LEER Expands Enchanted Forest of Reading Library to Include Young Adult Collection

As part of its commitment to improving children’s literacy across the Española Valley, LEER is expanding its Enchanted Forest of Reading Library to include a new Young Adult Collection, ensuring that readers have access to books as they grow into middle and high school students. 

The community is invited to celebrate the collection’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m. during the library’s regular public hours. 

LEER (leh-EHR, to read) is a children’s literacy initiative serving the Española Valley. The program is part of McCurdy Ministries’ Family Resource Center, which recognizes that literacy is fundamental to children’s educational success and future opportunities. 

The need for literacy support in the Española Valley is significant. Data from the Education Scorecard, reported by The New York Times in May 2026, revealed that students in the Española School District were performing 3.3 grade levels below national standards. 

Since its launch just two years ago, LEER has addressed this challenge through access to books, out of school time learning opportunities, and caring adults helping children become confident readers. LEER brings these elements together through its library, STARS afterschool programming and summer camps, and In School Reading Buddies initiative. 

To date, LEER has installed 22 Little Free Libraries throughout the valley and opened the Enchanted Forest of Reading Library to the public on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Adding the Young Adult Collection is another important step to ensure students have access to books that meet their changing interests and reading needs as they mature. 

“Access to books, high-quality out-of-school programs, and so many community volunteers willing to help have already proven that improving literacy is possible. The Young Adult Collection will support readers through graduation,” said Kercida McClain, LEER Director. 

LEER provides literacy, enrichment, education, and readiness opportunities for children in the Española Valley, which includes partnerships with the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Collected Works Bookstore and Cooking with Kids.