Grand Opening of Carrizozo Library
Preface
The New Mexico Rural Library Initiative was established to advocate for a statewide endowment which will supplement funding for chronically underfunded rural libraries. I helped found the Embudo Valley Library (EVL) in Dixon and have volunteered in many capacities. I've witnessed the library transform and strengthen our village.
In 1992, when the library opened, Dixon was at risk of becoming a bedroom community. Businesses, such as the general store, local bar, and cafes, were closing. The library is now the center of community life. We helped establish a food co-op, we sponsor a farmer's market, and helped revive our annual fiestas. We host public events through the year. We partner with our school to boost educational outcomes. It's a place where neighbors get to know each other. Because of the library, Dixon is a more desirable place to live. Our town still has problems, but the library is well positioned to address them.
EVL is a replicable model that could help revitalize and sustain other communities. A portion of the endowment will help communities establish libraries. With input from other libraries and the New Mexico State Library, this toolkit draws on my experience helping establish EVL. I hope over time others will contribute to this document with their experiences establishing libraries.
Thank you to the following for input and support of this work. The 51 rural libraries and their directors who are part of the NM rural library initiative whose work provides a constant source of inspiration. The New Mexico State library and State Librarian Eli Guinee. The New Mexico Library Association and Joe Sabatini. Rio Arriba Independent Libraries (RAIL): for 25 years we've shared our successes and searched together for solutions to the struggles rural libraries face. The Rural Library Project of Atlanta for advice on establishing libraries. Lou Malchie for his toolkit on establishing and maintaining a community e-newsletter, which is integral to EVL's success. Springboard for the Arts of MN for providing me with a toolkit for writing toolkits. Santa Fe Community Foundation. LANL foundation. Private donors for supporting this work.
Shel Neymark
Embudo, NM
2020
INTRODUCTION: WHY ESTABLISH A LIBRARY?
The New Mexico Rural Library Endowment Fund will make grants through the New Mexico State Library to help establish libraries in small communities currently without a library.
Libraries are an excellent vehicle to address issues facing New Mexico's rural communities. Local grassroots organizations know their community's resources and challenges. Existing rural libraries are models for community development, sustainability, and educational and cultural enrichment. Some of the issues rural libraries can address include the following.
Internet Access
Rural New Mexicans suffer higher rates of poverty and therefore lower rates of home internet access than their urban counterparts. All New Mexico rural public libraries provide free computer and internet access. This crucial service allows residents to connect with educational, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Early Childhood Education
Many rural libraries provide early childhood programs where no preschools exist. Others, such as Truchas and Ohkay Owingeh, partner with local preschools to provide early literacy programing. During library story times and early childhood programs children gain vocabulary, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, number and letter recognition, and show gains in early literacy areas that help them with school readiness.
Bayard Library children’s area
Partnering With Local Schools
Gila's librarians partner with the local school to provide STEM programing. 53% of Dixon Elementary’s 5th/6thgrade class felt that “They would do well in a technology related career” after participating in a robotics program led by Embudo Valley Library. Many schools in rural New Mexico are closed Fridays. Some libraries fill the gap with Friday programming. Forty-two students signed up for Magdalena Library's Friday computer coding club. Rio Abajo library's after-school homework program provided significant help in increasing local graduation rates.
Life Long Learning
Many rural libraries have GED programs. Some host lectures on topics from local archeology and history to creating wills. They sponsor author readings, book clubs, and computer workshops for seniors.
Economic Development
Libraries help small businesses operate in small communities, so that talented people can live, work, and raise their families in a rural surrounding. Libraries help patrons write resumes and do internet searches for employment. Usually they are the only place in rural towns that offer printing, fax, copy, and scanning services. Some provide direct local economic development support. Truchas Library's free weaving classes bolster traditional skills and teach a salable craft. The Estancia Library held a jobs fair when the nearby private prison closed. Embudo Vally Library hosts a seasonal farmer's market and partners with the Dixon Co-op Market, which provides local jobs. Capitan and Talpa's libraries run businesses that help support them. The Villanueva, Columbus, and Glenwood libraries provide information and services for visiting tourists.
Endowment funds will create jobs at libraries and increased salary for low paying library jobs. Libraries are partnering with Creative Startups, the State Library, and the New Mexico Economic Development Department on the “Libraries as Launchpads” project to support entrepreneurs.
