Umatilla library advisory committee prioritizes Spanish outreach and replacing retiring outreach specialist

The Umatilla Library Advisory Committee heard the library’s 2026–27 service plan at its July 15 meeting, with staff highlighting Spanish‑language outreach and staffing changes that will shape programming next year.

Library staff said the two main goals for the year are “to continue our Spanish outreach efforts” and to hire a bilingual full‑time staff member to succeed Kelly when she retires. "She's been here for 38 years, has done amazing things," the staff member said of Kelly, who is scheduled to leave at the end of August.

The plan calls for creating two recurring programs for Spanish speakers and strengthening partnerships with Head Start, the migrant education program and a local mother support group to broaden outreach. Staff told the committee they already run pop‑up libraries in Plymouth and deliver materials and services to Lifeways; they plan to expand story times in the park and collaborate with Head Start centers.

Jonathan Egan, introduced at the meeting as "the new human resources director for the city of Umatilla," said he will be overseeing library operations as part of his duties and is attending to learn how the advisory committee can be supported.

Committee members asked practical questions including whether the library will reopen online card registration; staff said the library had offered online sign‑up during COVID but encountered verification problems when patrons did not bring required proofs of address and ID. Staff said they will look into re‑enabling online registration, possibly using the new website to accept scanned documents.

There was no formal committee vote on the service plan during the meeting; routine housekeeping items (agenda and minutes) were approved earlier by voice vote. The committee moved on to other agenda items and adjourned.