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TRL Employee eNewsletter 2022 Quarter 3

Welcome to the July-August-September edition of the 2022 Employee eNewsletter.

Hello!

Cheryl Heywood, TRL Executive Director

“TRL is amazing!” This is what I consistently heard or read from members of our communities, during or after giving 10 or so presentations sharing major highlights of 2021 and 2022 during these three months.

We are amazing, and we continue to amaze. Together, during July, August and September of 2022, we celebrated the following:

  • Juliet, our EDI District Manager was appointed by Thurston County Commissioners to serve on the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion
  • 2022 Summer Library Program
  • Packwood Timberland Library’s 40 + 1 Anniversary
  • Exterior Refresh of the Salkum Timberland Library and Ocean Park Timberland Library
  • Fall 2022 Storytimes in person begins!
  • New – Beginning September 1 – all DVD/Blu rays circulate for 3 weeks
  • New – 20 Math Backpacks for ages 3-8 to be distribute to libraries in Mason and Lewis Counties, a pilot program with grant funds from the Capital STEM Alliance
  • Board approval to renew the West Olympia Timberland Library lease for another 2 years, in partnership with the City of Olympia
  • New – in partnership with the Pacific Shellfish Institute, Discover Plankton Kits
  • New – Expanded Access Hours videos for Packwood, Ocean Park, Naselle, McCleary, and Hoodsport

Thank you for your efforts, enjoy the newsletter!

- Cheryl

The new library cards arrived in time to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September. Thank you to everyone involved with the production of the new cards and to staff for voting for your favorite designs. Four new options are available and each card and key tag set share the same account number!

Snapchat filters created by Nicole J are available for patrons to show off your their new card on social media with #TRLNEWCARD!

Thanks for a great Summer Library Program!

Courtesy of Kristy S

The final day of this year's Summer Library Program was Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Thank you to everyone in the libraries for your on-going creativity, hard work, and commitment to patrons over the summer!

Thank you Timothy for keeping the books & kits flowing! Over 10,000 books were distributed to branches.

"Shout out to Merry B and Team AB for their summer partnership with the Y and school district to provide weekly outdoor activities, lunches and books to children at four local parks. At the session I attended...I was able to meet some of the kids who all flocked to Merry’s side, eager to check in. (Merry's calm, flexible interaction with the children was impressive). What a valuable project and demonstrated commitment to youth and families." - Kristi S

Outdoor StoryTime at Montesano

"Thank you Friends (of the library) for your ongoing support, and thank you Jessica for your leadership!" - Kristy S

Bubbles in Tumwater

SLP 2022 Images

Packwood Anniversary Celebration

Packwood Timberland Library’s 40th + 1 year celebrations went very well on Saturday, August 13, 2022. Many local residents dropped by for the activities and festivities including two special performances by Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth!

Thanks to Judi, Stephanie W, Laura and Demi for making the day so fun and memorable. Watch the video below of the event, which includes, for the first time, drone views (the drone was operated by Nicole J)

Restroom Renovations

Administrative Headquarters

The previous Men's and Women's restrooms at the Administrative Headquarters have been completely renovated and are now gender-neutral facilities.

All toilets, sinks, stalls, mirrors, flooring, wainscoting and more were replaced in both restrooms. View the before and after images below.

Ocean Park: Fresh New Look

Thanks to the hard work of the Facilities team, Ocean Park Timberland Library's building exterior was re-painted during the summer of 2022 with a vibrant new color. View before and after images below.

Board of Trustees

The TRL Board of Trustees (the “Board”) meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The Board has a Trustee from each county and two additional Trustees filling at-large positions, one from Lewis County and one from Thurston County.

Recent Highlights:

  • Trustee Dickhoff commended Aberdeen staff for their quick response to positively addressing a social media comment made during the Governor’s visit to the area.
  • Trustee Zylstra commended TRL staff for promoting air conditioning at libraries as cool-off centers during the heat wave.
  • Trustee Blanton thanked Rose for her work and remembered visiting the bookmobile in the mid-1960s in Packwood, never thinking he would one day be a Trustee on the Board.
  • Trustee Sebby applauded the air conditioning in our buildings.

Summer Academy at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary

In July, Board President Nicolette Oliver shared information about the fun activities and rewards available at TRL to students at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary.

