Open to All: Special Collections Library at 100

Albuquerque’s Main Library opened its doors on March 23, 1925 on the northwest corner of Edith Boulevard and Central Avenue. For fifty years, the Main Library provided books to the local community, held art exhibitions, and offered public programming. Since 1978, the formerly named Main Library, now known as the Special Collections Library has grown its archival collection to over 100,000 materials that focus on local, state, and regional history and culture.

Open to All: Special Collections Library at 100 explores the history of the building and recognizes the people who provided access to a world of learning for thousands of Albuquerque residents through books, ephemera, art, and photographs. The exhibition also places Special Collections in a broader context of libraries across the nation as they face challenges with providing open, free access to everyone regardless of gender, age, ability, citizenship, or housing status. This exhibition is organized by the Albuquerque Museum in conjunction with Albuquerque/Bernalillo Public Libraries.

Images:

Barnes & Caplin, Book Stacks in Main Library, 1949, gelatin silver print, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Albuquerque National Bank, PA1980.185.398