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June 2026

Message from the Board Co-Presidents
June is Audiobook Month
Did you miss this?
Summer Reading Program
A Word with Writers
Smith's Inspiring Donations Program
Know your Library Support Groups

APLF Board President's Message

Hello Library Supporters,

We are pleased to inform you that this year's Summer Reading Program, “Unearth a Story,” begins in a few days! The Summer Reading Program, funded by the Friends of the Library, welcomes all ages, and we encourage all who read Bookish, as well as their friends and family, to enroll.

As many of you know, The Friends of the Public Library sells used books from the shop in the Main Branch. In their effort to encourage people to come to the book sales, the Friends have produced a short TikTok video. You can find the link below in our "Did you miss this?" article.

Another thing you might have missed—have you heard about PressReader? PressReader allows library cardholders to read magazines and newspapers from around the world. Every cardholder can log in to PressReader. Check out the link to all our library's digital media offerings in this month's newsletter.

Finally, we held Library Giving Time this year in support of a future Bookmobile that will provide access to books and library programs to those with limited access to the Public Library branches. We will be updating you on this project as we learn more.

And don't forget that Bookworks and the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation are delighted to present A Word With Writers featuring Deb Haaland for the release of her memoir, A Voice Like Mine. Join us on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre. Tickets are now Tickets are now available.

Thank you for your trust and support of our library system.

Julia Grimes and Maria Geer

APLF Board Co-Presidents

June is Audiobook Month

Celebrate the growing impact and joy of Audiobooks all month long.

Founded by the Audio Publishers Association, this event highlights how audiobooks—once limited to cassettes and CDs—have evolved into a widely embraced digital medium.

The month-long celebration promotes the educational, entertainment, and inclusive value of audiobooks, especially for those with print disabilities or busy lifestyles. Libraries, publishers, and platforms join in with events, recommendations, and genre explorations, honoring the unique listening experience audiobooks offer.

The Public Library of Albuquerque Bernalillo County offers access to audiobooks on CDs for checkout, as well as digital access through Libby and Hoopla.

Learn more about the importance of audiobooks and their history on the American Library Association's website.

Free Magazines and Newspapers on your phone, tablet or computer

Not only do you have access to audiobooks via Libby and Hoopla, but you also have access to current magazines and newspapers through PressReader.

Simply go to PressReader, create an account with your email, then link to your library card, and you're all set!

Learn how to access the benefits on the library's PressReader page.

The attached PDF shows all the digital media offerings at the Public Library Albuquerque Bernalillo County.

Did You Miss This?

During April's Library Week, Kate Alderete, our Library Director, spoke with Ty Bannerman during an episode of KUNM's Let's Talk New Mexico episode: Let's Talk Libraries, Beyond Books.

And it's not just Kate, you'll hear from lots of our local library patrons.

The Friends of the Library raise money for the library through their bookstore and book sales. And now they are Instagram famous.

Check out the video above to see if you can spot any familiar faces. Then stop by their bookstore at the Main library in downtown Albuquerque.

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is a free 8-week program at branches of the Public Library of Albuquerque-Bernalillo County that encourages everyone of all ages to read throughout the summer. Users set their own reading goals, read what they like, and read at their own pace.

Pick up a Reading Log and sign up at any of our 19 Library branches.

Babies, Children, Tweens & Teens: Once a week, bring your reading log to any of our Public Library Branch locations, show us your progress, and you'll earn a weekly prize!

Adults will earn chances at weekly prizes at each check-in visit. All participants who turn in their completed reading logs by the end of the Summer Reading Program will be entered into grand prize drawings for their age group, held at each branch.

And let's not forget all the library programs, concerts, and special events. We've provided those schedules in the PDFs below.

Learn more here about the entire program and all it has to offer!

A Word with Writers

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

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

Bookworks and APLF are delighted to present A Word with Writers, featuring Deb Haaland, former US Secretary of the Interior.

Secretary Haaland will be reading from her memoir, A Voice Like Mine, answering audience questions, and signing books

June 4, 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

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.

Albuquerque Public Library Foundation

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