The People Behind Your Library

Joseph Charles MacKenzie serves as Library Director of the Martha Liebert Public Library in Bernalillo, where written North American history began over 400 years ago. A poet of triple heritage, Franco-Hispanic, Scottish, Irish, and English, Joseph brings a profound appreciation for storytelling and cultural preservation to our community.

An internationally recognized poet, he won First Place at Scotland's International Open Poetry Competition in 1994, the only American to achieve this honor. He studied in France, where he became Poet in Residence at Paris's prestigious Club des Poètes, mastering the nearly lost art of traditional verse recitation.
Joseph's deep connection to New Mexico's spiritual heritage and his passion for preserving cultural traditions guides his vision for our library as a sanctuary for stories, memory, and community connection.

When not serving patrons, he writes poetry and honors his late wife Elizabeth's wish that he continue sharing the art of classical recitation.

Caitlin brings energy and creativity to our children's programs. With a background in education, she designs engaging activities that make learning fun for kids of all ages.