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

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

 

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

 

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1–5 10–6 10–6 10–8 10–8 10–6 10–6

 

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 up to 2 hours per group per day, depending on availability.

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

Basic Tech Computer & Device Class. Mondays, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – noon; Wednesdays, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. By appointment only.

ESL Conversation Group. 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Play Time at the Library. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Public Speaking Assistance. 3rd Saturday of the month, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday Matinee. Sundays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Virtual Reality Gaming. 3rd Thursday of the month, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Westside Artist Workshop. Wednesdays, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Health Benefits of Journaling. Ongoing. Available at the front desk.

Journaling RPG’s. Ongoing. Available at the front desk.

Afterschool Makers. 2nd Tuesday of the month, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Crafty Club. 1st Monday of the month, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

LEGO Club. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Journaling Club. 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Baby Babbles & Toddler Tales. 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Special Storytime. 3rd Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Tech Turn Up. Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Take away Art/Activities monthly, every 1st Friday, all day, while supplies last.

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. All English language levels welcome! For ages 15+. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. 

All Things Technology

Tech Turn Up: Wednesdays, 11 am - noon

Basic Tech Computer & Device Class: Registration Required

  • Tuesdays 11 a.m. - noon
  • Wednesdays 5 - 6 p.m.

Adult Sense-sational Storytime

bookstackAdults with intellectual disabilities and their families and caretakers are invited to participate in storytime, including music, crafts, and read-a-loud books. No registration required. 

Middle Box

Activities for Families

Family Storytime 

bookstackJoin us every 2nd, 4th and 5th Monday of the month @ 10:30 a.m. for our Family Storytime! We'll read, learn, sing, dance, play and make crafts together - utilizing literacy skills and helping our Library kiddos become future Library adults! Recommended for ages 2 - 6, but families of all ages are welcome. No registration required. If you have a group bigger than 8, we highly encourage you to call us at (505)768-4320 so we ensure we have enough supplies to share!

Playtime

Everybody wants to play and learn and share and grow - and what better place than at the library? Join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons of the month at noon to 1:00 p.m. to build and get creative and meet a new friend or two! Recommended for ages 0-6. No registration required.

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. 

Take-Away Activity

Grab this month’s activity every 3rd Friday of the month from the Information Desk. Every month is something new, from an art project to a craft, from a do-it-yourself scavenger hunt to a fun activity to try at home. No registration required. Recommended for all ages. While supplies last.

Right Box

Special Programs

Creep It Colorful: A Paint-by-Numbers Party

Wednesday, September 24

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Follow the numbers to paint a glowing scene full of jack-o'-lantern grins and nighttime spooks. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season - festive, fun, and just spooky enough to keep things exciting! We'll supply everything down to the chills - you just bring your creeptivity! First come first served. While supplies last. For ages 16+.

Discovery Day: Nature's Superpowers
 Friday, September 26th

10:30 a.m.

Come join the Open Space Division and discover the incredible abilities of animals and plants through hands-on activities, nature-inspired crafts, and an engaging story time! This interactive program is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for nature in even the tiniest explorers. For ages 0-6 and their grownups. 

Reading Room Rumble at the Library
Saturday, September 27th, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Calling all gamers! Reading Room Rumble is an Albuquerque esports tournament series, hosted in collaboration with ABQ Parks and Recreation. Register today solo or with a team and enter events competing in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals! Controllers will be provided for competitors, but you may also bring your own. For ages 13+

Programs & Events

Printable Calendar

Printable Events Calendar