Video Library, a longtime video-rental store in Santa Fe, first opened its doors Aug. 9, 1981, to Santa Feans, and has since become a cultural staple of the town.

Video Library owner Lisa Harris was 21 when she opened the business and had no idea that it would still be standing strong 29 years later. Take that, Netflix.

"We definitely skew left than center," Harris said. "We really specialize in off the wall (movies)."

The store's collection is interesting and eclectic, as well as its staff (whom are dubbed "librarians").

"I feel like I adopt them," Harris said when speaking about her employees. "Or at least (I'm) a den mother." The librarians know a lot about film and are oftentimes film students.

Video Library offers lots of foreign films, documentaries, cult classics, films based on operas, classic films, movies made in New Mexico and films about gays and lesbians. The store also has an international film section bigger than any place in town. All of these along with mainstream films, of course. The store still offers videotapes, which most places have rapidly kicked to the curb.

"There are amazing titles that have only come out on videotapes," Harris said. "I can't bring myself to get rid of them."

"And they don't skip," a nearby librarian chimed in.

But despite the monster collection of films that one can hardly believe fits into such a compact store, the real reason Video Library has lasted so long is because of the social interaction of renting and experiencing film.

"Customers just like to hang out at the counter and meet people," Harris said. Harris also believes that it is the uniqueness of Santa Fe locals and their strong belief in buying local that has kept them above water.

"Customers think that, too," said renter Claire Ayrud, who has been going to Video Library since she moved to Santa Fe eight years ago. "I also like to come and see your face," she said to Harris.

Through her work, Harris has formed a family and connected many friends.

"So many people grew up here," Harris said of her customers. "You find factions of people who would not have a chance to ever hang out ... Their paths cross here."

Jahla Seppanen is a 2010 graduate of Monte del Sol. You can reach her at jnm747@hotmail.