Watch a clip of the presentation: https://fb.watch/eo3oTOypoL/

"Dear Alexis, thank you again for all of the great information you prepared for the Summer Academy at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary! I was able to present about the Summer Library Program and MyTRL access to all of our elementary classrooms today, and there were multiple students that said they want to be a Librarian when they grow up!" - Nicolette Oliver

Anniversary Milestones

Congratulations to staff who celebrated their milestone anniversaries with TRL this July, August, and September!

July

Kristen H - 5 years

"Thank you so much to TRL and the South Sound for giving me a home here. I'm honored to be a part of such an incredible and dedicated group of library workers, and to have the opportunity to serve all of our wonderful communities. From Youth Services Associate in Shelton, to Community Engagement Librarian, to Public Experiences Coordinator for the district, I've learned and experienced so much with TRL. I'm looking forward to learning and growing more as the future unfolds!" - Kristen H

Chris S - 5 Years

Savannah C - 1 Year

Savannah and her "kiddo" on a road trip

"Working at TRL has introduced me to kind people, diverse communities, and a sense of stability while getting to know a new area. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with the lovely folks here at TRL." - Savannah C

Karen SL - 1 Year

August

Alicia C - 15 Years

"Towards the end of my teaching career my desire was to transition into a vocation that featured my second favorite passion, books. In my thoughts that involved opening my own bookstore. When a position opened at the McCleary Library, I jumped at the chance to be surrounded by books and to meet people who loved books. I can't believe it has been 15 years! Timberland and the world have changed a lot since 2007, but I'm still surrounded by books and book-lovers. I can't think of a better way to spend my time until retirement." - Alicia C

Beth B - 5 Years

September

Holly P - 10 Years

"I can still remember the day Cheryl H. called me to offer me the job as the new Lacey Library Manager. Working here for TRL has been the best adventure of my life, and how far we've come since 2012! I'm so proud of our staff and all the amazing things we've accomplished together. Here's to another 10 (or 20!) years at Lacey!" - Holly P

Sarah L - 10 Years

Sarah reunited with StoryTime puppet, Barkley, during the pandemic to film YouTube StoryTimes from home.

"Back in 2012 when I started at the Hoquiam Timberland Library I didn't know I'd still be here 10 years later, but now I can't imagine working anywhere else!" - Sarah L

Sarah dressed as "Super Librarian" for SLP school visits in 2015.

Tania R - 10 Years

Andrea H - 5 Years

Andrea at the Grand Canyon.

"I’ve worked in variety of libraries and library roles for 22 years. I was drawn to libraries because I love helping others. At Timberland, the staff and leadership have challenged me to grow as a professional in ways I could have never imagined and for that, I am very grateful. While my work is mostly behind the scenes, I love working with our staff to brainstorm ways to better serve our communities through our collections and technology. There is no better feeling than hearing how patrons are delighted by what they discover at their local library or through our many online resources." - Andrea H

Emily L - 1 Year

"Finishing my first year with TRL has been challenging, surprising, and above all, rewarding. I came from a larger library branch, which was part of a single county library system, so embracing a rural library location has been an amazing learning curve. It's a privilege to work with the staff at the Raymond Library, and across Pacific County, because every day I get to see how we make an impact firsthand. I'm still quite new to the Raymond community, but I love every moment of getting know everyone who comes through our branch. Rural libraries are integral to the areas they serve; I can't wait to see how we reach out over the next few years." - Emily L

Bex P - 1 Year

Mallory C - 1 Year

Mallory at the recent Southwest Washington Fair after making a jellyfish!

"I am so thankful for everyone I have met and interacted with at TRL. Everyone has been welcoming and kind. And my coworkers make my job easier and so much fun to come to work every day! Thank you TRL for letting me be a part of the team." - Mallory C

Left: Mallory's daughter at the beautiful wedding spot of a coworker and friend. / Right: Recently completed Halloween quilt.

Raleigh C - 1 Year

Jay H - 1 Year

Meet our newest co-workers

Heidi L

Title: Youth Services Librarian.

Hobbies: Learning Spanish, Hiking and Kayaking. Working in the garden with my new shelter pup Nutmeg- who digs up whatever we plant! Sitting around the fire by the water, telling stories. Eating whatever my husband bakes!

Education/Training: MILS.

Favorite Music: Hard to answer! Music jags take me through it all. My coworker Jace suggests Cascadian Black Metal for my next jag!

