Like my colleague Brystan shared in a recent post, I’ve been thinking about connection recently.
More specifically, I’ve been thinking about developing connections with others in library professions, both locally and across Southern Oregon and the state as a whole.
Throughout the year, library staff at different levels and branches are collaborating on projects, committees, and services to our communities. But in April, they join library staff across the state for the annual Oregon Library Association (OLA) conference, which I was able to attend for the first time this year.
While there are many different libraries across the state, from small town law libraries to medical libraries to multi-branch public libraries like Jackson County, conferences like this are opportunities to connect to those with shared experiences. We might not all be asked the same research questions or use the same books at storytime programs, but almost all libraries can connect over the same desires: to be good stewards of public funds, champions of intellectual freedom, and centers for community growth and connection, particularly for our most marginalized community members.
Many of the training opportunities within the conference focused on this last goal, including topics such as how to provide programs for those with different sensory needs or food restrictions, as well as how to serve immigrant populations amid increased ICE activities. There were also opportunities for library staff that are part of marginalized communities themselves to connect over their shared experiences, from hardships that include facing discrimination at work to sharing positive stories such as staff that were able to connect with patrons over shared identities. Each of these trainings and moments of connection act as opportunities for librarians and library staff to share the wealth of knowledge we’ve gained with others across the state doing the same types of work, so that all our communities can grow and benefit.
Amid recent efforts at the federal level to defund library services (which you can read more about here), it was inspiring to see so many library staff at all levels and parts of the state working to support each other, address challenges and navigate change, which was the theme of the 2025 conference. We may not have had a chance to do an “eight-minute catch up” with all our colleagues around the state, but we were able to connect to information, ideas, and each other. In doing so, we hope to be able to pass that on to all of you.