 6 P.M.

Tickets and Event Details

Congratulations Bookworks!

Bookworks received a

2026 Creative Bravos Award!

Celebrating 42 years in 2026, Bookworks is one of Albuquerque’s most beloved independent bookstores and a cornerstone of the city’s literary life. Founded in 1984, it has hosted thousands of author events and remains a vibrant gathering place for readers, writers, and ideas. Today, Bookworks continues to thrive as a community-centered hub for literacy, civic engagement, and cultural connection.

Learn about all the City of Albuquerque's 2026 Bravos Award recipients here.

Support the Library 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.