White Rock Branch Library Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Published on July 08, 2025
...With Street Fair, Author Talk with Hampton Sides
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 on Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by an Author Talk with Hampton Sides on Thursday, July 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Throughout July, visitors to the White Rock Branch will also, simply by visiting the 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 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, 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,” said Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza. “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:
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
All anniversary 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.
A photo of the ribbon cutting in July 2015 is highlighted above.