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Library reports citizenship-class pass rates, new ESL sessions, 'library of things' additions and programming on book banning
Summary
Library staff reported that recent citizenship-class attendees all passed, launched ESL conversation classes with strong turnout, added circulating items (Blu‑ray player, label maker, kitchen scale) and announced community workshops and a theater project on book banning; new logo rollout is underway.
Library staff told the Library Advisory Board that several recent and upcoming programs have seen strong community interest and completion rates.
Marissa reported that every person who attended the library’s recent citizenship classes passed their naturalization tests. She also said new ESL conversation classes now run Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with turnout higher than staff expected; the classes are led by a partner organization and were publicized to workplaces, churches and other community groups.
The library has added small “library of things” items to its circulating collection, purchased with collection funds in response to survey requests. New items available for checkout include a portable Blu‑ray/DVD player, a label maker and a digital kitchen scale. Checkout terms are two weeks for most items; the rock polisher loan is 28 days. Staff noted these items require more cataloging and occasional part replacement.
Staff also announced a phased rollout of a new system‑wide logo developed with Sorkin Creative; the website updated on Jan. 2 and new brochures, swag and library cards (expected by September) will follow.
Marissa described an outreach partnership with a Portland‑area nonprofit theater company that will hold two community workshops at the library to gather input on book banning and censorship and build a performance based on local interviews and workshops. Workshops are expected in late February or early March with performances running through May; the library will receive tickets and host a post‑show celebration. The initiative was framed as seeking input from both sides of the debate.
The Friends of the Library annual meeting is scheduled and board membership has been renewed: Jennifer Thomas, Richard Barbielski, Megan Waterman and Annabelle Nordahl were named as new Friends board members. The Friends continue to operate an off‑site book sale arrangement with a used‑book business that handles sales and remits proceeds to the Friends.
The board discussed community‑read planning: the library’s chosen title will be Remarkably by Charlotte Camp (contract signed) with events and author appearances planned in March–April; the author will appear virtually or in person in April. Staff also said they are applying for a grant to support the following community program year.
