
Five years ago, the village of Questa opened the doors to the expanded library we enjoy today. After years in the portable building donated by Pojoaque Pueblo, the June 2021 grand opening was celebrated by many and continues to serve our community.
How did this new building come about? Certainly the Village of Questa supports our library in many ways. Tens of thousands of dollars are budgeted each year for maintenance, repairs, employee salaries, and more. However, there are practical limits to these funds. It is safe to say the Friends of the Questa Public Library (FQPL) played a major role.
Grant applications written by FQPL Board secured monies from the Taos Community Foundation, Guzman Electric/Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, the LANL Foundation, and the McCune Foundation. The furnishings and shelving, along with many new books were purchased with this funding. After receiving Capital Outlay funds requested by late NM Senator Carlos Cisneros, the new library became a reality.
Grant money continues to be crucial to the Library’s day to day function. In addition to the Board’s grant writing skills, several other FQPL members locate grant sources and secure funds for the library each year.
If you have visited the beautiful library expansion, used the computers, printed copies, participated in meetings and activities, checked out books, videos, or audio books, you are benefiting from the coordinated efforts of the Village, the staff, generous donors, volunteers, and the Friends of the Questa Public Library. Ask during your next visit how you can become a Friend.
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Mental Health Matters: The northern Taos County communities have lost several young people in recent months. Questa del Rio News is starting a column dedicated to mental health matters. Dawn Provencher is a retired counselor.
She has a master’s degree in counseling and a master’s degree in social work. She will be contributing to this column on a monthly basis.