Climate Change
While the climate crisis is global, effects are felt locally. Libraries are well placed to help during crises. The Vallecitos Library was the command center for the forest service when they fought a nearby forest fire. When a subsequent flood wiped out their town's water system, the library distributed water filters and taught residents how to use them. The San Ildefonso library held youth roundtables to address how their community would deal with possible climate disasters. During the Covid Crisis, libraries helped communities communicate and coordinate.
Community Centers
Most rural libraries provide community center type services for meeting space, recreational and educational events. This fosters community cohesion, providing a neutral space where everyone feels safe and welcomed. Residents who know each other are more likely to take care of each other in times of personal or community crisis.
Healthcare and Food Security
In remote areas with little access to healthcare, the library can provide critical supports and resources that can make the difference between a resident being able to stay where they are, or having to move closer to services.Rural libraries help patrons connect with healthcare information online and telemedicine.
Many provide help signing up for ACA and other healthcare benefits. Some libraries, such as Talpa, are food distribution centers. The Gila library distributes a bag of groceries weekly in summer for each child that attends their programs.
Community Culture and History
New Mexico's rural communities are rich in history, culture, and traditions. Libraries can be repositories of historical items and information, facilitating shared identity and helping newcomers feel a sense of belonging. Through education, they help local culture thrive. Magdalena Library's annex is a history museum in a boxcar. Vallecitos and Abiquiu's libraries sponsor genealogy projects. Embudo Valley Library helped revive the annual village fiesta.
The Glenwood Library features a community made mural
VALUES/ CORE PRINCIPLES AND MISSION:
(See appendix for mission statement samples and the American Library Association code of ethics.)
When you establish your library, it's helpful to determine your core values and develop a mission statement. They may evolve over time. As questions arise, referring to your values and mission can help with solutions.
All libraries should commit to providing materials to people with differing points of view and resist censorship. All libraries should serve people equitably whatever their background, race, or religion.
Each community can figure out what it cherishes. Programing will grow organically from these values. The Embudo Valley Library, for example, includes in its list of values a culture of “yes,” land stewardship, local culture and history, welcoming, fun, collaboration, thinking outside the box, partnership, and diversity.
BEGINNINGS
(See appendix for library origin stories.)
A citizen or group wants to establish a library in their village. The Embudo Valley Library was born when Marcia and Bob Brenden spoke with friends about the idea. A core group of eight people formed and met to figure out how to establish a library. In El Rito, an individual citizen, Betsy McIntosh, developed the idea and spearheaded their effort.
Gather support. Talk to many and diverse people within the community. Visit with other libraries in your region. Ask them for advice about how they got established. They can help with resources.
Survey
(See appendix for survey question suggestions.)
A survey is a good way to connect with community members, assess interest, determine community needs and desires, build excitement and support, and find collaborators. Volunteers can survey people at local post offices, stores, cafes, religious institutions, schools, or anywhere people gather.
New Mexico State Library
Connect with the New Mexico State Library for guidance and resources. Small grants will be available after July 2021 to help rural communities establish libraries. If you become a Developing Library (see appendix for definition) or a full Public Library, more funding will be available in the form of State-Grants-in-Aid and General Obligation (GO) Bond money. Qualifying libraries will be eligible for New Mexico Rural Library Endowment Funds.
(see appendix for endowment bill)
New Mexico State Library staff are happy to meet with individuals and community groups to answer questions and talk more about the benefits of establishing a library.
Board of Directors
Your library will need a board of directors. The board is responsible for developing library policy. In 501(c)(3) libraries the board is fiscally responsible, ensures adequate funding, and maintains an adequate building. If a local government or tribe sponsors the library, they will have fiscal responsibility, but the board will probably have to work to insure the library is sufficiently funded.
To the extent possible, the board should reflect the library's users and be diverse in gender, age, and ethnicity. Even if you are a 501(c)(3) you have to adhere to the New Mexico Open Meetings Act to qualify for State Grants in Aid and Rural Library Endowment funding. Information on the Open Meetings Act can be found here: https://www.nmag.gov/uploads/files/Publications/ComplianceGuides/Open%20Meetings%20Act%20Compliance%20Guide%202015.pdf
Communications
(See appendix for suggestions on establishing a community e-newsletter.)
