May 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.9) – Happenings

Oregon Young Adults Network (OYAN) Hybrid Spring Membership Meeting

Friday May 3rd, 10:00am-2:00pm

The letters O, Y, A, and N appear in alternating shades of blue. Underneath, the words "oregon young adult network" are also in blue.

It is time for our Spring Membership meeting this Friday. Please come for all or part of it if you can, and we’ll discuss the conference, summer reading, the Mock Printz, and what OYAN looks like next year.

You can find the agenda by visiting this link. We will post the zoom link later this week, please check the OYAN listserv or email Mark Richardson.

Please contact Mark if you have questions or would like to host one of our pod locations. Some of us will meet in person at Beaverton, Creswell and either Albany or Salem.

~Mark Richardson

May 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.9) – Association News

Oregon Library Association Presents 2024 Awards at Annual Conference

On April 26, 2024, the Oregon Library Association (OLA) presented the following awards to individuals or organizations in recognition of their work in support of libraries in Oregon. OLA congratulates award recipients and is pleased to honor them for their commitment, support, and promotion of Oregon libraries. 

Librarian of the Year: Emily O’Neal. Emily serves as the Chair of OLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Technical Services Round Table, and as the Technical Services Manager at Deschutes Public Library. She was recognized for her outstanding service and dedicated support of Oregon libraries faced with book challenges, her generosity in sharing her expertise with Oregon library staff, her skillful representation of OLA in media interviews, and her tireless advocacy for intellectual freedom. 

Library Employee of the Year: Robin Dawson. Robin was recognized for her excellent service and outstanding dedication, reliability, and innovation in her role as circulation supervisor for the Gladstone & Oak Lodge Libraries.

OLA Library Supporter of the Year Award: Friends of Driftwood Library. This group was recognized for their support, enthusiasm, and fierce advocacy for the Driftwood Library and the Lincoln City community. 

OLA Library Supporter of the Year Award: Deborah Johns. Deb was recognized for her long and dedicated service to the Athena Library Friends Association and the Athena Public Library board. 

OLA EDI Antiracism Recognition Award: Roxanne Renteria and LaRee Dominguez. Roxanne and LaRee serve as co-chairs of the OLA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Committee. They were recognized for their commitment, courage, empathy and action in antiracism work. 

OLA Honorary Lifetime Membership: MaryKay Dahlgreen. MaryKay was recognized for her dedicated work, boundless energy, extensive expertise, and fearless leadership that has made a lasting  impact on OLA and the greater Oregon library landscape. She served as the State Librarian of Oregon from 2012-2018 and recently retired from her position as director of the Lincoln County Library District.  

OLA Past President Recognition: Star Khan. Star was recognized for her outstanding service and leadership as OLA Vice-President, President, and Past President from 2022-2024. 

OLA President’s Award: Liisa Sjoblom. Liisa was recognized by the OLA President Ericka Brunson-Rochette for her ongoing efforts to support opportunities for people to connect, future leaders to grow, and libraries to thrive.

OLA President’s Accomplice Award: Darci Hanning. Darci was recognized by OLA President Ericka Brunson-Rochette for being a true accomplice to her BIPOC colleagues through her work, words, and actions.

OLA Legislator of the Year Award: Senator Lew Fredrick and Representative Pam Marsh. Sen. Frederick and Rep. Marsh were recognized by the OLA Legislative Committee for their support of libraries in the Oregon State Legislature.

OLA Intellectual Freedom Champion of the Year Award: Miranda Doyle and Darin Stewart. Miranda and Darin were recognized for their outstanding efforts in promoting the principles of intellectual freedom in Oregon. 

The Oregon Library Association logo. The state of Oregon features in white relief over the simple green spines of several books, with the letters OLA in green on top. The words "Oregon library association" are printed to the left of the graphic.

The Oregon Library Association provides advocacy, education, leadership and collaboration to continually strengthen Oregon’s libraries and the communities they serve. Approximately 1,000 librarians, library employees, and library supporters are part of the association.  

May 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.9) – Association News

Congratulations to the 2024 Oregon Reader’s Choice Winners!

