$103K at stake for Gallup’s Octavia Fellin Public Library
Should a $10.1 million library bond matter go through on Nov. 8, public libraries around New Mexico would benefit in myriad ways, officials say.
Bond B, one of four state bonds on next week’s ballot, would impact public libraries, students from K-12, and construction projects at higher institutions of learning.
Gallup Library Director Mary Ellen Pellington said $103,181.80 is at stake for the Octavia Fellin Public Library and the city’s Children’s Branch. She is urging Gallupians to get out and vote.
“This helps in a tremendous and in a very positive way,” Pellington said. “We’re optimistic that this will pass.”
Bond B stands to give the New Mexico Public Education Department $3 million, and the state Higher Education Department is looking at $3.25 million with respect to increasing print and electronic resources at school libraries across New Mexico.
Pellington said the $103,000 in funds slated for Fellin would be used to further upgrade existing technology, such as computers and software. There would be an increase in the amount of collections at Fellin, too, she said.
Pellington noted that libraries serve as traditional resource and information centers that provide services and materials to community members, as well as computer and Internet access to students and job seekers.
The various bond issues on Tuesday’s ballot pertain to senior citizen facilities ($15 million), library improvements ($10.1 million), higher education construction projects ($142 million), and public safety improvements ($18 million).
Bond B provides the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department with $3 million to support state libraries with collection improvements, hence the Fellin component.
Pellington said the library bond measure has been on the general election ballot in the past and has passed each time.
“I think it’s something that everybody should vote for,” Carrie Yazzie, a Gallup resident and frequent user of the Fellin library said. “Who wouldn’t vote for that [who] lives in Gallup?”
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