Favorite Book: Right now, I’m enjoying reading aloud The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud (also the author of Lockwood & Co).

Favorite Travel Spot: A three-way tie between Barcelona, Iceland, and Costa Rica.

Favorite Restaurant: In Olympia, I like Swing Bar and i.Italia.

Favorite Quote: I don’t have one! But my co-workers Jace and Andrea suggest “Ich habe eine Ziegenlast voll Spass”. They’ve been chatting in German this morning.

Fun Fact: As a teenager, I played Juliet with a traveling Shakespearean troupe!

What do you like best about your job/TRL? My co-workers and getting to know the community. Also we give out treats for dogs, squirrels, and birds at our drive-through window!

What inspired you to work in libraries? With a background in theater and a love of books, being a children’s librarian just made sense. I get to make books come alive for kids!

Daniel B

Daniel exploring Ape Cave in Mount St. Helens area this summer.

Title: Librarian 1

Hobbies: I enjoy backpacking, trail running, snowshoeing, xc skiing, and any other excuse to get outside and play. I also enjoy reading, writing, playing and making music, movies, and gaming, whether it's cards, board games, or video games.

Education/Training: BA in English and History from Portland State University, MA in History from Brown University, and MLIS from University of Washington.

Favorite Travel Spot: I have recently been captivated by the magnificence of the volcanoes, mountain ranges, and wilderness areas right here in our neck of the Pacific Northwest. I don’t think I ever truly appreciated the power of nature until seeing the blast zone of Mount St. Helens for the first time this summer.

Mount St. Helens blast zone.

Fun Fact: I have lived for at least some extended period of time in all four corners of the lower continental United States, including Seattle, WA, Los Angeles, CA, Providence, RI, and Savannah, GA. My ever-evolving private library of books is one of my only possessions to make nearly all of these journeys with me, having been carted as precious cargo for thousands of miles over the last decade.

What do you like best about your job/TRL? I love collaborating as part of a team to meet the needs of our patrons in Shelton while emphasizing the importance of literacy and lifelong learning and fulfillment. Perhaps what brings me the most satisfaction is building the trust and confidence of our patrons in the capacity of the library to serve as a vital resource in their lives.

What inspired you to work in libraries? I appreciate the power of libraries to inspire me to learn and discover new things. Libraries facilitate this experience, for me, through the volume and variety of resources that they offer, the beautiful and accommodating facilities in which these resources are housed (digitally or physically), and the welcoming and knowledgeable staff that make me feel welcome and able to utilize all of what is available to me. I wanted to become a librarian in order to be a part of creating this experience and making a difference for others.

Steph W

Title: Librarian.

Hobbies: e-cycling, watersports, reading, gaming (computers, tabletop, board), finding new experiences, and obeying my cats.

Education/Training: I double-majored in Art History and World Religions at Cornell College for my BA, I have an MLIS from Rutgers, and an international TEFL lvl 5 teaching credential.

Favorite Music: I like most music, and I love Asian-style karaoke (singing in private rather than public). I particularly like when instruments are used to reinterpret styles of music, such as a classical instruments playing pop (Bond, Escala, the Piano Guys), or hip-hop (Young Mozart), or traditional instruments used (Shanghai Restoration Project).

Favorite Book: I couldn't possibly choose just one. I read a variety of NF regarding topics of curiosity, and I have a special weakness for Jane Austen spinoffs, and paranormal fiction (i.e. Patricia Briggs).

Favorite Travel Spot: Japan, I lived there for just under 6 years and can highly recommend the food, places, people, and experiences to be found.

Favorite Restaurant: TAIM, an Israli restaurant in Ebisu, Tokyo. This place defined for me what good Baba ghanoush and falafel were supposed to taste like.

Favorite Quote: To be fair I don't really have one, but this is a good one. "Exploration is a wonderful way to open our eyes to the world, and to truly see that impossible is just a word." - Richard Branson.

Fun Fact: I have touched a tiger, and learned that they are not as soft as I believed.

What do you like best about your job/TRL? I have finally achieved a long-term goal of mine, to actually work as a Librarian!

What inspired you to work in libraries? My mother worked as a Librarian advisor for a regional library system like TRL in Illinois where I grew up, and often took me around with her to visit them. Given that my family was quite religious and traditional, libraries served as my escape and opened worlds to me that were otherwise inaccessible as I grew up. Libraries were how I took back my life and learned everything I wasn't supposed to know. Though it took me awhile to realize this, I came to understand as an adult that I could think of nothing I wanted to do more with my life than paying that forward.

