A library with a million-dollar view. The Mesa Library in Los Alamos, NM. Photo by Jim Schnur.
One of the great things about living where I do is that I can enjoy many libraries, museums, and scenic views without driving a great distance. On December 7, I took a leisurely 180-mile round trip to Los Alamos County, for a return visit to some great museums and to enjoy some of the most beautiful public libraries I have seen in my life.
Join me for a journey to Los Alamos, one of our state's most beautiful cities, to see some great cultural treasures. Let's tour the libraries of Los Alamos and White Rock, along with a few other popular stopping places that I featured in greater detail in early June 2025.
Heading north of Santa Fe through Cuyamungue and Pojoaque ancestral lands. Photos by Jim Schnur.
The Mesa Public Library, Los Alamos
The impressive Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos. Photo by Jim Schnur.
New Mexico's smallest county by size, Los Alamos County has approximately 19,700 residents. Formed in 1949 from portions of Sandoval and Santa Fe counties, this area had served as an important site for the Manhattan Project during World War II.
In addition to serving the needs of PhDs, the library site has a skateboard park. Photo by Jim Schnur.
After the war, Los Alamos remained a notable location for scientific research during the Cold War era. The county remains, by far, the richest in New Mexico in a per capita basis.
A view of the library and adjacent park from Central Avenue in Los Alamos. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Due to the presence of Los Alamos National Laboratory, the county also has the highest percentage of PhDs in the nation, exceeding 17% of the population. Such a community supports a rich public library.
A view of the information desk and large print items. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A dedicated Southwest Collection reading room is available for researchers. Photos by Jim Schnur.
Patrons enter on the second floor of a building perched along a ridge. A friends of the library bookstore area greets visitors, before they enter into the service desk area with a reference and circulation desk.
View of stacks from a reading area. Photo by Jim Schnur.
As a former librarian, one thing that stands out to me is the comprehensive nature of foreign language collections. Rows of books--including those published in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean--greet patrons.
A rich collection of books in Chinese and other world languages at the library. Photos by Jim Schnur.
Clearly, the most impressive features of this library involve the panoramic views of the Jemez Mountains to the west of Los Alamos. Many of the reading areas in the adult fiction, non-fiction, and periodicals collections offer sweeping views of the mountains.
Browsing collections and back issues of periodicals on shelves with this view. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Artwork shares space with the mountain views. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Mesa Public Library maintains a rich collection of books that deal with "sensitive" topics. Unlike most public libraries and even some colleges in other states, such items are not held secretly behind a desk.
A list of "sensitive" subjects is placed on many shelves to guide patrons. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A quiet and secluded area for periodicals, newspapers, and circulating artwork also provides impressive views and a place to relax and read.
Browsing area for current newspapers and periodicals. Photo by Jim Schnur.
One of the most impressive architectural elements is visible from the circular staircase and atrium. From this point you can look through multiple windows of various walkways and study areas to see a framed portrait in the distance.
Looking through multiple walls to see a framed picture in the distance. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Taking the stairs to the third floor, you will see meeting spaces, an art gallery, and an administrative suite. A youth services area occupies on the first floor.
A Young Adult reading area on the first floor. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A storytime or gathering area on the first floor, near the stairs. Photo by Jim Schnur.
From top to bottom, the Mesa Public Library is an impressive structure. I enjoyed my visit to the library, followed by a short walk over to Ashley Pond and the Bradbury Science Musuem.
Art displays on the stairs in the heart of the Mesa Library. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Other Los Alamos Stops
Chilling out at Ashley Pond. Photo by Jim Schnur.
When I visited Los Alamos in June, I tried to get through a few museums in almost record time. This time, I decided to enjoy the experience and carefully read the labels and admire the exhibits.
Nearly half of Ashley Pond was iced over during my visit. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Fuller Lodge Art Center Gallery. Photo by Jim Schnur.
After a brief visit to Ashley Pond and Fuller Lodge, I headed over to the Bradbury Science Museum. This amazing venue provides a detailed account of the Manhattan Project, as well as other scientific achievements and technological enhancements that took place due to the work at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The Bradbury Science Museum is free for visitors and has much to see. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Part of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Bradbury Science Museum showcases the history of this region of northern New Mexico, as well as the scientific achievements that have occurred at Los Alamos since the mid-twentieth century.
Exhibits and hands-on activities cover a wide range of topics. Photo by Jim Schnur.
During this visit, I spent most of my time in the history section, specifically learning about the activities that took place here, often shrouded in great secrecy, during World War II. The exhibits described how this area significantly contributed to the Allied war effort.
Another enjoyable visit to the Bradbury Science Museum. Photo by Jim Schnur.
An eastward view along Central Avenue in Los Alamos, toward the mountains by Santa Fe. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Driving from Los Alamos to White Rock. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The White Rock Public Library
The White Rock Public Library in Los Alamos County. Photo by Jim Schnur.
White Rock is the second incorporated community in Los Alamos County. With a population of less than 6,000, White Rock also has a public library that would make some cities with populations of more than 75,000 jealous.
North face of the White Rock Public Library. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Similar to the Mesa Public Library, the library in White Rock is also open seven days a week. Books and other items regularly transfer between the branches. Residents of other New Mexico communities may obtain a library card here to gain access to the print and electronic resources.
A warm and inviting collection of books. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Similar to the Mesa Public Library, the collection was very comprehensive. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A comfortable place to sit at the White Rock Public Library. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Before leaving Los Alamos County, I received my new library card so that I can borrow materials in the future. I also made a stop at one of the most beautiful spots in White Rock, Overlook Park. From this location, you can see the Rio Grande flow nearly 900 feet below you.
Mission accomplished! Another library card opens new doors for me. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A late afternoon view of the Rio Grande from Overlook Park. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A Quick Stop at Camel Rock
Located ten miles north of Santa Fe, Camel Rock is a notable geological feature alongside the highway within the Tesuque Pueblo. Nearly 40 feet high, Camel Rock stands out for those who travel north of Santa Fe along US Highway 285.
Views of Camel Rock shortly before sunset. Photo by Jim Schnur.
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