Effective methods of communicating with your community are crucial to success. You'll need to publicize what you are doing, events, needs, etc. If your town does not have an online newsletter or bulletin board, you should start one. Newspaper and radio announcements, and fliers in local stores, schools, churches, and post offices are important. The library in Reserve even has an electronic billboard in the center town that is controlled from the library.
Organizational Structure
In incorporated municipalities, the town can be the fiscal sponsor of your library. In unincorporated areas the county could sponsor you. Unfortunately, few counties in New Mexico are willing to sponsor libraries. If neither of these options are viable you can form a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Information on starting a Non-profit in New Mexico here: https://www.501c3.org/state-nonprofit-guide/how-to-start-a-non-profit-in-new-mexico/
There is information online about forming a 501(c)(3) non-profit. A lawyer's advice is recommended. You will need a name, a mission statement, and a board of directors to start. Here is a link to download Principles and Practices Guide from the New Mexico Center for Non-profit Excellence: https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/guide
There are pros and cons to each structure. Municipalities may provide support and space. They could include the library in their insurance policies and help with employee expenses and benefits. They may also want to dictate policy.
Most small municipalities don't have a large commercial sector so there may not be a sufficient tax base to provide adequate funding. Be prepared to engage in fundraising and grant writing even with village support.
Non-profits may have more freedom to determine their own course of action, but are on their own financially.
The Embudo Valley Library (EVL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Being a non-profit, EVL has to fundraise its entire budget, except for an annual disbursement of State Grants in Aid from the New Mexico State Library, and Public Library General Obligation Bond funds.
Funding
Try to enlist the help of local and county government officials. Your state representatives and senators can help with capital funding. Is there is a government-owned building or room you could use? Could they hire a librarian or lend the help of an employee?
Fundraisers such as Frito pie benefits, dances, and garage sales are a lot of work, but they raise awareness of your project and build community.
Call on community benefactors, friends, relatives, and neighbors. Its not easy to ask people for money, but your enthusiasm will lead to success. You may be surprised who's willing donate. Solicit funds from a broad cross section of the community, not only wealthier folks. When a person donates to the library, they feel ownership and pride in the project.
Research local, regional and statewide private and public foundations including community foundations and United Way. Determine if you fit into their grant categories. If you are not yet a 501(c)(3) or qualifying agency, another non-profit may be willing to be your umbrella for a small percentage. While federal grants may be complex, many smaller grants are not difficult to write.
Some simple rules for successful grant writing include:
• The application should not be your first point of contact with a funder; reach out to the funder to discuss your idea and incorporate their suggestions in your application.
• Apply to funders whose guidelines say they fund the type of project you want to do.
• Craft your narrative to respond to the questions they ask.
• Keep your language simple and to the point. Eliminate needless words: They have a lot to read.
• When possible, use stories in your narratives.
Though this sounds like common sense, funders report getting many requests outside of their funding areas and narratives that don't address the information they've requested.
A portion of the New Mexico Rural Library Endowment will give grants to establish libraries after July 2021. Contact the New Mexico State Library for guidelines.
Location and Building
The optimal location for your library is a place that's visible and easy to reach by those without many transportation options: in the village center; near a school, post office, or store; or on a road into and out of town. You can still succeed if you have an out-of-the-way location.
It's good to have room for meetings, children's programming and other events, in addition to computer space and book shelves. If you need to start in a space that's too small, don't be discouraged. As your library thrives, you will figure out how to expand.
Because of the anti-donation clause of the New Mexico Constitution, it is easier to access capital improvement funds from the state if your building is owned by a governmental or tribal entity.
The Embudo Valley Library emphasizes resolana in our mission. Literally a place to relax in the sun, resolana is a gathering place where neighbors can meet up, hang out and chat. Amenities like outdoor picnic tables where people can access wifi help make the library a center of community life.
The Magdalena Library is in an historic train station
Materials, Furnishings, and Books
When we were establishing the Embudo Valley Library, the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper wrote a story. In response a used bookstore that was going out of business donated their shelves and books, forming the basis of our original collection. People love to donate books to libraries. Its not hard to get furnishings once you put the word out. Local woodworkers may be willing to build and donate shelves. Other libraries are good resources for books and shelves too. Connect to other libraries through the New Mexico State Library.
Corporations are sometimes willing to help new libraries. Xerox Corporation gave EVL our first copier/printer. Our first computers were donated as well. Schools or other libraries may be upgrading. Sympathetic elected officials may have connections for obtaining needed infrastructure.
