Michael Nivison Public Library
🏢 Village of Cloudcroft · Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Michael Nivison Public Library
Perched at 8,600 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, the Michael Nivison Public Library occupies Cloudcroft's historic Old Red Schoolhouse at 90 Swallow Place. It is named for Michael Nivison — Mayor of Cloudcroft 1990–1994 and later Village Administrator, who secured roughly $20 million in grants for the region during his decades of public service and passed away in February 2026 at age 82. The library shares the building with the High Valley Weaving and Spinning School and the Cloudcroft Art Society gallery.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–4pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–4pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 9:30am–4pm |
| Saturday | 11am–3pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 90 Swallow Place, Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Phone: (575) 682-1111
Website: cloudcroftvillage.com
Plus Code: 854PX744+8V (Cloudcroft, NM)
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📖 About Michael Nivison Public Library
The Michael Nivison Public Library is the public library of the Village of Cloudcroft, an Otero County mountain resort community in the Sacramento Mountains at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet. The library is housed in the historic Old Red Schoolhouse — a beloved village landmark — and bears the name of Michael Nivison (March 17, 1943 – February 6, 2026), a San Diego native who spent decades in service to the Cloudcroft community. Nivison served as a Village Trustee from 1981 to 1988, as Mayor from 1990 to 1994, and returned as Village Administrator from 1999 to 2008; he also served as an Otero County Commissioner, including two years as Chairman. During that tenure he secured roughly $20 million in grants and funding for the region. Beyond public service, Nivison was a singer-songwriter who wrote and produced five albums of original Americana music and performed locally for about 14 years. The library and a nearby village street — Michael Nivison Way — were named in his honor. The library is directed by Sandra Barr, PhD, and describes its mission as 'the heart and the foundation of values reflected within our community.' The building is shared with the High Valley Weaving and Spinning School (which offers instruction Thursday through Saturday) and the Cloudcroft Art Society, whose cooperative gallery operates June through December, open to the public on Saturdays.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Michael Nivison (1943–2026), Mayor of Cloudcroft 1990–1994 and Village Administrator 1999–2008, who secured ~$20 million in regional grants
- Housed in the historic Old Red Schoolhouse at 90 Swallow Place — a landmark of the Village of Cloudcroft at 8,600 feet elevation
- Shares the building with the High Valley Weaving and Spinning School and the Cloudcroft Art Society's cooperative gallery
- Open Thursday to artists and weavers via the in-building school; library open Mon–Wed, Fri, and Sat
- El Portal Gale databases and OPALS catalog available free to Cloudcroft cardholders
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Cloudcroft cardholders can access research databases and digital resources free through New Mexico's statewide collections:
📚 Services
- General lending collection including books and other materials
- Public computers and internet access
- El Portal Gale database access
- OPALS catalog for browsing and placing holds
- Shared space with the High Valley Weaving and Spinning School (Thu–Sat)
- Cloudcroft Art Society gallery (open to the public Saturdays, June–December)
- Reference assistance from director Sandra Barr, PhD
🎸 Programs
- High Valley Weaving and Spinning School workshops (in-building, Thu–Sat)
- Cloudcroft Art Society cooperative gallery (Jun–Dec, Saturdays)
- Community programming and cultural events
- Summer reading program for children
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern New Mexico
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Cloudcroft · Browse all New Mexico libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Michael Nivison, and why is the library named after him?
Michael Nivison (March 17, 1943 – February 6, 2026) was a long-serving public official who dedicated decades to the Village of Cloudcroft. He served as Village Trustee from 1981 to 1988, as Mayor from 1990 to 1994, and as Village Administrator from 1999 to 2008 — and later as an Otero County Commissioner. During his tenure he secured roughly $20 million in grants and funding for the region. The library and a village street — Michael Nivison Way — were named in his honor. He also wrote and produced five albums of original Americana music and performed locally for about 14 years.
What is the Old Red Schoolhouse, and is that where the library is?
Yes. The library is housed in the historic Old Red Schoolhouse at 90 Swallow Place in the village center. The building is a recognized local landmark and was repurposed to serve as Cloudcroft's public library. It now also hosts the High Valley Weaving and Spinning School, which offers instruction and workshops Thursday through Saturday, and the Cloudcroft Art Society's cooperative gallery, open to the public on Saturdays from June through December.
What are the Michael Nivison Public Library's hours?
The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is closed on Thursday and Sunday. (Thursday is when the in-building High Valley Weaving and Spinning School holds its programs.)
Does the Cloudcroft library offer digital resources I can use at home?
Yes. Cloudcroft cardholders can access El Portal, the New Mexico State Library's free 24/7 gateway to Gale reference, academic, and news databases. eBook and audiobook lending is also available through Libby and OverDrive with a valid library card.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.