Santa Fe library reports huge program growth, ADA website and $2.5M for renovations

Margaret Neil, library division director, told the Quality of Life Committee the Santa Fe Public Library is expanding services and accessibility after a year of upgrades and outreach. "We just re redid it, uh, earlier in this year, and it is now fully ADA compliant," she said, describing the library's redesigned website as a primary portal for events, digital collections and program registration. Neil reported that in fiscal 2026 the system registered 754,992 physical and digital checkouts and answered 29,026 reference questions.

Neil highlighted program growth and community outreach as a major driver of those figures: "Last year's costume swap had around 250 donated costumes and 181 kids in their families found costumes for Halloween," she said, and noted children's, teen and adult program counts rose substantially since 2018. She said the library has added Spanish-language materials, ASL story times and sensory-friendly programs and plans to open the Southside branch on Sundays beginning January 2027.

On capital work, Neil said a design‑build phase one will be led by an external team and that "MRA has designated 2.5 million to assist with renovations that will bring the facility up to current fire code, ADA and IBC standards." She said internal kickoff meetings were scheduled for the coming week and that staff expect more community engagement as plans firm.

The presentation drew praise from committee members for library staff and the system's community role. Councelor Travis said the library makes Santa Fe "stand out" as a municipal resource. The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they would return with project timelines and any requests tied to capital or operating needs.