The exhibit features a restored Library of Congress card catalog, one of just 56 distributed nationwide during National Library Week, offering a tangible link to the nation’s largest library and its more than 170 million-item collection.
Source: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Photos: Courtesy Library of Congress
A piece of library history is now on display in Santa Fe, where visitors can explore a newly installed interactive exhibit at the New Mexico State Library.
The exhibit features a restored Library of Congress card catalog, one of just 56 distributed nationwide during National Library Week, offering a tangible link to the nation’s largest library and its more than 170 million-item collection.
Originally used in Washington, D.C., the catalog cases have been repurposed into interactive kiosks. Each unit includes 15 drawers, with cards highlighting Library of Congress programs and services—paired with QR codes that connect visitors directly to digital resources online.
From Storage to Storytelling
Card catalogs once served as the backbone of library systems, organizing materials by author, title and subject before digital databases replaced them in the late 20th century.
Today, the Santa Fe display transforms that legacy into something hands-on, allowing visitors to explore everything from digital collections to literacy initiatives through a format that blends history with modern access.
“It brings both professional and personal delight to the librarians and staff at the New Mexico State Library to receive a piece of the Library of Congress’ historic card catalog,” said Katherine Miles, Public Services Bureau Chief at the State Library.
A Local Connection to a National Resource
The installation is part of a broader effort by the Library of Congress and its Center for the Book network to connect communities with federal library resources while highlighting local literary culture.
The kiosks have been placed in libraries and institutions across the country, serving as both educational tools and reminders that the Library of Congress is accessible to all.
In New Mexico, that connection runs through the State Library, which supports public libraries statewide and provides services to rural communities, researchers and residents with specialized needs.
Plan Your Visit
The card catalog exhibit is open to the public during regular hours at the New Mexico State Library:
Location: 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe
Hours: Monday–Friday, 1–5 p.m.
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