Ribbon cutting ceremony on July 31, 2015, of the White Rock Branch Library. Courtesy/New Mexico State Library

The crowd gathered July 31, 2015, for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the White Rock Branch Library. Courtesy/Los Alamos Public Library

Scene of the crane sculpture as night falls over White Rock Branch Library. Photo by Leslie Bucklin/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Library is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the White Rock Branch Library this month with a series of community events, including a lively street fair and a return visit from bestselling author Hampton Sides.

On July 31, 2015, the White Rock Branch Library officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, replacing the former facility with a bright, modern 10,500-square-foot space; nearly three times the size of the original branch. The building, featuring open reading areas, a fireplace, and expansive views, quickly became a central hub for the White Rock community.

To mark its first decade, the library will host a Street Fair, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 26, followed by an Author Talk with Hampton Sides, 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.

Throughout July, visitors to the White Rock Branch will also, just by visiting the White Rock Branch, enter a daily giveaway for a commemorative high-quality canvas bag featuring the branch library’s iconic crane image.

The July 26 Street Fair will kick off the day with a lively, hour-long drumming-themed “Music and Movement” session for families, followed by booths, games, bouncy houses, local food vendors, and engaging activities for all ages.

Inside the library during the Street Fair, puzzle lovers are invited to participate in two anniversary programs. In a Puzzle Competition for multigenerational teams of three, participants will race the clock in assembling a 300-piece puzzle. In keeping with the puzzle theme, the fair will also feature a Puzzle Swap, where participants can exchange donated puzzles; swap eligibility is based on the number of puzzles contributed in advance at either County library.

On July 31, acclaimed author Hampton Sides returns to the White Rock Branch Library to discuss his latest bestseller, The Wide Wide Sea. Sides gave the inaugural author talk during the library’s 2015 grand opening. The event is free but has limited seating; registration is required.

“We still think of the White Rock Branch Library as brand new,” Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza said. “We’re thrilled to celebrate a decade of community, connection, and discovery in a space that truly serves as the heart of White Rock.”

Anniversary Event Details:

• Street Fair
  Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
  White Rock Branch Library
  Event details: laconm.libcal.com/event/14740041

Puzzle Competition and Swap
Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m. to noon
White Rock Branch Library multi-purpose room
Event details and registration: laconm.libcal.com/event/14864190

Author Talk with Hampton Sides
Thursday, July 31, 6-7:30 p.m.
White Rock Branch Library
Register here: laconm.libcal.com/event/14739694

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call the White Rock Branch Library at 505.662.8265 or visit losalamoslibrary.org/Home.

The plaque for White Rock Branch Library. Photo by Leslie Bucklin/LAC

Scene from the July 31, 2015, grand opening of White Rock Branch Library. Photo by Leslie Bucklin/LAC