A light gray rectangle box that displays the covers of the Oregon reader's choice awards winning titles for 2024. Text at the top reads: "Congratulations to the 2024 ORCA winners!" and the ORCA logo is positioned next to it. The three titles are: The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm that won the third through fifth grade division. The cover of this book features an illustration of an astronaut on a red planet. Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston won the sixth through eighth grade division. The cover of this book features a a Black youth with curly, afro hair circling their head and swirls of blue surrounding them. Finally, Incredible Doom Volume one by Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden won the ninth through twelfth grade division. The cover features a dimly lit illustration of someon riding a bicycle down a street with houses at sunset, and darkness seeming to close in around that.

You can find a sharable PDF version of the winners here.

The ORCA Committee is also excited to announce the 2025 nominees in all three grade level divisions.

ORCA 2025 Nominees for Grades 3-5

  • A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser
  • Freddie vs. the Family Curse by Tracy Badua
  • Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
  • The Last Hope in Hopetown by Maria Tureaud
  • Miss Quinces by Kat Farjardo
  • The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
  • The Real Riley Mayes by Rachel Elliot
  • A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

ORCA 2025 Nominees for Grades 6-8

  • Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King
  • Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants by Monique Gray Smith
  • The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
  • Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case
  • Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed
  • The Patron Thief of Bread by Lindsay Eagar
  • Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
  • Tales of a Seventh Grade Lizard Boy by Jonathan Hill

ORCA 2025 Nominees for Grades 9-12

  • The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
  • All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
  • The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
  • Squire by Nadia Shammas
  • We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
  • The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
  • Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds
  • Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith

Thank you for supporting the Oregon Reader’s Choice Award! Please follow us at @orca.award on Instagram. Questions, or interested in joining next year’s committee as a reader? Find information on the ORCA site or please reach out to the ORCA Committee.

Image reads: "Oregon Reader's Choice Awards ORCA." An abstract blue wave leads to an orca whale, which frames the "O" in "ORCA."

May 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.9) – Association News

Treasury Report

In an effort to improve communication and transparency for members, the OLA Board has asked that the OLA Treasurer provide regular updates on the finances of OLA. This is just a summary. If you want more specifics, you can view them on the OLA website.

As of March 31st, our checking account balance was $277,891.39 and our total assets were $1,268,348.92 (The total assets include our investment accounts, as well as those controlled by our divisions.)

Our current investments have increased in value as of September 1st, and we expect that to fluctuate over time. Our current Connect Wealth investments (short- to long-term growth account) has increased about 7.9% since September to $165,830.76. Our Donivan investments (long-term growth) has increased about 9.3% to $374,262.26.

Detailed financials can be found on the OLA website (have to be logged in to view).

~Stuart Levy, OLA Treasurer 2024-25

April 15, 2024 (Vol.32, No.8) – Happenings

Oregon Young Adults Network (OYAN) Raffle is Live!

The online sales for the OYAN Raffle are now live! Grab yours before April 23. See that link for a list of fabulous prizes, including (but not limited to) a ticket voucher for the Oregon Symphony, tickets to OMSI, and so much more. You can grab one ticket for $5 or five tickets for $20.

The online sales will run for two weeks, closing on Tuesday, April 23rd. If you’d rather purchase tickets in person, OYAN will have live sales at the OLA Conference from Wednesday, April 24th – Friday afternoon, April 26th.  Winners will be announced at lunch on Friday, April 26th at the OLA Conference, but you do not need to be in attendance to win!

April 15, 2024 (Vol.32, No.8) – Conference

The OLA Conference is Almost Here

A multicolored background with stripes on the left, where a volkswagon-style van with daisies on the front and two anthropomorphic books inside drive towards the viewer. The text to the right of this graphic reads "ALL TOGETHER NOW, Oregon Library Association 2024 Conference"

Arriving on Wednesday for the Conference? So much to see and do!

If you’re arriving on Wednesday for the conference, there’s plenty to check out that day! We encourage you to participate in a library (our four!), meet up with your public library or academic library colleagues, attend the author and presenter/performer fairs, and enjoy both the art/social and quiet/low-sensory spaces! 

