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Roseburg Public Library AmeriCorps member reports program gains; library outperformed peers in several metrics
Summary
AmeriCorps member Christian Sala told the council the library saw a 33% rise in physical circulation, 12% growth in digital circulation, 1,289 volunteer hours and strong program attendance, and outlined digital literacy and technology‑plan work informing the library's five‑year strategic plan.
Christian Sala, an AmeriCorps RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) member assigned to the Roseburg Public Library, presented outcomes from his year of service and a use assessment that will inform the library’s five‑year strategic plan.
Chris Wiley, the library director, introduced Sala and said the library benefited from grant support including the Ford Family Foundation and University of Oregon programs that helped fund the AmeriCorps placement. Sala summarized the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop he led: "I taught 4 basic classes" (Android, iOS, computer and video conferencing) totaling 16 classes and 52 participants, and added a twice‑monthly 20‑minute one‑on‑one tech help session because patrons valued individualized assistance.
Sala said the library "did much better than the state average" when comparing fiscal‑year data to peer libraries: he reported physical collection circulation grew by 33%, digital circulation by 12%, and total cardholders increased by about 38% (noting these were COVID years). He also reported 1,289 volunteer hours shared by 15 volunteers and program attendance growth, and described a library technology plan required by the State Library of Oregon.
Councilmembers thanked Sala and the library for the work; Sala said he will pursue an MBA at the University of Oregon and continue in nonprofit finance and philanthropy.