Internet
Free internet service is critical for every library. Perhaps your local government will provide it. A local internet provider may be willing to donate a connection. The State Library now provides E-Rate support and grants for matching funds to help you take advantage of federal broadband funding.
Staff
Many small libraries are initially staffed by volunteers. Even in established rural libraries, volunteers are usually indispensable to successful operations. But having paid staff is invaluable.
The job description for the director of a small library may include grant writer, librarian, collection development, cataloging, social worker, snow shoveler, bookkeeper, facilities manager, program development, curriculum development, marketer, lobbyist, historian, computer tech, and more. Try to pay them a living wage, with basic benefits. Be sure they are able to take paid sick leave when necessary; this small cost to the library can make a major difference when they are ill or need to take care of a relative.
The Embudo Valley Library operated solely with volunteers for about 2 years. Then we received grants to pay a part time staff member. Now, 28 years later, we have 2.5 full time equivalent (FTE) staff members, a director, two librarians, and program directors for after school and early childhood programing. The dedicated hard work of these employees has transformed our community.
Communities with populations greater than 3,000 are required by the state library to have a certified librarian. Information about certification can be found here: http://www.nmstatelibrary.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=80&Itemid=135
Rural libraries with populations under 3,000 should still value continuing education and can access free and affordable workshops provided by the State Library and others.
Story time at Embudo Valley Library
Programing
Programming is a vital component of rural library services. The needs and interests of communities vary. Most libraries have a summer reading program to help students not lose ground during the summer. Early childhood, after school, STEM, GED, cultural, and historical programing are some things libraries do. Programming strengthens educational outcomes and builds community, and it does not have to cost a thing. Be sure to tap into the expertise and experience of local community members. People love to share what they know, and it builds a sense of belonging and mutual support when they have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge.
Cataloging
Cataloging your collection is a big project. The Embudo Valley library started with ten color-coded sections divided up along Dewey Decimal guidelines, until we could get the collection properly cataloged. Contact the State Library’s Technical Services Bureau for help cataloging and guidance on finding an Integrated Library System to meet your needs.
Partnering
Partnering with other local and regional organizations strengthens your library and your community.
Small regional libraries can help support each other in many ways. For example, Rio Arriba Independent Libraries, (RAIL) is comprised of the 5 non-profit libraries in our county. RAIL has been meeting 3-4 times a year for about 25 years. We collaborate on grants, seek money from the county together, share programing resources, and discuss our challenges and successes.
Local schools are important partners. Both the Gila and Embudo Valley libraries bring their STEM programs into local schools. Truchas and Ohkay Owingeh partner with preschools to do storytelling.
Embudo Valley Library partners with other organizations such as Northern NM College, who provides us with STEM mentors; Embudo Valley Tutoring Association; Dixon Co-operative Market; the Santa Fe Opera, who brings summer children's programming; Picuris Pueblo; Explora; and more.
The New Mexico State Library is an invaluable partner. They provide help with library summer reading programs and many other things.
GOALS AND TIMELINE
Strategic plan
Development of a Strategic Plan can help you organize, prioritize, and create a timeline for establishing your library. It can provide a basis for applying for grants and other funds. The New Mexico State Library requires public libraries new strategic plans every three years, so it is a good practice to develop.
The plan can include a series of goals and what it will take to achieve them. For example, it can be organized like this.
Goal 1: Provide a space for citizens to access library services and programming.
Objective: Committee will locate and procure a space for a public library.
Activities:
1) Locate available buildings
2) Evaluate suitability for library
3) Determine if it can be donated or if rent is affordable
4) Secure building
Resources Required:
1) Financial plan for rent and utilities
2) 40 hours of committee time
3) Plan for acquiring furnishings and shelves
APPENDICES
New Mexico State library rules for developing and public libraries
Possible Survey Questions
Would you like to see a library in our town?
What are our town's greatest needs?
What do you need?
Do you have access to a computer and internet?
Do you have access to educational materials?
What kind of recreational or educational opportunities would you like to see a local library sponsor?
Talks
Concerts
Preschool
After school programs
Lectures on topics of interest
Local author readings
Help with government programs
Help with finding a job or job skills
Reading materials and films
Community gathering space
Adult learning or groups such as quilting or other art making
STEM Programs
Other
Would you be willing to volunteer to help us get a library started? What are you willing to to?
