Gallup Library Expands Digital Access and Skills Programs for Residents
Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup serves as McKinley County's primary public library and community learning hub, providing a wide array of in person and online services that support education, job readiness, and small business activity. The library's 24 hour Wi Fi, MakerSpace equipment, technology classes, and community workshops address local gaps in digital access and workforce skills, making it a critical economic and cultural resource.
The Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup is positioning itself as a central engine for community learning and economic opportunity in McKinley County. Serving as the county's primary public library and community learning hub, the library maintains regular programming across age groups and offers tools and training aimed at helping residents connect to jobs, education and cultural resources.
Programming at the library includes children's Crafty Kids, teen and adult book clubs, technology courses and maker space classes. Community workshops focus on practical needs with sessions in financial literacy and job search assistance, along with Grow With Google courses meant to build digital skills employers increasingly demand. The library also offers online platforms such as CloudLibrary, Kanopy, CreativeBug and ComicsPlus to broaden access to books, educational videos and creative tutorials.
A core element of the library's infrastructure is its 24 hour Wi Fi which extends continuous internet access beyond regular building hours. The MakerSpace provides hands on equipment including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, button makers and a laser engraver, enabling residents to prototype products, learn manufacturing skills or pursue creative projects without high equipment costs. The library maintains a schedule of weekly and monthly events, lists public access hours for the Main Library and the Children and Youth branch, and provides information on obtaining a library card and requesting supply kits for programming.
For McKinley County residents, these services translate into tangible economic and social benefits. Free and reliable internet access helps close the digital divide that limits job application, remote learning and telehealth options for households without home broadband. Technology courses and Grow With Google workshops support workforce reskilling that can improve employability in a changing local labor market. MakerSpace tools lower barriers for entrepreneurs and artisans who need prototyping and production equipment but cannot afford individual investment.
From a policy perspective, the library demonstrates how public investment in physical and digital infrastructure complements workforce development strategies. Maintaining 24 hour connectivity and expanding maker and digital literacy services align with broader efforts to boost economic resilience, particularly in rural and small city contexts where access to technology and training is uneven.
As McKinley County navigates long term shifts in labor demand and education delivery, the Octavia Fellin Public Library stands out as a community resource that combines cultural programming with practical supports. Its mix of workshops, equipment and online resources positions the library as an accessible platform for lifelong learning and local economic activity.
