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Library finalists make presentations
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The four finalists vying for the job of director of La Grande’s Cook Memorial Library appeared before the city council, the library director search team and members of the public last night, talking about their vision for the facility.
The council and search team have been looking for a new director since August, when the current director, Jo Cowling, announced she is retiring at the end of the year. This month the field was narrowed to the four finalists, including Ken Watson of La Grande, Hollis Helmeci of El Dorado, Kansas., Terri Washburn of Chewelah, Wash., and Geraldine De Rooy of Vancouver, Wash. Last night, in the Colleen Johnson Community Room at the library, each had a chance to talk about their ideas for La Grande’s library, which serves not only the city but also residents in outlying areas.
 Ken Watson “Engagement leads to ownership and that’s where we need to go,” he said. Watson said the library director needs to communicate effectively with the city manager and council, library staff and the public. Throughout his talk, he stressed the importance of technology, saying it should be used to enhance communication with the public. “I’d start that with a more robust web presence,” he said. He said an enhanced web page would include links to agencies like the Small Business Administration, and other features. “It’s feeding information out through computers to people when and where they need it,” he said.
 Hollis Helmeci A long-time resident of La Grande, Watson said he wants to help improve a library system that already is a good one. “I’ve watched it grow, change and improve,” he said. “My goal is to keep that engagement going.” Helmeci, currently the director of the Bradford Memorial Library in El Dorado, said her vision for Cook Memorial Library includes winning the Best Small Library in America award offered by the Gates Foundation.  Terri Washburn She said the library director’s role is to work with staff and patrons to create innovative services and programs, provide greater access to technology, and educate the public. She added that outreach to other area libraries is vital. “Sharing these successes with other libraries is key to being the Best Small Library,” she said. Washburn, the current manager of the Chewelah library, said libraries play a variety of important roles in the community. Those range from providing disadvantaged people with access to the Internet, to workforce development, after-school and youth activities, and more. “Libraries bring direct value to the quality of life,” Washburn said. She said that in addition to traditional services, a library is a safe harbor and meeting place, and a civic and economic anchor. “This new, attractive library can serve as an anchor, a place to see and be seen. It’s a highlight for locals and visitors alike,” she said, referring directly to La Grande’s library.  Geraldine De Rooy “In my career, I’ve gone out and invited people to come in, just to let people know what’s going on in the library,” she said. She also said she believes it is important to team with groups and organizations who can help the library grow. “It works to find partners in the community,” she said. “I don’t know who they are yet, but I’d find out.” Each candidate spoke for a timed 15 minutes, and each faced a question and answer session following their presentations. Today, the search team was to interview the finalists and narrow the field to three. City Manager Robert Strope will then make a final hiring decision. |