Board/ organizing committee
Donate start up funds
Fundraise and seek donations
Physical labor and organization once a site is secured
Circulation volunteer once library is opened.
What economic issues does our community face?
How could a library help with our town's economy?
Establishing an Online Community Newsletter
Courtesy of Lou Malchie who developed and maintains the Town-Crier newsletter for Dixon and surrounding areas.
I have maintained a free e-mail service, called The Town Crier, to the Embudo Valley community for the past fifteen years. I send a daily posting to more that 1,200 subscribers which includes announcements of local events, alerts, lost and found animals, items needed and for sale, help offered and needed, acequia notices, rentals & real estate available and sought, local business notices, and other related items of interest to the community. I do this as a community service. It has grown greatly over the years and is a big commitment, not to be started lightly.
The following is based on my experience. Decide on the scope of your service (library event notices only, or more), and the geographical area you want to cover, as well as the planned frequency of your postings. Set rules for your scope and area and stick to them. Exceptions breed exceptions and things can get out of control. Be considerate of yourself, of the time and effort you will have to put into this.
Gather e-mail address, start with a known list if you have one. Let it be known that you are providing this service and invite people to subscribe. It will grow as people find out about it. I do not add new addresses unless requested – everyone on the list wants to be there. Some ISPs treat mass mailings as junk. Tell your subscribers that they may need to adjust their spam settings to always allow your mailings. Although The Town Crier has a limited coverage area, I do welcome interested subscribers from anywhere (many of my subscribers are locals who have moved away but want to keep up with what's going on in their community). Include a 'disclaimer & guidelines' section at the bottom of each daily e-mail stating who you are, the purpose of your service, how to contact you, the rules for posting and how to get on and off the list.
I limit Town Crier e-mails to one a day except in the case of an emergency. This is to reduce my workload and to not overwhelm subscribers with postings. If someone is too late with their submission, that is their problem. You can upload your e-mail to TinyLetter and send it later if you like. Nice to have your posting in subscriber's inboxes first thing in the morning. The subject line I use is, for example: Town Crier for Tuesday, February 11th.
If you are inviting submissions from other people, set a deadline for submission for the next posting. You don't want to have to revise a posting that is all ready to go. I do not post too many notices at one time so that all get attention. Depending on the length of each, I post no more than six or seven (most days this is not a problem). I prioritize if necessary, and give low priority to for sale notices.
I limit the number of postings of the same event or notices to three times, at least a week apart. I want the daily e mail to be fresh and new each day so that people want to read it all. A reminder just before an event is okay. In event notices I always include the day of the week as part of the date, e.g., Friday, February 14th. I believe that this is helpful to people when thinking about scheduling. If your area encompasses more than one area code, include the area code for each phone number.
Most internet service providers have a limit on the number of recipients you can have on an email, so you are likely to have to use an on-line service. MailChimp is one, but there is a fee. I use a free service called TinyLetter (TinyLetter.com) which will allow up to 5,000 subscribers. There may be others out there. TinyLetter will keep your e-mail list, and they do not share it. People can subscribe or unsubscribe using links provided at the bottom of each e-mail. You can also add subscribers yourself. (Note: If TinyLetter encounters a problem with delivery to an address it will remove it from the list without notifying you, though they do notify you of new subscribers and unsubscribers.) I keep my own copy of the list on my computer. TinyLetter has limited formatting available so I compose and format my daily posting in the mailtool on my computer (Thunderbird) and copy the formatted e-mail to TinyLetter. There is an option to send yourself a preview copy so that you can double check your formatting and links. Also, TinyLetter does not have an attachments feature and inserting images is awkward. You can upload images and attachments to DropBox or GoogleDocs and link to them in the email. TinyLetter does not automatically underline links and e-mail addresses, you have to do that yourself. Regarding images, most people send huge photos that I crop and resize with photo editing software before uploading to DropBox.
I have a 'Today:' section in which I briefly note the time and location of that day's events. In this section I make an exception to the 'only three times' rule and include things that happen weekly, such as yoga classes. I try to keep track of these events and don't require that they be submitted each week. I use different colors and fonts for each notice to make them distinct, with a line between each. Use standard internet fonts, nothing fancy (you can find a list on-line). I do not allow fancy formatting. I want each notice to have equal weight. I copy submissions to a neutral word processor, such as Wordpad on PCs, to eliminate embedded formatting, do necessary edits, and then copy that to the Thunderbird composition window. Some people submit notices in all upper case – I retype them in lower case. I try to have the most important part of each notice at or near the beginning and put it in bold type.
