Branch Info
Special Collections Library
423 Central NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-848-1376
specialcollections@cabq.gov
Teri Reynoso, Branch Manager
The Special Collections Library of the Public Library houses research collections on Albuquerque history and New Mexico history and culture. The 1925 Pueblo/Spanish Revival-style building is a registered Albuquerque landmark in the historic Huning Highlands neighborhood and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The research collections are available for in house use only. Researchers must have a library card in good standing to access some materials.
| SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | 10-6 | 10-6 | 10-6 | 10-6 | 10-6 |
By Bus
Route #66 Central Ave. Plan your trip here.
Rapid Ride 766/Red Line and 777/Green Line buses stop near Special Collections Library by request.
By Car
Freeway Directions:
Take Interstate 25 to the Martin Luther King Jr Drive exit. Go west on MLK towards downtown. The first traffic signal west of the Albuquerque Regional Medical Center (formerly St Joseph's Hospital) is Edith Blvd. Turn left onto Edith and go south two blocks.
Surface Street Directions:
Take Central Avenue to Edith Blvd NE. There is a traffic signal at the intersection.
Parking
Parking along the west side of Edith is metered. Meters can be paid with coins or credit cards. The fee is $1.00 per hour, with a two-hour limit, enforced from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There is no charge for vehicles with disability permits. The appropriate placard must be displayed. Free parking is available for green vehicles registered with the City of Albuquerque's Parking Registration.
On-street parking in the neighborhood is by permit only between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Library customers are advised to pay close attention to parking signs and curb markings. See here for a map showing parking locations around the Special Collections library.
Please be reminded that the dirt lot on the northeast corner of Edith and Central is now paid parking. The company which runs the paid parking allows you to book a parking space ahead of time.
Special Collections has three meeting rooms available for use by the public when not in use by the Library System. Botts Hall is an auditorium that seats over 100 people. The Center for the Book can seat up to 30 people. The New Mexicana Room has a capacity of 15.
To inquire about the rooms please stop by the information desk or call 848-1376. Policy, rules and required forms for using the meeting room may be found at Meeting and Study Rooms as well as a list of meeting rooms at other branches.
To view availability and begin the booking process, see our online booking form.
Branch Amenities & Services
6 Public Computers (Windows 10 with Microsoft Office 2019 and Internet access)
Free Wireless Internet Access
Printing Services - 15¢ per page
Copy Machine - 20¢ per page
Meeting & Study Rooms Available for Public Reservation
The Center for the Book is located in the Special Collections Library, part of the Public Library. Volunteer docents lead field trips to teach about the history of writing and books.
Ever Changing, Ever Growing. Bimonthly on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m. — noon.
Library Tour. Monthly on the 4th Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m. — noon.
Monthly Matinee. 1st Saturday of the month, 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.
Snail Mail Social. Bimonthly on the 3rd Saturday of the month, 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.
Noir in the Afternoon. 2nd Tuesday of the month, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
One on One House History. Monthly on the 3rd Friday of the month, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Qigong. Monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m. — noon.
Special Collections Poetry Reading Group. Monthly on the 3rd Saturday, 1:00 — 2:00 p.m.
Library History?
Local History Collections
Our research collections include everything from popular treatments of ghosts and aliens to scholarly publications on history, anthropology, archaeology, religion, language and art in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Although the primary focus is on the greater Albuquerque and Bernalillo County area, excellent resources for researching the Territorial and Statehood eras of New Mexico and the greater southwest are readily available.
Check out the Special Collections documentary: Special Recollections: The Story of the Old Main Library
Local History - Programs
Speaker Series
Special Collections presents speakers on local history topics bimonthly on the second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The current series is Ever Changing, Ever Growing.
Newsletter Sign Up
Newsletter Sign-Up
Center for the Book
Center for the Book
Explore the history of the written word at the Center for the Book. Visitors are welcome to visit and explore independently, and staff can assist with scheduling a tour or a field trip.
Programs & Events
Printable Calendar
Printable Events Calendar
Research Requests at the Special Collections Library
Do you have a local history question you’d like to research? The Special Collections Branch of the Public Library of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County is open to all researchers Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Appointments are encouraged, and materials may be requested in advance of your visit. Please request an appointment through the Request for Research Materials form. We are happy to provide limited virtual reference services for those who cannot visit our facility in person.
House History Research Requests at the Special Collections Library
Have you ever wondered who lived in your house or building before you? Do you think maybe your house has historical significance? Would you like help finding out the history of your house or another building in Albuquerque? We can assist you in your research, but appointments are required. Please request an appointment through the Request for House History form. We are happy to provide limited virtual reference services for those who cannot visit our facility in person.
