Established in 1966, our library proudly serves Belen and the surrounding communities. We offer many resources, including:

• A branch library specializing in Southwest and Belen history, located within the Belen Harvey House Museum
• Free public Wi-fi
• 45 public computers
• Adult computer classes and technology assistance
• Copying, faxing (outgoing only) and scanning services
• Notary services
• Public meeting spaces with projector, screen, and surround sound
• Programs for Children, Teens & Adults
• Thousands of books, DVDs, Audiobooks, eBooks, & more!
• Now offering Gale Educational Courses! Connect with a valid library card!

Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Wifi is available during normal business hours from the parking lots surrounding the library.
• The password is Guestwifi. Individuals may use their own Wifi devices from their cars.
• Belen Public Library Contact – Kathleen Pickering, Director, Belen Public Library and Harvey House Museum - 505-966-2600
• Masks are required to enter the Library and must be worn for your entire visit.
• Individuals will be provided disinfectant, hand sanitizer and masks if needed.

We're Hiring a Part-Time Computer Specialist

The Belen Public Library is now hiring for the position of part-time Computer Specialist. The purpose of the Computer Specialist is to develop and provide computer skills' workshops for the public, staff and city employees via the library’s Computer Learning Lab and, where possible, via online classes and training; assist library patrons with non-technical issues at the library’s public computers and, where possible, with online or email assistance; assist the director and staff in developing and promoting the library’s electronic resources; and assist with library programs that promote economic development, career enhancement, skills development and job search.

If you are interested in this position please CLICK HERE to see more about the position, and other City of Belen open positions, and to apply online.

The Children's Library Has a New Face

The shelves aren't the only new thing coming to the Children's Library. Our beloved Miss Alyissa has moved on from the Belen Public Library to further her Education. Stepping into her role is Summer Ludwig. If you've been to the Library in recent months you'll recognize her as our Computer Specialist. Summer has a love for libraries, children, and technology so this move over to the Children's Library will be a great fit! We're still working on getting everything perfect and ready to unveil so the doors are still closed but if you come by the Library make sure to say hi to Summer and anyone at the Circulation desk can help you find Children's books, even with the construction going on.

The Children's Room is Temporarily Closed

We have some BIG news! Our Children's Library is getting a makeover! While we replace our old shelving with new, more accessible shelves our Children's Library will be closed for safety. But, don't worry, all of the books are still available by request at the Main Circulation Desk. We apologize for the inconvenience; however, we will be back and better than ever really soon.

Watch the Replay of the Livestream of Looking Deeper into Space

Launching later this year, the James Webb Space Telescope will be the most advanced and complex instrument we’ve ever placed in space. What sets Webb apart from other space telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, and how will the mission extend our understanding of the Universe? To find out, travel more than a million miles from Earth, using the OpenSpace visualization software, to Webb’s future home in space.

Get a tour of this engineering marvel, and learn about the targets that have been identified for Webb’s first science observations. Join American Museum of Natural History’s astrophysicist Jackie Faherty and Director of Astrovisualization Carter Emmart on either evening for a 45-minute interactive livestream by scientists from the American Museum of Natural History and Embry—Riddle Aeronautical University.

Belen Public Library Selected for National NASA@ My Library STEAM Programming Initiative

The Belen Public Library has been selected through a nationally competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education.

“Belen Public Library is one of just 60 libraries nationwide to be part of this initiative, and we’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Kathleen Pickering, the library’s Director. “We look forward to introducing STEAM concepts to our younger patrons and to exploring the universe together with people of all ages during our public programs in 2021 and 2022.”

As a NASA@ My Library partner, the Belen Public Library will hold public programs that explore National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) science and technology, specifically around NASA’s newest next-generation telescope launch (fall 2021), the first telescope images (spring 2022), and as part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (summer 2022). More information, including a program schedule, will be available in the coming months here at our website.

As part of this initiative, the Belen Public Library will receive training and resources to implement NASA events and programming, access to a university Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support patron engagement, and $1,600 for programming expenses.  Facebook pledged an additional $10,000 to enhance and expand STEAM programing at the Belen Public Library in conjunction with NASA@ My Library.

Belen Public Library will award scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers.

Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material.

Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform.

Coursework begins in one of eight high-growth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from child care and education to certified transportation), before progressing to the core academic subjects.

Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.

Residents can learn more about Career Online High School at Belen Public Library, by visiting the Career Online High School website or by contacting the library at 505-966-2600 or emailing Kathleen Pickering, Director.

Visit Belen Public Library’s Biblionix Catalog page.

1. Curbside check-out will continue as is.
2. Library materials may be requested either by phone (505)966-2600 or online.
3. Online access requires a valid library card number and four digit PIN.
4. Call (505)-966-2600 if you do not have your library card number and four digit PIN.
5. A limit of 10 total items with up to 2 DVDs per card apply.
6. A doorbell is located on the drop box behind the library to contact library staff or call (505)966-2600 to let a staff member know you have arrived for your curbside pick-up.
7. Materials will be delivered to you outside the building while maintaining social distancing.
8. All library items may be returned to the drop box behind the library. No fines will be charged at this time.