Latest news with #NormaMartinez
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
El Paso Public Libraries go ‘fine-free'
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – All overdue fines for El Paso Public Library (EPPL) materials have been officially eliminated, the City of El Paso announced on Tuesday, April 29, in a news release. The City said this comes after the El Paso City Council approved this decision as a way to increase access to library resources. While overdue fines have been forgiven, other fees, such as those for damaged or lost materials, will still apply, the City said. 'The change is expected to benefit many of the nearly 40,000 library patrons, including children, who had been blocked from borrowing due to unpaid fines. These patrons can now resume borrowing materials and enjoying the library's services once again,' read the news release by the City. 'We want to remove any barriers preventing our community from accessing valuable educational, informational, and recreational materials,' Norma Martinez, library director, said. 'By eliminating fines, we hope to make it easier for all El Pasoans to engage with our library and take full advantage of the resources available.' Previously, patrons were charged 15 cents per day for each overdue item and were blocked from borrowing once fines reached $5, the City said. The City said that recent studies have shown that late fees do not effectively encourage timely returns and, in some cases, can deter the return of library materials. Library systems nationwide that have gone 'fine-free,' including cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, report higher rates of material returns and greater patron satisfaction, the City said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
El Paso's oldest library to reopen after renovations
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso's oldest library will be reopening to the public after renovations, according to the City of El Paso. The 130-year-old library's grand reopening celebration will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the Main Public Library, located at 501 N. Oregon St. The library, originally opened in 1954, has undergone renovations as part of the City's plan to 'co-locate' with the new Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), according to the news release by the City of El Paso. According to El Paso Public Libraries, the library was opened at the old Sheldon Hotel in 1894, it was then moved to City Hall and eventually moved to its first stand-alone location in Cleveland Square. Improvements to the library include enhanced spaces for print collections, modern reading nooks, private study rooms and a new glass entrance for visitors, according to the City. Here are the following highlights of the redesigned library, according to the City: Sub-Basement Level: Administrative offices, restrooms, technology services, staff breakroom, and dedicated space for the Bookmobile. Basement Level: Computer lab and multimedia room, literacy center, main collection space, reading and study rooms, additional restrooms, and 'Centre Future,' a new program focused on helping young El Pasoans plan for their future. First Floor: New glass-enclosed main entrance, Border Heritage and main collections with expanded work areas, renovated meeting room, Friends of the Library Bookstore, quiet room, and café area. Second Floor: Fully upgraded Children's Area and Teen Town, along with improved restrooms and storage areas. Facility-Wide: All-new furniture, finishes, and upgraded amenities throughout the building. 'It is more than just a place; it is an information hub, community gathering point and gateway to the world, that expands the minds of the old and young alike,' Norma Martinez, director of El Paso Public Libraries, said. 'Through this historical library, generations of El Pasoans have been provided the opportunity to cultivate their minds, so that they can learn about the rich cultural heritage that El Paso has to offer to us, and its modernization will ensure that knowledge and history continues to carry our story into the future.' Once the library reopens to the public, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
El Paso Public Libraries ranked among best in Texas
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso Public Libraries received the 2024 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for the sixth consecutive year, the City of El Paso said in a news release. The City said El Paso Public Libraries was one of 105 public libraries out of 542 in Texas to receive this award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. 'This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, who go above and beyond to support the educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment of our community,' said Norma Martinez, director of libraries. To earn this excellence award, 'libraries must demonstrate exceptional service across multiple areas,' the City said. 'The El Paso Public Libraries was recognized for its commitment to reaching underserved and special populations while also developing innovative marketing strategies and fostering collaborative partnerships to expand its impact. Beyond these efforts, the library excels in delivering diverse and engaging programming that supports literacy, digital inclusion, and workforce development,' read the news release. 'Furthermore, it enhances community learning through cultural and topical events while simultaneously investing in ongoing professional development for its staff, ensuring the highest level of service for El Paso residents.' The City said the El Paso Public Libraries was honored for a wide range of programs and services, including the Summer Reading Club, Día de los Niños, Enhanced Library Cards, passport services, among many others. For more information on all the programs and services provided by the El Paso Public Libraries, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
