Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell has named the Inverness Jail Library after retired librarian Carol Cook, recognizing her decades of service and dedication to inmate education. The announcement was made during a recent ceremony that honored Cook’s lasting impact on the community.
According to a statement from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Cook exemplified the department’s mission of providing “thoughtful and intentional services” to those in custody. Her work extended far beyond lending books — she offered education, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to inmates seeking new beginnings.
Over more than twenty years at the Inverness Jail, Cook built literacy programs, facilitated career preparation sessions, and personally helped inmates practice job interviews. One of her most notable efforts, the “A Book is a Bridge” program, allowed incarcerated parents to share books with their children during non-contact visits. The books were later mailed to the children’s homes, creating a meaningful connection between families separated by incarceration.
“Carol’s career demonstrates the power those working in the justice system have to uplift, heal and transform,” said Inverness Jail Programs Supervisor Duane Randle, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
During the dedication ceremony, Sheriff Morrisey O'Donnell was joined by Chief Deputy Stephen Reardon and Chief Deputy Steve Alexander in unveiling a plaque in Cook’s honor. Inmates also shared their gratitude, with one noting, “We looked forward to our Tuesdays, because we came back [to the dorm] joyful, with something to talk about.”
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Cook led 120 literacy sessions and 89 library sessions, reaching over a thousand participants. Her influence was reflected in the testimonials shared during the ceremony, where attendees emphasized her compassion, patience, and commitment to personal growth.
Carol Cook’s retirement leaves behind not just a plaque but a legacy of education, empathy, and hope within the Multnomah County justice system.
