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

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

  Free Wireless Internet Access

  Printing Services - 15¢ per page

  Faxing Services - $1.00 per 5 pages

  Copy Machine - 20¢ per page

  Meeting & Study Rooms Available for Public Reservation

  Early Literacy Station

Current Programs:

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.

Drop-In Board Games. Sundays, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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.

Programs Beginning in September:

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.

Let’s Talk Books! – Book Club. 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Music and Movement Hour. 1st and 5th Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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