What Would You Do With A New Library?

A new library would open up so many possibilities for this community. For instance, wouldn’t it be great to have an expanded youth library area so our kids can be themselves without disturbing other library patrons? We’d have a place to  host community events and performances; a place for community groups to meet; a bigger selection of books and materials; expanded library services for students.  These are just a few of things I imagine when I think of a new Alamogordo Public Library.

Our current library staff works hard to meet our needs, but they need help. As the community grows, the library must grow with it. Anyone who visits the library frequently knows that the current space is overcrowded and more staff is needed to continue to serve the community.

The library needs our continued support!

I thought it would be fun to pose this question: What would you do with a new library? What are some of your ideas on how the new library space could be used? What programs would you like to see? How can we make the library a better facility for Alamogordo?

Banned Book Costume Gala on October 1st!

On October 1st, from 5:00pm – 7:30pm, the Friends of the Alamogordo Public Library will host a Banned Book Costume Gala in honor of Banned Books Week. During this week, we celebrate our freedom to read. As part of this celebration, we invite everyone in the Alamogordo community to dress up as their favorite Banned Book and come join us for refreshments, entertainment, a costume contest…..

Dress up as a character from your favorite Banned Book or maybe even your interpreation of that book (or a concept in the book). Be creative! Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in a variety of age categories.

For more information, visit www.folbookworm.com.

What other programs would you like to see at the library?

Mentoring opportunities for high schoolers

At a recent Chamber meeting, a new program was introduced. Basically, Alamogordo Public Schools is looking to team up with businesses in the Alamogordo area to offer “for credit” mentoring programs for students so they can be “work ready” or ready to follow their passions (whatever those might be). The program sounds a lot like college internship programs where students can gain work skills in a real work environment and also gain credits for their effort.

I think this is a great idea! My only hope is that the program does not merely focus on the pre-apprenticeship side of things, but also helps students seek higher education opportunities. I think it’s important to help all students learn the value of education in itself, whether they are college-bound or not. After all, time that we have before entering the work force can be brief…..and there are some amazing things to learn out there!

What would you do, Alamogordo?

Today my father and I were discussing the Alamogordo business climate and what the town has to offer its citizens. I was born and raised in the area – grew up in La Luz. I moved to Washington State for 12 years and moved myself, my business and my family back here to my hometown. Since I’ve been here I’ve been troubled….I hear a lot of discontented voices, both young and old…and I feel the pressures of trying to re-insert myself in a community that I have not belonged to in quite some time.

But far from feeling discouraged, I am optimistic. I believe that, as a community, we can find our voice. We can take the steps needed to make this town everything we want it to be. So, after this afternoon’s discussion with my dad, I decided to start this blog. I’m on a quest….I want to understand what we, citizens of the Alamogordo area, want in our town. I intend to write down my own ideas as I attend organizational meetings, run my small business and raise my family. I hope you’ll join me.

So, here’s what I ask. I will do my best to raise topics and pose questions that will get people talking. I’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions about things we can do to make this town better. No matter how big or small  your dream, I hope you’ll share it!

My ideal Downtown Alamogordo

My favorite thing about going “downtown” in almost any city is just strolling along, looking in interesting shops and people watching. Unfortunately, our downtown here in Alamogordo is not what it used to be. There are many vacant shops…very few places for people to hang out. My idea of a great Alamogordo downtown involves cafes and/coffee shops. Tree lined streets. Maybe even an area blocked off to traffic that would allow pedestrians to stroll around, enjoy refreshments and could be a venue for local musicians, etc. Most of all, the streets would be lined with interested shops that would appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds, interests.

What would it take to realize this vision? Community involvement, business support….maybe even city funding….

What do you think?