Wednesday Opportunities:

Salem Library Crawl

If you’re in Salem on Wednesday, April 24th, for the OLA conference, we invite you to participate in the Salem Library Crawl. It’s free, no registration is needed, and you can choose the times that work for you. 

 Two tour times will be offered at four libraries in Salem: 

  • Oregon State Archives (starts at 1:00p and 3:00p)
  • State of Oregon Law Library (starts at 1:30p and 3:45p)
  • State Library of Oregon (starts at 2:30p and 3:45p)
  • Salem Public Library (starts at 4:00p and 5:00p)

Tours meet at the libraries (transportation on your own) and will be capped at 20 participants on a first come first served basis. Details can be found on the Programs web page of the conference website, and then search for “crawl”. Questions? Email michele.burke@chemeketa.edu in advance, or call 503-559-5518 Wednesday afternoon. 

Public Library Division Social Gathering

4:00 – 6:00p, Salem Public Library | 585 Liberty St. SE 

This will be an opportunity to meet your public library colleagues from around the state and chat with each other in the beautifully remodeled Salem Public Library. Light snacks will be provided with the $5 registration or $5 tickets can be purchased at the door.

ACRL Reception – AKA Hanging Out with Library Friends

5:00 – 7:00p, Taproot Lounge and Cafe | 356 State St.

Join ACRL members for food, conversation, and no-host bar at the Taproot Lounge, just a short walk from the Salem Convention Center.

Also happening on Wednesday at the Salem Convention Center: 

Author Fair

1:30p – 4:30p, Willamette Ballroom A & D

Meet Oregon authors writing for kids, teens, and adults! Authors and illustrators from across the state will be featured in this open house, author-fair style program that gives you a chance to talk directly with authors and learn more about what is happening locally with the authors in your own backyard.

Presenter & Performer Fair

1:30p – 4:30p, Willamette Ballroom B & C

Meet amazing performers and presenters from around the state! This fair features people from the Oregon Cultural Keepers Roster and the Oregon Library Presenters Directory, representing a variety of audience ages and program types. This is not a performance time, but rather a chance to speak with presenters about the programs they offer and the programs you’d like to book at your library!

The Art/Social Space (Croisan C) and the Sensory/Quiet Space (Croisan A)

12:00 – 4:30p (and throughout the conference)

 Enjoy hands-on, self-directed activities and conversation in this dedicated creative and social space for the duration of the conference in Croisan C.

Escape the stimulation and bustle of the conference in Croisan A where you can make yourself comfortable for a few minutes or an afternoon. Please utilize headphones for any media and keep screen brightnesses minimal while relaxing. 

Enjoy your time in Salem on Wednesday!

April 15, 2024 (Vol.32, No.8) – Conference

OLA Board Feedback Session at OLA Conference

The Oregon Library Association (OLA) Board invites you to join them for a feedback session, where participants can share their thoughts, ask questions, and workshop the future of the OLA. The session will be on Friday, April 26th from 8:45-10:00 am in Satiam 3.

A graphic with a navy blue background and yellow accents. The yellow speech bubble has the following text: "OLA FEEDBACK SESSION. SHARE THOUGHTS, ASK QUESTIONS, & WORKSHOP THE FUTURE OF THE OREGON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH 8:45-10A, SANTIAM 3. THERE IS NO PRESENTATION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SESSION." The speech bubble is coming out of a simple graphic of a yellow megaphone. In white text at the bottom right hand corner of the image text reads: "Thank you for being an integral part of our library community"

April 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.7) – Conference

Final Deadline! Register for the OLA Conference by April 12

A multicolored background with stripes on the left, where a volkswagon-style van with daisies on the front and two anthropomorphic books inside drive towards the viewer. The text to the right of this graphic reads "ALL TOGETHER NOW, Oregon Library Association 2024 Conference"

Final Registration Deadline is approaching! Friday, April 12  (just two weeks away!) is your last chance to register online, so the time to register is now! https://oregonlibconference.org/2024/home/registration/

We want you to join your colleagues in lovely Salem, Oregon for four days of workshops, presentations, and networking! The conference theme is All Together Now, and we are looking to celebrate all the ways that libraries collaborate through partnerships, resource and information sharing, how libraries are welcoming spaces, and more!

