Rio Rancho’s Loma Colorado Public Library created a business hub where WESST offers workshops. When New Mexico libraries finally return to pre-pandemic
hours and services, many will offer even more resources than they did in the
past, especially to entrepreneurs.
Public libraries are ideal places to nurture people who want
to start their own businesses: They are community hubs with deep roots, and
local librarians are portals to knowledge, tools, and ideas that can create
jobs, build the local work force, and drive development. Libraries are trusted,
safe and welcoming spaces that offer culturally and economically diverse
patrons free access to computers with internet access, meeting rooms, and other
spaces where entrepreneurs can meet and brainstorm.
Libraries can be entrepreneurial centers in some of the same
ways business incubators are, because they provide networking opportunities,
vast resources and a platform for information sharing. And they can support the
next generation of entrepreneurs without the expense of building, maintaining
and managing a separate, limited-use facility.
