The Shute Park Library is rolling out new features and services aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. According to an announcement made by library manager Magdianamy Carrillo-Sotomayor, as reported by Hillsboro-oregon.gov, the library prides itself on being a key community resource that is “busy all day long.” New furniture and amenities, such as round tables and chairs for collaboration, a “living room” area with comfortable seating, and a charging bar for tech devices are just a few of the enhancements that visitors can expect to see.
Notably, the library is also introducing The Pod, an acoustic privacy booth that Carrillo-Sotomayor says is "perfect for online activities like job interviews, telehealth appointments, or college testing." These upgrades sincerely aim to directly connect patrons to the resources they need. In addition to physical enhancements, the Shute Park Library plans to overhaul its entrance to feature automatic sliding doors by 2025 to make the building even more accessible.
The staff at Shute Park Library reflects the diversity of its patrons, with a significant portion of the employees being bilingual in Spanish. As said by Carrillo-Sotomayor, this linguistic capability is keen to make the staff an integral part of the surrounding community. Furthermore, library employees continuously update their skills to provide the best service possible, covering a wide range of resources and services offered by WCCLS.
Starting this September, the library will host a digital navigator twice a week, as part of a partnership between WCCLS and American Connection Corps. This expert will offer support and guide patrons to confidently build their digital skills. Additionally, to encourage clear, positive behaviors among patrons, the Shute Park Library has set forth updated guidelines written in Spanish and English, all towards fostering a more enjoyable environment for the community.
In terms of safety and comfort, the Shute Park campus has a new safety liaison, a role created in collaboration between the Shute Park Library, the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department, and the City’s Risk Management team. This liaison is considered a friendly and reassuring presence, tasked with maintaining order and safety across the campus facilities.
The library's mission, “For Everyone, Para Todos,” as Carrillo-Sotomayor emphasizes, is at the heart of these enhancements. These initiatives are step to further cement Shute Park Library as a pulsing center of energy, creativity, and learning within the neighborhood.
