Central & 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.
| 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
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
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.
Middle Box
Activities for Families
Prism Break with Meghan Casey
Tuesday, June 17 • 10:30 — 11:30 a.m.
Meghan and her friends stumbled across a seemingly normal kaleidoscope, or so they thought they did…they soon realized that a single twist has the power to transport them to various alternate dimensions. The excitement of this discovery quickly turned into desperation after the kaleidoscope shattered trapping them in one of the unfamiliar dimensions. As they struggle to repair the broken prisms on the kaleidoscope, they must navigate the fractured reality they’re in to find their way back home. This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library
Music and Magic in Polka Color with Mike Schneider
Tuesday, June 24 • 10:30 — 11:30 a.m.
The happiest music on Earth plus magic and comedy promise a musical adventure the whole family will love! This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library.
Summer Reading Edition: 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.
Right Box
Special Programs
LGTBQ+ and Comics
Thursday, June 12 • 5:30 — 6:30 p.m.
A history of LBTQ+ characters, censorship, prominent artists in this area and their work. For ages 13+. This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library.
Reading Room Rumble at the Library
Saturday, June 14 • 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Calling all gamers! Reading Room Rumble is an Albuquerque esports tournament series, hosted in collaboration with ABQ Parks and Recreation.
Cartoon/Anime Drawing with Adam Brechtel
Saturday, June 16 • 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
The attendees will create a drawing of at least one character of a desired cartoon style such as anime. This class will increase each attendee’s ability to create an engaging cartoon. All skill levels welcome. For ages 13-17. Registration is required. Limited to 15 participants. This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library.
Summer Reading Concert: Turquoise Blues
Wednesday, June 18 • 5:00 — 6:00 p.m.
Turquoise Blues blends traditional and modern blues, classic rock, and a country sound with pure powerful vocals and smooth instrumentations. They present a varied musical concert that has something for everyone and keeps audiences entertained and tapping their toes. This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library.
Rock Climbing Wall
Friday, June 20 • 10:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.
Join Parks and Recreation for a learning experience designed to introduce the sport of climbing. Push yourself to the limit as you attempt to conquer the incredible 25 -foot massive rock. The climbing wall has easy, moderate, and hard routes that will challenge you to do your best. All participants must be taller than 43” and under 300 lbs.
Perfect Your Printmaking Process
Friday, June 23 • 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Design a unique colorful print to display. We'll etch a picture, create a watercolor backdrop, and transfer the picture to the watercolor background. Let's get creative and learn the basics of the printmaking process. For ages 9-12. Registration is required. Limited to 15 participants. This program is funded by the Friends of the Public Library.
