Constant seeker of knowledge. Writer. Masters Degree in Nursing, Member on Scholarship Committee and Board member for a Nonprofit. Former volunteer at Florence Senior Center.

I value the importance of having and keeping our Siuslaw library open to the rural community it serves. It's important to have books available to all in our society, including those who may not have computer access. The library can be a center for meetings, provide numerous community offerings, a place to focus on local artists and writers, a quiet and calming environment, a way to introduce our youth to the power of reading (examples-knowledge and expanding ones horizons, and last but not least a place of connection.

One of the biggest challenges facing public libraries would be funding. We need to look at every possible option to keep our library open. Some of these options might be state and federal funding, private donations, and public fundraising events for example. Another challenge, given the digital age, is adapting to technology and maintaining digital collections.

When I moved to Florence 20 years ago, one of the first things I did was obtain my library card. I have been an enthusiastic user of libraries since my youth. I appreciate the depth and breadth of the printed and audio/visual materials available at our library. As a graduate student in the 1990's, I utilized libraries extensively for research for papers and my thesis. In addition to experience as a library user, I have extensive experience working with non-profit organizations. This includes budgeting, program planning and implementation, personnel management, and working with volunteers. Retired from my paid employment, I currently volunteer at the library as well as volunteering in the community at the Siuslaw Outreach Services.

I see libraries as places where both information and entertainment are available. They encourage people to broaden their understanding of the world around them, as well as providing the great escape that comes with reading. I think libraries should continue to aid persons of all ages to expand their skills and knowledge through programs such as children and family reading times, computer and Internet access for those who do not have such access at home, and providing space for workshops and non-partisan gatherings that further communication and conversations about topics of interest and knowledge for the community.

One of the greatest challenges to libraries today is the proliferation of social media and the associated use of sound bites, memes and one-liners to address topics and information. Libraries are places where one can investigate more deeply than a brief paragraph on social media can provide. The answer to this is multi-faceted and I don't have the answers. However, programs which bring people, especially young people, into the library and expose them to the resources available are a start. I am impressed with how our library is providing such programs already. Utilization of social media, which our library also already does, introduces persons to opportunities available, whether in reading material or resource materials.

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50 years of experience in education including as a faculty and administrator both in USA and abroad; taught in high school, college and university levels, managing budgets in millions, supervised support staff, taught at LCC and University of Oregon; lived in Eugene, Portland and now Florence. Absolutely dedicated to mission of libraries as an education center. I have also written large grants to fund educational programs.

Currently libraries are like community centers, not just centered on the critical mission to select and offer printed resources to all the types of citizens it serves, but also to offer tech resources, book sales, rooms for lectures, lunches for kids and an art gallery for local artists. Diversity of resources is key.

As a board member I would fight any attempt to ban books which is happening right now across the country; funding sources must be protected and allocated with a lens to the future; current staff must be protected from the prospect of layoffs, and the infrastructure itself must be kept to codes. My own experience working collaboratively with other directors and members of boards will contribute to effective problem solving and dialogue. I can listen to all perspectives and find value in collective approaches; I value community outreach and input. Local community members have solutions.

My husband and I started our own business 16 years ago of which I am currently CFO. I am a firm believer in fiscal responsibility which includes advocating for strong funding and responsible budgeting. I am also a Board Member of FRAA, Florence's Regional Art Alliance Gallery, and I understand the importance of community spaces that inspire creativity, life-long learning & connection.

Libraries are the heart of a community, offering services to all ages with community access to knowledge and that all-important lifelong learning. Libraries are more than just books, they are vital resources & meeting places for education, technology access & cultural enrichment.

I see fiscal responsibility as being one of the biggest challenges in today's world. The balance between providing what a community needs, desires and wishes for and what can be afforded can be a fine-balancing act. This involves not only strategic planning & forecasting but strong advocacy for responsible budgeting while building & maintaining strong community partnerships that can help to strengthen the library's outreach.