About the Library

The library was founded in 1943, just one year after Los Alamos was selected as the site for the Manhattan Project. It was started as a subscription library by 70 couples, each of whom donated $5.00 for the purchase of books, and was located in a small room in the Big House, one of the original buildings of the Boys Ranch School. In 1945 it became a free library when the Army Post Recreational Council handed over financial responsibility to Army Post Special Services. In 1946, the library became the Mesa Library, guided by a Library Committee of five, and in 1951 it became the Mesa Public Library, an independent corporation under contract with the Atomic Energy Commission. At that moment the library had 30,000 volumes and 7,000 registered volumes.

Mesa Public Library

Located at 2400 Central Avenue, Mesa Public Library opened its doors at the current location on October 5, 1994. The point on the building, part of architect Antoine Predock’s artistic vision, is, in his own words in an interview with the Los Alamos Monitor, “the prow. It’s an absolutely necessary element, and it becomes an icon.”

White Rock Branch Library

The White Rock Branch Library is a full service branch that opened in 1985 in a 1400 square foot storefront building. The library moved to its current location at 10 Sherwood Boulevard in 2015. The unique architectural design of this building uses surrounding natural colors as well as stone facing that is used both inside and outside of the building. By combining the use of these same materials, as well as a floating ceiling, an atmosphere of the outdoors is brought into the building. The new building is also LEED Silver certified. The library is adjacent to Piñon Park and the Youth Activity Center.

Library Hours

  • Monday-Thursday
    10 am - 8 pm
  • Friday
    10 am - 6 pm
  • Saturday
    10 am - 5 pm
  • Sunday
    1 pm - 5 pm

Holiday Hours

Friends of the Library

The Friends of Los Alamos County Libraries (FLACL OR Friends) is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation that supports the services and staff of the Los Alamos County Library System, including both Mesa Public Library and White Rock Branch Library, and the Lora Belle Cole Library at the LA County Detention Center. The Friends’ Board has a contract with LA County to operate the Friends Bookstore and give the Bookstore profits to the libraries in a block grant that they may spend as they see fit. Friends’ other source of moneys is donations, some of which are given in honor or memory of friends and family. Such funds can be designated additionally by the donor(s) to fund a plaque placed on the Catalog of Giving on the third floor of Mesa Public Library. For more details on the Catalog of Giving or to make a donation online, check out our website at www.FLACL.org. For more current Friends’ Bookstore information such as to see if there are sales in the Bookstore, you can visit our Friends of Los Alamos County Libraries Facebook page. Bookstore Volunteers are always welcome. Friends of the Library Bookstore Hours are:

 

Monday-Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

 

When Mesa Public Library is closed the bookstore is as well.

 

Jobs at the Library

The Los Alamos County Human Resources division is responsible for all recruiting and hiring for the Library. Applications and job postings can be found online and at Human Resources 1000 Central #230.

Library Board

The library board's primary purposes are to:

  • Receive input from the public and, based on that input, make recommendations to council that support the fulfillment of the library's mission in the community.
  • Provide information and advice on items requested by the council, and review and recommend public policies.
  • Gather and provide public input on the development of library service objectives and the library's long range plan.
  • Interact with other boards and commissions on items that affect the libraries.

Library Board Website

Library Board Agendas and Minutes

County Board Page

Plans

Approximately every four years the library undergoes strategic planning. The most recent plan outlines library activities from 2020 through 2027.

Policies

The Los Alamos County Library System Policies(PDF, 665KB), passed by the Los Alamos County Council in 2025, govern library operations and include sections on funding, operational principles, public involvement, and services.

The Collection Development Guidelines(PDF, 342KB) and procedures support the Library's policies.

Volunteering

Current and prospective volunteers, please visit our Volunteers page for more information.

 

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