Sophia K

Title: Library Assistant.

Hobbies: Reading, Gardening, Watching classical movies.

Education/Training: Professional Makeup Artist.

Favorite Music: Judy Garland.

Favorite Book: Anne of Green Gables.

Favorite Travel Spot: Prince Edward Island.

Favorite Restaurant: Judy’s Country Kitchen in Centralia, WA.

Fun Fact: “Nothing is impossible! The word itself says “I’m Possible” -Audrey Hepburn.

What do you like best about your job/TRL? Being surrounded by books and helping our patrons find something magical to read.

What inspired you to work in libraries? It has always been my dream to become a Librarian. I fell in love with Libraries when I was 5 years old.

Alexander B

Title: Library Assistant.

Hobbies: PC Gaming; Dungeons & Dragons, Snowboarding.

Education/Training: B.S. Cognitive Psychology (California State University San Marcos).

Favorite Music: Avenged Sevenfold.

Favorite Book: Origin by Dan Brown.

Favorite Travel Spot: Inverness, Scotland.

Favorite Quote: "Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination." - Oscar Wilde.

Fun Fact: Due to my Father’s side of the family’s lineage I’m a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, but as my Mother is an English National I’m also considered a 2nd-generation American by some and by my U.K. family members.

What do you like best about your job/TRL? Being surrounded by books and taking care of them for others. As surreal as it sounds, people have seen the value of what we strive to do for thousands of years.

What inspired you to work in libraries? When I was still in University I always felt that I was being surrounded by people who wanted to better themselves or the world around them in some way; very rarely was someone forced to be there against their wishes. In that same way I imagine library patrons as people who are looking to learn and improve themselves, and I’m happy to help if I can.

Lily H

Title: Library Assistant.

Hobbies: Making and watching movies, studying and creating art, playing video games and traveling.

Education/Training: I have a Associate of Arts in Media and I recently earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Film!

Favorite Music: I love a collection of genres, from citypop to reggae to showtunes! My favorite band has to be Bastille though.

Favorite Book: The Invention of Morel by Adolfo Bioy Casares, or Jeff Smith’s Bone series.

Favorite Travel Spot: Southern France, Northern Italy.

Favorite Restaurant: Miss Delta in Portland, Oregon.

Favorite Quote: “As long as I know the shape of my soul, I'll be all right.” - Jake the Dog from Adventure Time.

Fun Fact: In my free time I work on various film production sets up and down the PNW!

What do you like best about your job/TRL? I love organizing and completing lists, it feels like side quests to me!

What inspired you to work in libraries? I have always been a lover of community spaces that support all members of the public, whether it’s assisting in specific research or just providing a place for someone to spend their day.

Neal W

Title: Library Assistant.

Hobbies: Collecting comics, playing trombone, playing basketball.

Education/Training: BA in Psychology Wake Forest, MIT St. Martin’s University.

Favorite Music: Hip hop and jazz.

Favorite Book: Freak the Mighty.

Favorite Travel Spot: The World.

Favorite Restaurant: Any pho restaurant.

Favorite Quote: "qi ma, zhao ma"....Chinese idiom that means to ride the horse while looking for the horse...you know when your glasses are on your head or a pen is behind your ear and you are looking everywhere for it and then duh, it’s on my head. That’s what it means!

Fun Fact: I’ve eaten lots of really weird things. Ask if you want to know. Don’t if you’re easily grossed out!

What do you like best about your job/TRL? Being around books all the time and helping people find books or print and having them be so grateful.

What inspired you to work in libraries? Did I mention the books?

Send Your Congratulations!

Juliet Lawson-Hall

Congratulations to our District Manager for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Juliet who was recently selected by the Thurston County Commissioners to serve on the first ever Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion. Juliet holds one of the 7 spots on the Council.

"Thurston County is home for me and my family; therefore, it is an honor to be given the opportunity to serve in this capacity. The Board of Commissioners have assembled an amazing team, with lived experiences and a passion for racial equity. I look forward to working together to truly transform this community to one where everyone feels valued, respected, and have opportunities to thrive." - Juliet Lawson-Hall

The Council will expand to 15 members over the next three years. The purpose of the Council is to advise and engage the Board of County Commissioners, the Board of Health, and elected and appointed officials, on matters of racial equity and inclusion within all county services and the policies, processes, and practices used to accomplish the mission of Thurston County government. Best practices will be researched and shared, and there will be a community component as well.

