History

Our Alamosa Public Library, Through the Years

Announcement for the new Alamosa Reading Room, inviting public use, hours, and a request for book and paper donations.

Reading Rooms 1883-1901

Alamosa's public library roots trace back to the efforts of Presbyterian minister Reverend J. J. Gilchrist and Alamosa Independent Journal owner…

Old library interior with shelves, wooden chairs, tables, books, and a stove. The sign reads "Public Library Alamosa, Colo."

Alamosa Reading Room 1902-1909

The first reference of a library appeared in The Alamosa Journal on March 20, 1902 announcing that the Town of Alamosa donated a room above the fire…

Historic Carnegie Library in Alamosa, Colorado; brick building with large windows and an arched entrance.

Alamosa Carnegie Library 1910-1961

The Town of Alamosa was awarded $6,000 from millionaire philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, on March 21, 1908 for the construction of a public library.

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Southern Peaks Public Library 1961-2011

The Alamosa Library moved to its newly constructed home on 4th Street in 1961 and was temporarily called the Alamosa City Library until 1964 when the…

A building with large arched windows and brick accents, labeled "City of Alamosa Public Library," illuminated against a blue sky.

Alamosa Public Library 2011-Present

In April 2011, the library changes its name to the Alamosa Public Library as part of the move to the new City Hall complex in November. The old…

The image details Mabel McLellan O’Laughlin, Alamosa's first librarian (1902), her background, and later career.