A preview of the registration costs (for ALL the options!) is available in this PDF document.

Keynote Address: Bryce Kozla, Thursday morning

Title: Fostering supportive workplaces in overwhelming times

Conferences are great places to get together and share ideas. But back at the library, everyday hassles, escalated patron interactions, and “the new normal” can  leave everyone frustrated and burned out. Isn’t it tough not to roll your eyes at the word “empathy” anymore? How can we empower ourselves and our teams to save ourselves from certain ambivalence? Bryce doesn’t have all the answers, but with a particular set of skills, we may just be able to find our way back to inspiration.

Bryce Kozla, Keynote Speaker

Saturday’s Featured Author: Jonathon Hill

Title: All Together Now: The Power of Encouragement

Bring the fun and learning of the conference together with Portland-based cartoonist, illustrator, and educator Jonathan Hill. Jonathan has been working in and teaching about comics and illustration for many years. His most recent publications are the graphic novels Odessa, winner of the 2021 Believer Book Award, and Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy, featured on the 2022 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List and recently announced as a 2024-2025 middle grade selection for the Oregon Battle of the Books.

Jonathan will reflect on his first-hand experience as a Vietnamese American growing up in the 80s and how thousands of tiny encouraging nudges added up to the career and life he has today.

A black and white portrait image of author Jonathon Hill who is smiling while wearing glasses and a polka-dotted button up shirt.
Jonathan Hill, Featured Author

Additional highlights of the conference include:

  • Opportunities for “Dine-Around Town” for dinner
  • Quiet / Low-sensory Space (throughout the conference)
  • Social / Arts & Crafts Space (throughout the conference)
  • Author Fair and Presenters & Performer Fair happening on Wednesday afternoon
  • Game Night (Thursday)
  • On your own Salem Art Walk

Check out the full conference schedule: https://oregonlibconference.org/2024/home/programs/. This fully interactive page will let you filter by day and/or by topic – and there are plenty of topics for all kinds of library workers!

Stay up to date by visiting the conference website. Questions? You can contact committee members as needed! 

~On behalf of the Conference Planning Committee, Darci Hanning

April 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.7) – Conference

Public Library Social Gathering at the OLA Conference

Public Library staff and friends join the Public Library Division for a social gathering at the OLA conference at Salem Public Library from 4-6pm on Wednesday 24, 2024. $5 with your conference registration, or $5 payable at the door (cash or card). Light appetizers and soda or juice will be provided by PLD. All are welcome for this social gathering, even if you cannot attend the regular conference.

Need more information? Send any questions via email to the Public Library Division.

~Megan Dazey, Oregon Library Association Public Library Division Chair 2023-2024

April 1, 2024 (Vol.32, No.7) – Conference

Call for Volunteers at the OLA Conference

To anyone registered for the 2024 Oregon Library Association annual conference: Can you lend a hand?

Our Conference Committee has been working hard to plan an amazing four days of learning, networking, and sharing our enthusiasm for libraries. We do have a question for you. Could you spare a few minutes or maybe a few hours to support your volunteer conference committee with some boots-on-the-ground volunteer help during the conference itself?

The Oregon Library Association Conference 2024 Logo. Two cheerful anthropomorphic books appear in the front windows of a van, which has painted flowers on the front. The text "All Together Now" appears above the van, and the words "Oregon Library Association, 2024 Conference" appear below. The background shows five colorful lines that look somewhat like a road.

We don’t need much from each volunteer, but we do need help with some tasks (full descriptions are embedded in our Volunteer Sign Up form) including:

  • Registration Desk Help
  • Session Room Helpers
  • Morning Greeters
  • Saturday Buffet Ticket Takers
  • Dine-Around Table Hosts

Please take a look and help if you can!
Questions? Reach out to OLA Conference Chair Sonja Somerville