New Blue Book no longer free

SANTA FE (KRQE) - While the state’s new Blue Book avoids the controversies of the past, a change in its availability may provoke new protests.

“(We’re selling them for) $10.95, which is simply the cost to produce them,” said Secretary of State Dianna Duran. “I think that it’s not necessarily a cost that the taxpayer should incur – the entire cost.”

Previously, Blue Books were free for the asking. But with the state budget strained by the lagging economy, those days are over, Duran said. By law, certain individuals and entities – like libraries – must receive copies. Everyone else will have to pay, she said.

The Blue Book is a New Mexico reference guide of sorts. It’s been published every two years since 1913 – the year after New Mexico achieved statehood. It contains everything you’d want to know about New Mexico, including current lawmakers, state population and famous tourist meccas.

But in addition to the cost, this year’s Blue Book contains other differences. For example, because this is the 100th anniversary of statehood, the book is longer than before because it is filled with 100 years of New Mexico history.

“It’s kind of a signature for the state of New Mexico,” Duran said.

Recent Blue Books have been controversial.

Former Secretary of State Mary Herrera included a three-page spread of her family photos at the beginning of the 2007-2008 Blue Book. Pictures of her deputy secretary of state’s family graced the pages at the end of that book.

The state published more than 15,000 copies of that book at a cost to taxpayers of about $70,000.

Then Herrera had to rush to print the 2009-2010 Blue Book, which was published late. Some lawmakers criticized that book as wasteful spending because just days after it was finally printed, many elected officials – including Herrera – left office.

The state printed 5,000 copies of that book at a cost of about $44,000.

This year, however, Duran is printing only 1,000 copies of the centennial Blue Book at a cost of about $11,000, she said.

The book also will be available online the secretary of state’s Website.