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Taos Public Library becomes standalone department; director outlines programs and growth plans
Summary
The newly separated Taos Public Library department reported expanded services, a 50,000‑title collection, recent capital work funded by voter‑approved bonds and state grants, and plans for more programming, outreach and technology access.
Leanne Ochiltree, who introduced herself as the director of the Taos Public Library, and Hazel Ketchum, library services supervisor, briefed the council on the library's new departmental status, services and planned projects.
Ochiltree said the library has become its own department (no longer under parks and recreation) and highlighted collections, special programming, bilingual and youth outreach, and partnerships with local cultural organizations. The presenters said the library now serves tens of thousands of cardholders and detailed recent capital work funded by voter‑approved government obligation bonds (listed as roughly $65,000 spent on flooring, community‑room and children's room improvements) and a $10,000 state grant to augment collections.
Programming successes included summer reading numbers, bilingual storytime and outreach collaborations; Ochiltree and staff described a "library of things" pilot that already offers walkers, pickleball equipment, a sewing machine and a lectern for loan, and plans to expand rolling collections and technology access. Staff noted improvements to facilities (new roof, HVAC and staff bathrooms) and listed future projects such as a sculpture garden, restroom renovations and a potential solar grant for upgraded systems.
Council members praised staff outreach and suggested library field trips, art donations for outdoor display and continued investment in literacy and access programs. No formal action was taken; the council expressed support for continued development and grants pursuit.
