About the Library

How To Get a Library Card

You can get a library card by visiting the Alamogordo Public Library and completing an application. If you choose, you can get a head start on your application online. (You will still need to bring applicable documentation to the library to finalize your account.)

A valid library card is needed in order to check out materials from the library. Library cards are available free of charge to any Otero County resident, kindergarten age or older. (Patrons under the age of 18 require the signature of parent or guardian on the registration document.) A driver's license or other picture identification with current Otero County address is required. (If driver's license does not show your current Otero county address, two other documents displaying local address are required.)

• Internet Use only cards are available for those with no current proof of address. (Use the library's computers; no materials checkout.)
• Nonresident cards are available for $15 +tax
• Replacement fee for lost cards is $5.25

Loan Period

• Maximum of 50 items total may be checked out on one card at one time.
• Most items have a 21 day loan period.
• DVDs have 7 day loan period. (DVD item limit is 5.)
• New books, from the new book shelves, have a 14 day loan period.
• Reference materials do not circulate.

Overdue Fines

Most items are $0.10 cents per item per day. Maximum fines for most items is $5.00. Privileges will be suspended when fines reach $2.00 or are 30 days in arrears. 

Expired Cards

Once you have had your library card for one year you may start to see "expired card" messages on digital resources (e.g. Libby.) This is merely a security measure built into the library's system. Call the library, 575-439-4140 extension 2, during regular business hours. Staff will simply confirm your contact information (address, phone, email) or update information if it has changed in the last year. Once your information is confirmed or updated your card will be working once again. If you visit the library regularly staff will know that your "expiration date" is approaching and will ask to verify or update your information. Please do not discard or destroy "expired" cards. 

Curbside Service

Curbside pickup service of up to five library items is available with limited hours. Holds can be placed in the online catalog or by calling 575-439-4148. Pickup hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 11:45 am. (Appointments preferred; please call ahead for faster service.) Have your library card and photo ID ready when you arrive for pickup.

Curbside service can also be used on Fridays and Saturdays to retrieve print jobs sent to the library via Princh. Once you have submitted your print, call the reference desk 575-439-4148 to make arrangements to pick up your document. 

Notary services are also available during Friday's curbside hours. Please call the reference desk 575-439-4148 for assistance with notary during curbside service.