Central & Unser LibraryCentral & Unser - Patrick J. Baca Library

 8081 Central NW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
505-768-4320
centralunserlibrary@cabq.gov
Ann Bentley, Area Manager

 

The Central and Unser Library is located on Central Ave just west of Unser Blvd, next to the Central Unser Transit Station.

 

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By Bus

The Central and Unser Transit Center is directly to the north of the library. Routes #54: Bridge/Westgate, #66: Central Avenue, #198: 98th/Dennis Chavez, and #766: Rapid Ride Red Line all serve this location. Plan your trip here.

By Car

Freeway Directions:
Driving on I-40, take the exit NM 345 S onto Unser Blvd. Drive southbound on Unser for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right onto Central and make an immediate right.

Surface Street Directions:
Drive west on Central Ave. Take the first right just past the intersection of Central and Unser.

The Central and Unser Library has a Community Room that holds a maximum of 100 people and a Children's Activity Room that holds a maximum of 80 people. Policy, rules and required forms for using the meeting rooms may be found at Meeting and Study Rooms as well as a list of meeting rooms at other branches. 

To view availability online, see our online booking form.

Study Rooms

Central and Unser Library has 3 study rooms that will hold a maximum of six people each. The study rooms may be reserved (call 768-4320) up to one week in advance for no more than one hour per person a day. Check in at the Information Desk with your library card to gain access to the study room.

Branch Amenities & Services

Computer  43 Public Computers (Windows 10 with Microsoft Office 2019 and Internet access)

WiFi  Free Wireless Internet Access

Printer  Printing Services - 15¢ per page

Fax Machine  Faxing Services - $1.00 per 5 pages

Copier  Copy Machine - 20¢ per page

Meeting Room  Meeting & Study Rooms Available for Public Reservation

Early Literacy  Early Literacy Station

Welcome back to in-person programs at the Public Library!
 

See the calendar on this page for upcoming programs at this branch.

Central & Unser Library Building History

April 18, 2015: Grand Opening! 

December 2014: The building is on schedule to open in early spring of 2015! This is great news and thanks to the dedication of the construction staff, the architects and the City staff working on this incredible new library building. Construction work is in the final phase and should be complete in a few weeks. Once the building gets approvals on all inspections and receives a Certificate of Occupancy, there will still be a long list of items to be corrected or finished—the ‘punch list.’ That work needs to be complete in this 25,000 square foot building before installation of furniture and shelving can begin. We also continue work on hiring and training the 13 new staff that will be required to open this building.

A public library is a wonderful, multifaceted space where so much happens every day. The Westside Community and everyone working on this project is so proud to be creating such a great public library space for the citizens of Albuquerque! Councilor Ken Sanchez secured the majority of funding from City GO bonds, as well as working with the State and Bernalillo County to provide additional funding to help bring this project to fruition. I also want to recognize again the incredible private contributions that have made construction of this building possible. Donations from the Freedman Trust, the Albuquerque Library Foundation and many other individuals paid for almost 15% of total construction costs. Looking forward to the spring!

Dean Smith, Library Director


July 2014: Construction on the new Central & Unser Library is at the midway point. There has been lots of visible work in the last couple of months as the steel structure went up and the walls started to be framed in. Once the exterior is enclosed, work will begin on all the detailed interior fittings of wiring, plumbing, ductwork, floors, lighting and finishes. The project is still on schedule with an opening in the spring of 2015!

Dean Smith, Library Director


 October 2013: We are about to see work start on a new library to be located at the intersection of Central and Unser. The contractor has been selected and the 13 month project will break ground in early December. Expected opening will be spring of 2015! This will be a state of the art, full service library with plenty of community meeting spaces, study rooms, and computer access, as well as being a comfortable place to browse our collection of books, magazines, music, movies and more.

With the building nearing the start of construction, we are now ready to begin securing funding for the equipment and furnishings of this exciting new library. Stay tuned for more details.

Dean Smith, Library Director

Left Box

English as a Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group

Join us in a judgement-free, group environment where you can practice your conversation and comprehension skills. All English language levels welcome! For ages 15+. Every Friday of the month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. 

Central and Unser History Book Club 

 Let’s talk local and regional history! The CU History Book Club meets each month to discuss classic and   cutting-edge works of history in an informal seminar setting with local historian Josh Mika. Check here for   the next month's book!

 

Middle Box

Activities for Families

Bilingual Storytime: every 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Family Storytime: every 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 10:30-11:15 a.m. 

Play Time at the Library: every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Right Box

Sunday Matinee 

Join us every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. for a movie showing. Films range in rating from G to PG-13. Check the calendar for movie titles. Movies are subject to change without notice. 

Public Speaking Assistance

 Join us every 3rd Saturday of the month at 3pm for help with your public speaking! Do you have a project to present?  Are you having issues with stage fright? Come and practice in the Library, where we can provide an environment of constructive criticism, feedback, and encouraging suggestions. 

Programs & Events

Printable Calendar

Printable Events Calendar