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The Books by Mail program holds a collection of more than 30,000 books in standard and large print formats, as well as a digital collection of audiobooks, eBooks, and books in other languages through the Hoopla app.
Source: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Photo: Courtesy
SANTA FE, NM – Books by Mail, a vital service provided by the New Mexico State Library, celebrates half a century of sending books directly to patrons’ mailboxes. The program offers library materials to New Mexicans who do not live near a State Library Bookmobile stop or public library, who are homebound due to a physical disability, can only read large print due to low vision, or are registered with the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled due to a physical disability or low vision.
State Librarian Eli Guinnee says, “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 Books by Mail program holds a collection of more than 30,000 books in standard and large print formats, as well as a digital collection of audiobooks, eBooks, and books in other languages through the Hoopla app. A pilot expansion of New Mexico State Library’s (NMSL) existing mail service began in 1968 after receiving feedback from patrons who lived more than 60 miles away from the nearest public library that they were interested in a mail-order program.
In the first few years, NMSL partnered with the US Postal Service, sending catalogs to patrons, and mailing books from the Bookmobile headquarters. Books by Mail became an official program centralized in Santa Fe that continues to directly serve New Mexicans alongside NMSL’s three Bookmobiles and Delivery Service.
“Books by Mail has allowed me to continue reading and learning via large print and audio books,” wrote one patron. “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, says she enjoys connecting with patrons throughout the state. “As I prepare books for people, I get a brief glimpse of their everyday lives, whether they’re homeschooling, experimenting with recipes, or fixing things around the home. 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, the scent of a wood stove or perfume, or a torn page from a hungry goat.”
Qualifying New Mexicans can register for the Books by Mail program by submitting a registration form by mail or e-mail, or by calling the Books by Mail office. For more information and a registration form visit https://nmstatelibrary.org/user-resources/bbm/.