Jenny Grenfell

Courtesy of Stephenie Reece

Jenny Grenfell has accepted the Library Manager position for North Mason and will begin on October 16th!

Jenny is excited to transition back to the Belfair area and to continue working with TRL. We appreciate the knowledge, vision, and community-driven service Jenny brings to any position she has with us. The Ocean Park team will be supported through this transition; Interim Library Manager Jenna Argot and Stephenie Reece are taking care of North Mason until then.

Jennifer Robertson

Courtesy of Kendra Jones

Jennifer became our newest District Manager on August 2nd. Jennifer has worked as a Librarian at the Lacey Library for many years and before that has loads of experience managing and directing libraries in the military sector.

Her experience, passion, and enthusiasm for community engagement, customer service, collaboration, and public library service in general is going to be a perfect match for this position. She will be collaborating with the rest of the Public Services Team (Jessica, Juliet, Morgan, Stephenie) and leading the Public Experiences team (Chris, Kristen) to ensure our community members have the best possible experiences with the library. This includes customer service, physical spaces, virtual spaces, and everything in between.

Welcome Brochures

Print ready Welcome Brochures for all 5 counties were updated in English and Spanish in August. Thank you to Nicole J and the Bilingual Team for updating the flyers.

left: Grays Harbor - Front Page (English) / right: Pacific County - Back Page (Spanish)

Reminder: The Welcome Brochure PDFs are print ready, remember to bring them with you on your next outreach or community event! Click the button below to download the files for your county.

Expanded Access Update

We are up to 5 EAH libraries! McCleary, Naselle, Ocean Park, Hoodsport and Packwood hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Patrons can use their key cards at all these libraries. Coming soon to Elma, Ilwaco, South Bend, Tenino, Westport, and Winlock.

Early Math Engagement Backpacks

20 early learning math backpacks will be available soon thanks to a $7,500 grant from the Capital STEM Alliance, which serves the same 5 counties we do.

The backpacks will be ready to launch in October and will contain picture books, launchpads, manipulatives, and a game, focusing on early math concepts.

Thanks to Mary R for coordinating the pilot, and to Collection Services for processing the backpacks.

If all goes well with the pilot, TRL will be receiving additional funds in 2023.

TRL Unboxing Video

Thanks to Crista at Kitsapkids for sharing!

Check out the “unboxing” video of the Take N Makes from North Mason staff in July. Teens from KitsapKids.com recorded and uploaded these videos to their Youtube channel. Your work is far reaching!

TRL in the News

TRL at the Movies

Get to your seat before the movie starts at Century Olympia in Capital Mall or Regal Martin Village in Lacey to view TRL's advertisement encouraging viewers to sign up for a library card, starting at the end of September!

Patron Testimonials

“Thank you! As we are in an unprecedented time of book bannings and library challenges, I just wanted to say that I absolutely love and appreciate the wonderfully diverse selection of books you have in your collection! My children are able to read books that offer windows into other experiences, and sometimes, unexpectedly, mirrors into something about themselves they hadn't had words for. I hope that library staff hasn't been harassed, though in today's climate I'm sure that's not the case. I want to say thank you for being a cornerstone of freedom in our communities.” - TRL Patron

StoryTrail Feedback

"My granddaughter and I discovered the story trail at Lake Sylvia this week. I have attached pictures of . . . reading the story and standing by her favorite "Halloween face" stump with roots.

Just as we finished she looked up and saw deer, a momma and two babies! As we continued down the trail they ran off ahead of us. We stopped at the bench for a chat and noticed the deer made their way back, walking right behind us as we watched.

What a fun adventure, one we will never forget!!! Thank you for putting this project on one of our favorite trails at Lake Sylvia." - TRL Patron

Suggestions for the newsletter?

Thank you to everyone who helped with this eNewsletter. Contact Creative Services with suggestions, photos, ideas, information and more to help with the next edition. See you in Quarter 4!

Credits:

Created with images by beerfan - "multicolored balloons and confetti" • vegefox.com - "welcome" • FlashBuddy - "thank you labels communication"