Books by Mail, a service offered by the New Mexico State Library, marks its 50th anniversary of delivering books directly to residents' mailboxes. This program serves New Mexicans who are unable to access a State Library Bookmobile stop or public library due to distance, physical disability, or low vision. It also caters to those registered with the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
State Librarian Eli Guinnee expressed pride in the program's longevity: "We are so proud that for 50 years Books by Mail has been a vital part of our commitment to ensuring library services for every New Mexican." The program boasts a collection exceeding 30,000 books in both standard and large print formats and offers digital audiobooks, eBooks, and books in various languages via the Hoopla app.
The initiative began as a pilot expansion in 1968 after feedback from patrons living over 60 miles from the nearest public library showed interest in a mail-order service. Initially partnering with the US Postal Service, Books by Mail evolved into an official program based in Santa Fe. It continues to serve alongside three Bookmobiles and a Delivery Service.
A patron shared their appreciation: "Books by Mail has allowed me to continue reading and learning via large print and audio books. I live alone and am visually impaired. Without this service, my quality of life would be substantially and adversely impacted. I am very grateful for this service."
Berdina Nieto, the Books by Mail Specialist, enjoys her interactions with patrons: "As I prepare books for people, I get a brief glimpse of their everyday lives... When the books are returned, they return with something of the person who had them—small things like a receipt from a local grocery store used as a bookmark..."
Eligible New Mexicans can register for Books by Mail through mail or email registration forms or by contacting the office directly. More information is available at https://nmstatelibrary.org/user-resources/bbm/.
The New Mexico State Library is part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and supports public libraries while providing direct services to rural populations, state agencies, visually impaired individuals, physically disabled persons, students, and researchers.
Information from this article can be found here.
