Merrily Pierson
On Saturday, Aug. 13, Mayor Javier Gonzales will officially name the date Video Library Day in Santa Fe. It's quite an honor for the local movie rental joint and its owner Lisa Harris. We've always loved the Vid-Lib (839 Paseo de Peralta, 983-3321) for its personlized service, outstanding selection and for carving a niche in our community the likes of which has yet to ever be approached by the bigger guys. We caught up with Harris to congratulate her on this prestigious honor.
First of all, congrats! How do you feel?
It's pretty astounding, considering ... This has been my entire adult life; I unlocked the doors when I was 21. To go from being the first video rental place in the state to one of the last—I think there's still one in Taos—but we're now going to be the only place in town.
Did you ever think you'd make it to 35?
Nope. If you had told me when I was in my 20s that I'd be here this long, I'd have said you were out of your mind. And y'know, I feel very lucky, because I love talking movies and I love talking to people. With age comes great wisdom (author's note: Harris laughs really hard here), and I do realize how lucky we've been to have created this special little bubble inside the little bubble that's Santa Fe.
Totally. So what's up with the next 35 years?
We'll be hanging in there, I hope. Y'know, as long as they keep putting out a tangible product, we'll be hanging in there. I'll tell you, the best professional advice I can give is that if something suceeds someplace else, it'll probably fail if you try it in Santa Fe, and if something fails someplace else, it'll probably work in Santa Fe. Thanks to Santa Fe and for everyone who has come in for the last 35 years, and we know how lucky we are. Oh! And Honey Harris will be here on Friday [August 12] to do a broadcast remote and to help us celebrate the big day (author's note: tune in to 98.1 on Friday morning).
