For those with a stake in the future of Oregon's libraries, mark your calendars. According to an announcement made available by the State Library of Oregon, the State Library Board is set to convene for a public meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 25, 2025. This gathering, both in person at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton and accessible online, opens its doors to the public – a move that underscores the Board's commitment to community involvement in its decision-making process.
Contact has been made easy for those interested in attending; Susan Westin's email, [email protected], stands as the bridge for communication. With accommodations like sign language interpretation available upon request, the Board is evidently working to ensure accessibility for all Oregonians. Those in need of such services are encouraged to reach out at least 48 hours in advance, though 72 hours is preferred – this window also applies to requests for meeting handouts in alternate formats. Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian, serves as another point of contact and can be reached at 503-378-4367 or [email protected].
The agenda for the day, as noted, is packed with pertinent items of business. Stakeholders can expect to begin with the approval of April's meeting minutes, swiftly followed by a public comment period allowing any attendee to address the board for up to three minutes. Reports from the Board Chair, Anne-Marie Deitering, and other members will establish a foundation of updates before the State Librarian presents reports on a variety of topics including the budget and the strategic plan. A brief intermission at 10:30 a.m. will provide attendees with a chance to regroup before diving back into discussions about the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) budget and minimum conditions for library services.
