Hello! My name is Maureen Cole and I am the new Library Director for Oregon City Public Library. I am so happy and excited to be here. The Library has not had an in-house, professional library director for a few years. The new library district, which passed last November and began this July, provides the revenue the Library needs for operating funds, including expanded hours, and yes, hiring a fulltime, in-house director. I am so honored to fill that position.

Let me tell you a little about myself. I just moved up from Eugene where my family has lived for the last 14 years. Most recently, I worked at the Eugene Public Library; prior to that I worked at Northwest Christian University Kellenberger Library. Prior to Eugene, we lived in Naples, Florida and I worked at the Collier County Public Library. I completed my Masters degree in nearby Fort Myers, Florida at a branch of the University of South Florida, but I started work on the degree in Colorado, which is where I am originally from. My husband has worked for the City of Portland as an urban planner for several years, another reason I am thrilled to have a job in Oregon City! I have two fantastic sons, Sam and David; Sam is a senior at the UO and David just started at Occidental College in L.A. The day after he arrived on campus, the massive Station Fire started, which was visible from the college grounds: welcome to L.A., David!

The two Library managers, Debbie Dodd and Lynda Ackerson, have done a great job of running the Library with Scott Archer, Oregon City Community Services Director. On July 1, with the start of the new fiscal year and the launch of the library district, the Library expanded to 50 hours. Debbie, Lynda, and I are working on other ways to increase service to our community. Look for WiFi access coming soon! And yes, we will be investigating the possibility of a new building or location!

I’ll try to write and post a little something every month to keep you updated on what is going on at the Library. Please feel free to send me your ideas and suggestions. If you see me in the Library, don’t hesitate to say hi or introduce yourself.