Our Story

In February 1965, seven dedicated women set a library in motion. Martha Liebert, Helen Elliott, Judy Blum, Stella Hill, Socorro Romero, Nora Frank, and Dorothy Darnell believed Bernalillo deserved a library. They collected books from Corrales, Placitas, Our Lady of Sorrows School, and St Joseph College, building something from nothing through pure community will.

The library moved to the newly constructed community building behind Roosevelt School in 1969, where it was dedicated that September. The city furnished a rug and heater, and the library began offering story hour and arts programs. By 1974, the journey continued to the old Caldwell House with Town Council permission. VFW volunteers re-wired the entire building, and on Christmas Day 1974, the lights came on—a gift to the community.

When the Caldwell House was demolished to make way for the new Town Hall building, the Bernalillo Women's Club graciously opened their doors to host the library. This spirit of community hospitality has been part of Bernalillo for centuries—a place where neighbors support neighbors, where temporary help becomes lasting friendship.

In February 1978, the library moved into the new Town Hall Building designed by architect G.L. Castillo. The building became locally famous for its circular wrought iron staircase—an architectural landmark that symbolized Bernalillo's growth and pride. The collection grew to approximately 17,000 volumes. In November 1997, the Southwest Room was dedicated in honor of Martha Liebert, the woman whose vision started it all.

The library moved to 134 Calle Malinche in the restored Roosevelt Building—a 1930s two-story adobe and viga structure built by the Works Projects Administration as the first public school in Bernalillo, known locally as "Escuelita 1-2-3." After years of disuse, a joint venture between Bernalillo Public Schools, the Town, and Sandoval County brought this historic building back to life. Children who once feared the "haunted" abandoned building now came with their parents to discover its story.

May 22, 2006 marked a new chapter at 124 Calle Malinche. Mayor Patricia A. Chavez said: "I see this facility as a center of learning. The initial visionary efforts of Martha Liebert, unquestionably a pioneer, has evolved into a valuable community resource—a dedicated place not only to gather information but also to exchange ideas that expand the mind." Built in hacienda style with early territorial accents, the building honored Bernalillo's architectural heritage.

In July 2017, after a nine-month collaborative design and rehab period, the library returned to the Roosevelt Building. Like travelers completing a long journey and arriving home, the library came full circle. The two-story structure now offers dedicated spaces for all ages with modern amenities while preserving historic charm. In summer 2018, a covered outdoor area with WiFi was added—combining Bernalillo's tradition of outdoor gathering with 21st-century connectivity.

Today, Martha Liebert Public Library serves over 15,000 annual visitors with 200+ programs. Where Bernalillo discovers, creates, and connects. From seven volunteers collecting borrowed books to a thriving community hub with 10 public computers, meeting rooms, and outdoor WiFi—we've grown because this community believed a small town deserved a great library. The next chapter is still being written, and you're part of it.