The Farmington Public Library hosted New York Times bestselling author Douglas Preston as part of its ongoing effort to connect the Four Corners region to the wider world. Preston, who lives part of the year in New Mexico, visited the library with support from the Farmington Public Library Foundation, which covered his speaker fee.

The library, open to anyone who visits Farmington regardless of home address, is funded through the gross receipts tax rather than property tax. It has served the community since it opened in 2003 and offers programming from baby story times to teen zones, plus book clubs, online databases and public computer access. For events and more information, visit infoway.org.

By Tanner Waite

Watch this story at LNN.news

This story is sponsored by Home2 Suites by Hilton and Durango Motor Company.

Madison Smith moved back to San Juan County after nine years and found a community short on resources for young families. She opened Piper's Play Cafe in Aztec, a sensory-inclusive indoor toddler play space offering free-range exploration for kids and a rare moment of rest for parents. The cafe includes a slide structure, dramatic play areas, a pretend kitchen and market, free snacks, free drinks and coffee, a free little library and an outdoor clothing donation bin. Smith built it for the parents as much as the kids, particularly those without a support network nearby.

By Tanner Waite

Watch this story at LNN.news

This story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

A San Juan County program called UmattR is putting high school seniors in front of younger kids, not with lectures, but with their own stories. The program gives $1,000 scholarships to selected seniors who then spend the year visiting elementary and middle schools across the county. This cycle drew more than 300 applicants; 24 made the cut. Together they log about 650 service hours. The younger kids do not forget them. At community events around the county, elementary students bring trading cards featuring the seniors and stop them with questions about hard situations they are facing. The program accepts donations and sponsorships at umattr.com.

By Tanner Waite

Watch this story at LNN.news.

This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ.