Now You Know for June 12, 2026

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library hours to change 

Beginning July 1, the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library will operate under the following schedule:
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
This change in hours is due in part to budget reductions in the City of Las Cruces budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, beginning July 1. This change will also allow for realignment of staff and resources to better serve our community. Library staff remain committed to serving our community and appreciate the ongoing support as we adapt to these changes. 
Las Cruces Public Libraries offer more resources beyond what you will find during Library hours. With your library card, you can access digital resources such as Libby to check out eBooks, audiobooks, and read magazines. You can also peruse our schedule of library programs and events at LasCruces.gov/Library.
Through their ongoing support of the library, the Friends of the Thomas Branigan Library are contributing funding toward security costs for evening hours Monday through Thursday and supporting the costs of opening one hour earlier on Fridays and Saturdays.

LCPD seeks youth prevention, intervention coordinator

The Las Cruces Police Department is looking to hire a Youth Prevention and Intervention Coordinator who will be tasked with developing, coordinating and evaluating efforts to help reduce the number of youths who enter the criminal justice system.
The successful candidate will assess existing programs and services offered to youth in Las Cruces. The position will identify service gaps and duplications if they exist.
The position will help strengthen collaboration among law enforcement, schools, community-based organization and area social service providers.
Minimum qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, public administration, sociology, psychology or related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in youth services, juvenile justice, diversion programs, social services or community-based program coordination.
The full job description and application are available online. Applications must be submitted no later than June 22.

County invites public feedback on infrastructure priorities

Doña Ana County has launched a new online Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan project page where residents can review proposed infrastructure projects and share feedback on future priorities through an online questionnaire.

The project page provides information about the county's proposed 2028–2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan projects. Residents can explore projects by commission district and learn more about proposed improvements throughout Doña Ana County.

The ICIP serves as a planning tool that helps local governments identify, prioritize, and pursue funding for capital projects that support community needs. Projects included in the ICIP may address transportation, public safety, parks and recreation, community facilities, utilities, and other public infrastructure improvements. Inclusion in the ICIP does not guarantee funding, but feedback collected through the online questionnaire will be reviewed as County leadership continues planning for future infrastructure needs and funding opportunities.

Residents are encouraged to participate by reviewing the proposed ICIP projects and submitting comments through the online questionnaire. The public comment period will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17.

The ICIP project page and public feedback questionnaire can be accessed at donaana.gov/ICIP.

City of Las Cruces releases Strategic Plan Needs Assessment

The City of Las Cruces, in partnership with consulting firm Single Space Strategies, presented the Landscape Analysis and Needs Assessment to Mayor Eric Enriquez and the City Council, marking the first major milestone in the update to the city’s strategic plan. 

This report represents the completion of the first phase of the Strategic Plan update process and provides a comprehensive overview of current conditions, leadership perspectives, and the broader economic and community context shaping the city’s future. The Needs Assessment is now publicly available on the city’s website. 

The Strategic Plan update is designed to be inclusive, data-driven, and transparent, aligning city priorities with the long-term vision and evolving needs of Las Cruces residents. The Needs Assessment draws on multiple sources, including leadership interviews, existing plans and policies, data analysis, and prior community and staff input. It is intended to inform the priorities that will guide the next phase of the process. 

With the Needs Assessment complete, the city is moving into the next phase of the process: community engagement. Residents are invited to participate in upcoming public meetings and a forthcoming community survey to share their priorities and vision for the future of Las Cruces. 

Upcoming public meetings will be held at the following locations: 

Roadrunner Room at the Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Avenue — July 30, 2:30–7:30 p.m. 

East Mesa Public Safety Complex, 550 North Sonoma Ranch Boulevard — August 5, 2:30–5:30 p.m. 

Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive — August 6, 2:30–5:30 p.m. 

WIA Building, 240 N. Reymond Street — August 6, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Lynn Middle School (Community School), 950 S. Walnut Street — August 4, 2:30-7:30 p.m. 

Frank O’Brien Papen Center auditorium, 304 Bell Avenue — July 29, 2:30–5:30 p.m. 

Community input gathered through these meetings and the survey will directly inform the development of strategic priorities and next steps for implementation. 

Residents can view the Needs Assessment, learn more about the Strategic Plan update, and find opportunities to participate at LasCruces.Gov/StrategicPlan.

Science Fair Summer at Las Cruces Public Libraries

The City of Las Cruces Public Libraries invites students who participated in a school science fair during the 2025–2026 school year to showcase their projects as part of Science Fair Summer at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library.

Students may submit their science fair posters for display by June 21.
Posters will be exhibited at the library from June 22 through June 27, giving community members an opportunity to view and celebrate the creativity, innovation, and hard work of local students.
From 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, Science Fair Summer will feature hands-on activities, including baking soda volcanoes and other classic science demonstrations.

Additional activities on June 26 will include an opportunity to meet local scientists from 1-5:30 p.m. and learn about a variety of scientific fields and careers. Beginning at 2 p.m., the library will also host an Experiment 626 Day celebration featuring a movie screening and craft activities.
All events will take place at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.
For information about Science Fair Summer, contact Phoebe Guskey at (575) 528-3406/TTY 771 or by email at pyoder@lascruces.gov.