In Lordsburg, New Mexico, a rural, close-knit community where many families have lived for generations, the public library plays a role far bigger than books alone. For a town shaped by slower living, limited funding, and fewer educational resources, access to technology, life skills, and safe spaces for young people is not a given.

That’s where the Lordsburg Hidalgo Library steps in. Under the leadership of Library Director Collista Jensen, the library is actively redefining what a rural library can be and who it’s for.

A Library in a Rural, Under-Resourced Community

Lordsburg is one of just three communities in Hidalgo County. It’s rural, geographically dispersed, and lower-income, with limited public funding and few enrichment opportunities for children outside of school. Many parents work long hours to make ends meet, leaving little time or energy to encourage reading or supplemental learning at home.

The result? Low engagement, limited exposure to technology, and a growing gap between local students and the skills they’ll need to succeed beyond high school.

“The kids here don’t get AI, coding, or technology-based tools anywhere else,” Jensen said. “And they’re going to need them.”

Rebuilding Trust and Shaking Things Up

Since Jensen started at the library nearly eight years ago, she has transformed the library into an active, welcoming space—one where noise is allowed, curiosity is encouraged, and learning looks different than it used to. Today, after-school programs regularly serve anywhere from five to 25 children, with consistent participation from elementary and middle school students.

“This isn’t a quiet library,” Jensen said. “Some people don’t like that. But I wanted to shake things up.”

Filling the Gaps Schools Can’t

Local schools face their own challenges. There is no high school library, technology education is limited, and many students leave for college only to return home and drop out.

As such, the library has become a critical supplement. Children don’t just come to read. They come to learn practical, real-world skills, such as problem solving, collaboration, creativity, and confidence. Adult programs follow the same philosophy, teaching hands-on skills that help residents navigate daily life.

An Answer to a Prayer

When Jensen received a letter inviting the library to apply for funding from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, the timing couldn’t have been better.

“I was actively looking for funding,” she said. “It honestly felt like an answer to a prayer.”

The $5,500 grant allowed the library to invest directly in technology that had previously been out of reach: laptops, Makey Makey kits, and small 3D printers. Together, these tools completed a full set of devices so every child in a typical program could participate hands-on.

Preparing Kids for the Future

With the newly funded technology, the library now offers monthly AI-focused programming, exposing children to concepts they wouldn’t encounter anywhere else in their community. Middle schoolers, often the age group libraries struggle most to retain, are a key focus.

By introducing technology, creativity, and interactive learning, the library is changing the narrative that libraries aren’t cool, meeting kids where they are and showing them what’s possible.

According to Jensen, roughly 65% of future jobs will involve some element of AI or advanced technology. Without early exposure, local students risk being left behind.

A Safe Space That Changes Lives

Impact isn’t just measured in circulation numbers or attendance. Jensen recalled one middle school student, a child with special needs who has been coming to the library since pre-K. He struggles socially, has been bullied, and often uses the library as a refuge.

“This is his safe space,” she said. “He comes here to feel seen.”

Over time, Jensen has watched him grow emotionally and academically. Today, he’s one of the strongest participants in the library’s AI programs, excelling at writing prompts and experimenting with new tools.

“It’s incredible to see,” she said. “The library gave him a place where he belongs.”

Building the Next Generation of Community Builders

Jensen’s long-term vision goes beyond individual programs. She’s focused on building a generation of lifelong library patrons. She wants to see more young people equipped with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to reinvest in their own community.

“If we can give them the tools now, they can help build something better here,” she said.

A Partnership That Made It Possible

When asked what the Foundation’s support meant to her, Jensen didn’t hesitate.

“It made my whole year,” she said. “This was a dream come true. I finally have the resources to teach the kids the things I’ve always wanted to teach them.”

She also made a point to mention the ease of the application process and the Foundation’s proactive communication as stand-outs, which are small details that made a big difference for an under-resourced rural library.

Her advice to other libraries considering applying?

“Don’t hesitate. It’s the easiest grant I’ve ever done, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”