By ANA ROMERO VIGIL
Pueblo Eastside families have access to the Pueblo City County Library while the Lucero Library is undergoing renovation. This move to the upstairs of El Centro del Quinto Sol, 609 E. 6th St., was done out of concern for the library users on the Eastside, according to Branch Manager Jerry Vigil.
The Lucero Library will continue to offer popular programs such as after-school chess, arts, and more within the multi-purpose room at El Centro del Quinto Sol for limited times in the evening. Lucero Library at El Centro del Quinto Sol will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Library District partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City to make the access possible. The outside attractions are the skatepark, playground and amphitheater.
Library patrons can come in (elevator access also) and request books they would like to read and the books will be sent to the Quinto Sol location for pick up. Children can browse the selection on hand or request other books.
Mark A. Salazar with HardKnox Gang Prevention and Intervention will offer Chess (and Little Caesars pizza) from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Branch Manager Jerry Vigil, with a Masters in library and information systems from Denver University and roots in San Luis, takes great care in supporting the after school programs of Tina Martins Gonzalez. She schedules teen and family programs while Jessica Blaha provides coordination for adult programs.
For Christmas, the craft was to create a snow globe, minus the mess of fake snow. Nearly 20 people attended the event. Community patrons can also come in, get a library card and pick up pre-packaged craft projects for kids or participate in Facts for Snacks.
The Spice Library is unique to the Lucero Branch. Jessica organizes and patrons can get five spice packets a day. She can also help to get a recipe for an unusual spice like Garam Majala.
Chris Rivera, a program and outreach specialist, plans for kids. Progress is being made on an art show planned for Feb. 14 at the Center. Kids ages 2-14 can show canvas art, AI art, Painting or 3-D art. Kids should see Chris now to prepare your work for the show.
“There’s a lot going on here at Quinto Sol now,” said Vigil, “And we’re looking forward to the reopening of the Lucero branch in Fall 2025.
