Library board seeks public input on outdoor classroom; promotes 'library of things' and outreach programs

Michelle Altair, vice chair of the Los Alamos Library Board, briefed the county council on March 18 about 2024 board activities and 2025 plans, highlighting outreach, new services and an outdoor classroom proposal.

Altair said the library expanded hybrid board meetings, gathered patron input at community events and promoted initiatives such as a seed bank and a "library of things" that loans nontraditional items (thermal imaging cameras, induction cooktop kits, kilowatt power meters, telescopes, museum passes and more). She said the board aligns library policies with county guidelines and completed a systemwide policy review approved by council in January 2025.

The board described an outdoor classroom concept that would sit between the main library and the Senior Center and include a performance platform, built‑in seating, satellite seating and a storage shed. Library staff conducted a community survey and board members collected roughly 230 responses to date; the design team will refine plans and produce a cost estimate once survey input is incorporated.

Altair said the library collaborates with county social services to host evening help sessions at the library for housing, utilities and food‑assistance questions, and noted staff training (teen mental health first aid) and upcoming programming such as a grief workshop and participation at community events including Pride Festival, Atomicon and Earth Day.

Why it matters: The outdoor classroom and expanded services aim to increase community programming space and support inclusion and resource access; the library of things extends nontraditional lending to support conservation and household needs.

Sources: Presentation by Michelle Altair and Library Manager Gwen Galvez at Los Alamos County Council work session, March 18, 2025.