Main Library

I love libraries, so I am biased. You really can’t event take my review to heart — it’s a room of books, what more can I say? I would live in here, if they let me.
Bookstore down stairs. Have cash handy.
Very easy getting a library card (I am new to the state and do not have a state drivers’ license, but I was able to get a probationary card and then bring proof of address in later.)
I HATED parking, but maybe other people know how to park in the city and won’t have as much drama as I did. The parking structure is on the SW corner, catty-​corner to the library entrance. Parking is validated for two hours.
One big let down: very, very limited Spanish section, in particular for older kids or young adults. I was looking for early chapter books (Think Magic Tree House series) and they had ZILCH. Children’s librarian was very nice and formerly worked at a different branch, which she said had a significant Spanish selection, including those particular book series I was wanting. Will check out that branch. (It’s not downtown so parking will make me happier too!)
They HAD a lot of books, just not those early chapter books I wanted.
Coffee shop seems to close early, at least relatively early because I was going to check it out on my way out, but it was already closed when I left. I don’t recall the time, but I’d only been there an hour and it wasn’t dark out or anything.

Although I no longer live in Albuquerque, I still dream about the little bookshop in the basement of the main library downtown. This place is heaven on earth for any bookworm who loves browsing shelves and shelves of used books at super affordable prices.
Here is a direct link to the bookshop site for hours, etc.:
Whenever I’m back in ABQ, I try to stop by the main library bookshop. It’s great to see that it has even been expanded and updated over the years. It truly is one of Albuquerque’s hidden gems.

The Albuquerque public libraries are a great community service. One of my favorite features is that you can search for a book in the comfort of your own home and request it to the library nearest you then pick it up when it’s there. You can also search their e-​book selection and download a range of books directly to your device.
Another perk is their DVD selection of very recent releases. There is really no need to go to the video rental store since you can find a movie worth watching for free at the library.

I love libraries in general, but over the last 15 years I have fallen just a little more in love with the ABQ libraries. Libraries in general have had to remake themselves into something more modern, wi-​fi, downloadable books, etc. There are several qualities that I have come to rely on, at our libraries, one is going online, searching a book and then, Presto Magico, it can be sent to the library closest to your home, or where ever you decide you want to pick it up, and you get an email saying, «Your book is ready.» The second thing I love love love, is the Overdrive section, I really enjoy listening to books, and the ABQ Library system continues to expand this section, so there are tons of options, I can download them to my iPad Kindle App also.
I know that most or many libraries are doing this too, it’s just that it’s great that the ABQ Libraries are embracing the future so deftly.

Can you get a library high? Because I sort of feel like I’m intoxicated, here.
I think it’s possible. What, with all of the amazing resources they offer, it’s easy to overindulge and find yourself the owner of too many overdue books, CDs, movies and whatever else. If you’re anything like me, it’s like loaning out intellectual property for your brain, doping up, and all of a sudden you just want more… More… MORE!
This must be what people mean when they claim the government «enables» us poor, starving masses. Because it’s true. In every aspect of my everyday life I am more intellectually enabled, culturally savvy, and professionally empowered due to my experiences loaning drugs from the library. And if you’re like me you’re gonna love this little secret: the Main library has the best selection of brain pills, poppers, herbs, shooters, tabs and liquids. Seriously, the Main library is ABQ’s most notorious dealer.
The books on tape/​CD selection will dope you up while you drive, which is important because I’m an addict. The music section is seriously black market: can’t find this stuff anywhere else, and it’s a worldly high. There are plenty of computer resources, especially for us folks who can’t afford the mobile upper of an iPad.
And you may not like what I’m about to admit here, but hey, try to make me go to rehab… No, no, no. My admission: my kid is a total intellect addict, and she LOVES this library. The place hosts seriously the BEST kids hour in town, of any branch. The first «Reading Hour» she ever attended I later dubbed The Rave. It had clubby music, glow-​in-​the-​dark wands, super balls, and some seriously trippy little tykes. It took place in this basement room which was circular in shape with tiers of dancing/​storytelling aisles, and let me tell you, the «stories» being told here were more fantastic than Sgt. Pepper.
So there you have it, my first — and hopefully only — admission of psychedelic intellectual addiction. But what can I do? The government totally enabled me. I’m a victim of their entitlements. God, how long has it been since my last dose?
Where did I stash that Ken Burns DVD again…

UPDATE: Sad, but true ABQ Coffee Connection, the coffeehouse next to the atrium entrance to the library is closing. Sat., Sept. 29, is it’s last day of business. So check them out before they move out.
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As city public libraries go, the Downtown Main Branch of the Albuquerque Public Library system is solid.
What I like most about this library and the overall Albuquerque/​Bernalillo County Library System is its laid back attitude. They do a great job of encouraging people to read, without being uptight about it, if you get my drift. You will if you’re an avid borrower of books from the library.
They have a decent selection of books, and like any good library, if they don’t have the book at any of the area branches, they will see if it’s available in the greater region.
The Main Branch has a decent number of computers to use. Of course the Wi-​Fi is free.
The Genealogy Library was permanently relocated here a couple of years ago when renovation began on the Special Collections Library, which is over in the historic Huning-​Highlands neighborhood.
The Main Branch building was designed by local architect George Pearl in a Modern interpretation of traditional Southwest architecture. It has a decent amount of natural light and high ceilings, making it welcoming in which to hang out. However, the interior feels a little weathered, but I’m guessing it won’t receive an update for some time since the extensive, beautiful renovation was completed earlier this year. Seriously, what public library today has money for such frivolities? Only if the building is historic, like the Special Collections Library, will it receive such funding and care. It’s understandable. Public libraries are a sensitive subject today.
There’s a decent of books in the bookstore in the basement. A couple of weeks ago, they had an almost brand new copy of Richard Florida’s Who’s Your City.
I believe the Friends For the Library had something to do with ABQ Coffee Connections, a privately-​owned and operated coffeehouse, which opened just a couple of years ago. They have a nice variety of meals to go with their coffee. And they have Wi-​Fi. That certainly helps the library.
Overall the Main Branch of the library is decent; the librarians are friendly and helpful.