Special districts in Oregon are formed to provide specific local government needs. They are created by a vote of the people in the local area being served. Examples include people’s utility districts, library districts, water districts, fire protection districts, and more. They are governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for management and financial accountability. Special districts are empowered to levy any necessary taxes and fees to fulfill their mandate. Board members are not paid but may receive a per diem reimbursement.Library districts provide access to educational and informational resources and programs. The board is responsible for budgeting and personnel administration.Qualifications: Candidate must be a registered voter in the district. ORS 451.410Term: 4 years
I taught students in elementary and middle school for 33 years. I taught my classes the enjoyment and information available in libraries.
When my husband and I moved to Port Orford in 2006 we used the Port Orford Public Library as a source of internet availability as well as for recreational and informational reading material. I became involved in volunteering and received extensive training from the director and her assistant.
When the new POPL was opened I was approached to become a member of the new Foundation Board.
I was elected to the District Library Board in 2011 and have held Position 2 ever since.
I was an elected member of the Port Orford/Langlois School District Board 2013-2023.
I am a member of the Friends of the Library.
Port Orford Public Library is an evolving, ever-changing entity. The mission of POPL is"to provide our patrons with educational, informational, and recreational materials in a variety of formats." The library is responsive to community needs in providing books, magazines, DVDs, books on CDs, and availability of computers, rooms to meet, a Unique Botique, and Story the cat!
The library is a meeting place for people, a place to sit in an easy chair and read, a place to come for answers to questions, and concerns. It informs on- line, cooperates with the public schools, and provides a place for children to play in the patio.It is not afraid of the future but proactively prepares for changes in a positive manner. It is our strength.
Our Port Orford Public Library faces challenges by being open to the public. Every Board member has a "packet" before each meeting that includes plans, financial reporting, and some material to be studied before the meeting.These meetings can be attended by anyone and the information available to any patron. and the meetings are ADA accessible.
Our director has an open-door policy and is available to answer questions and concerns.
The genious decision to become our own District has paid off in protecting our assets. POPL will be in control of its own funds, being a Special District.
Our policy book includes forehanded solutions to problems
More money would allow for more paid personnel but volunteers are valued and trained in the meantime
Town Where You Live
Port Orford
Your Experience/Qualifications
Library volunteer; past-president, Friends of Port Orford Public Library; librarian, Minneapolis Public Library
County
Curry
Term
Four years
Term Expires
2029
I have been a desk volunteer at Port Orford Public Library and a member of the Friends of the Library, which I served as president in 2014 and 2015. I chaired the bookselling committee for four years, helping the Friends raise thousands of dollars a year for the library through selling donated books. I studied Library Science and worked for three years as a substitute Librarian in the Minneapolis Public Library system. I understand librarianship from both sides of the desk, as patron and professional. My later career was in writing and editing for a wide variety of general interest and professional publications. I have substantial communications skills.
Especially for small-town and rural communities, such as Port Orford, the library is an important cultural resource. It is important that the library be a reliable local go-to for information, entertainment, technical assistance, and more. In many instances, there is no other institution with the ability to do that. Libraries should be conservators of traditional methods of access to knowledge -- books and other print materials -- but also expert guides to navigating an increasingly complex online world. The library must support freedom of speech and access to services for all members of the community. Because a single library can do only so much on its own, the successful library will be collaborative, creative, and open to new ideas.
Funding for services and operations will be the top challenge for libraries in coming years, given the economic forecast. Library boards must scrutinize their budgets carefully to make the most of income from taxes, donations, and grants. Competition for smaller and smaller pots of available money will increase. New and creative solutions will be needed, and likely further reliance on volunteer contributions. I would be proactive in a search for supplemental income from many sources, and I would reach out to the community for ideas and assistance. Challenges also will come from those who want to restrict information and services. I will support strong policies to counteract such attacks on the library's role to provide free and open access.