Be concise - too wordy and people won't read it all. If a lengthy description is necessary, put it in a document, upload it to DropBox or GoogleDocs and create a link to it as described above. In the body of the e-mail you make a link, something like 'Details here'. Reserve the right to edit notices for brevity, accuracy, and content.
In addition to the above, I do not:
Take positions or tell people how to behave;
Post thank you notices – this could become overwhelming if you have to post one for each event;
Use The Town Crier as a community forum - no 'letters to the editor'.
I do:
Include death and funeral notices, but only if submitted by a family member or representative. Normally I send these out as separate e-mail rather than including them with other announcements;
Post notices about time and place of political gatherings without any endorsement of the issue or candidate. It is important for your service to always appear neutral.
I have a lot of other compulsions that I follow. I won't burden you with them – you can develop your own.
You are welcome to subscribe to The Town Crier to see how it works - send an e-mail to towncrier@windstream.net. You are also welcome to e-mail me with any questions or clarifications you may have.
-Lou Malchie
Embudo, NM
Examples of Mission Statements
Vista Grande in Eldorado: Fostering lifelong learning in a supportive community environment.
El Rito: To further the aims of education for the public by serving as a portal through which individuals and families may obtain information, and acquire skills and experience for enlightenment, enjoyment and empowerment.
Embudo Valley Library: The mission of the Embudo Valley Library and Community Center is to build community by providing educational, cultural, and recreational resources for area residents.The library provides public library service, literacy programming for children and youth, formal and informal public gathering space for meetings and resolana,and an evening cultural series.Our property is home to a volunteer community radio station, a public park, a farmer's market, and a cooperative grocery store.
The Tatum Community Library: We will provide a safe and fun learning environment in order to promote reading and community involvement. The Library will also strive to continue to offer as many public services as possible, adapting to new technology as it becomes available.
The Tatum Community Library vision statement; We will provide information, materials, and programs to help its patrons to grow in developing a joy of learning and a love of reading.
Eunice Public Library :Dedicated to enriching the lives of our community by providing access to ideas, information and services for education and recreation to our community and community around us. Our mission: Eunice Public Library and the Estacado Library Information Network (ELIN) provide information and accessibility to valuable resources for the public. To store and display local historical information on local and state heritage for the future generations.
Purpose:
Keep up with the changes in community and the world around us. Strengthen areas that need it for future growth. Promote and encourage the use of library and services it provides.
Albert W. Thompson Memorial Library: The Albert W. Thompson Memorial Library of Clayton, New Mexico is dedicated to an open and welcoming atmosphere for the town, surrounding areas, and those tourists who stop on their way through. Staff will encourage the love of reading and will offer assistance in the search for information. The library will offer programs for children, and cultural, recreational, and reference resources in a friendly and knowledgeable way.
Goal Statement:
1. To serve all residents of the community and the surrounding areas.
2. To acquire and make available to all residents of the above area such books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other services will address their needs to:
a. Become well informed
b. Locate answers to important questions
c. Cultivate the imagination and creative expressions
d. Develop skills for career and vocational advancement
e. Enjoy leisure time by means of reading and other media services
1. To acquire the means to provide the most frequently requested material and upon demand.
2. To maintain a program of service which locates information, guides reading, organizes and interprets material for people of various backgrounds, and stimulates thinking and intellectual development in individuals of any age.
3. Strive to consistently discover new methods and improvements for the best service we can provide to the library’s customers.
4. To review regularly the goals of the AW Thompson Memorial Library and to revise them in light of new developments.
Forming a Non-Profit
Here is a link to an article;
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/form-nonprofit-eight-steps-29484.html
ALA code of Ethics;
We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
I. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
II. We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
III. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
IV. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
V. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
VI. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VII. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
Link to Rural Library Development Act Establishing Endowment
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20Regular/final/SB0264.pdf
Other Resources
The Public Library Start Up Guide by Christine Lind Hage, is available through the American Library Association or the New Mexico State Library through inter-library loan. Here is the table of contents:
