PEOPLE MAKING YOUR LIBRARY WORK

Sharon Jones

Checking out books is one way to get value from your library card, but Sharon doesn’t go a single day without the help of her library. “I listen to audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla daily. I can’t think of a library service that I haven’t used,” she says. From resume-building workshops and nonprofit databases, to meeting room reservations and checking out audiobooks on CD, Sharon credits the library with having saved her thousands of dollars—and that’s just the start. This spring she met with AARP Foundation Tax-Aid specialists through the library. “Normally I do my own taxes, but thought I’d check out the free tax service. They ended up saving me money on my Federal taxes.” To many in our community the library is a refuge, a place of comfort that provides access to services and materials that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible. “I have always been treated with kindness and respect. I just love what our local library represents and I share my experience with anyone who will listen.”

COVER ARTIST

Carolynn Smith

Carolynn has a knack for upcycling materials and adding her creative touch to blank surfaces. During COVID, she began decorating brown paper bags used for meal delivery at her independent living residence. That same talent translated onto the cover of this guide. “I wanted to do something that shows books, authors, and my favorite color—pink,” said Carolynn. She has always shown an interest in art and education, having taught third grade for 15 years. “Every day after recess the students had 30 minutes to rest, color, or listen to a story. Nearly every child chose to hear me read aloud classics like . I understood the value of reading and comprehension at that age.” Carolynn now hosts art classes at her residence and attends a library-lead book club. “Libraries are free, convenient, and offer more than I have time to participate in. You can get lost in history, a romance novel, or read an up-and-coming author.”

STAFF

Mayra Corn Operations Manager

Mayra joined our staff one year ago, bringing 16 years of library expertise to Deschutes Public Library. Her day-today skill set involves overseeing library branches and operations, or in her own words, “I have the pleasure of working at and with all communities, getting to know so many passionate and kind-hearted individuals.”

She’s a true asset, able to bridge care put into the work of libraries by staff and the thirst for knowledge from customers. “Libraries are the great equalizer. People from all backgrounds can come to learn, grow, and be entertained exactly as they are; I’ve yet to find anything that can top that,” she says. One of her favorite reads is by Matthieu Maudet. “It’s the Spanish translation of a French kids’ board book. It has a great twist, and shows how clever and fun a kids’ book can be at any age.” Speaking of fun at any age, Mayra is a kid at heart who enjoys longboarding with her labraheeler, Edie.

“It’s a at who enjoys longboarding with her