Central Library brings a social worker on board

From The Oregonian:

Susan Voss-Rothmeier walks the halls of Portland's Central Library, a bag slung over her shoulder and a clipboard of resource lists in her hands.

She looks for opportunities to discreetly approach people and quietly ask if she can be of help.

"It's walking around and meeting people and just introducing myself," Susan said of her typical work day. "I just keep it low-key."

Susan is the first, and so far the only, on-site social worker contracted with the Multnomah County Library system. She's three months into a year-long pilot program that provides free social services to patrons in crisis.

Central Library, where Susan spends the bulk of her time, has a jarring juxtaposition between historic opulence and modern poverty.

Fix Your Bike at Albany Public Library

Bicycle Fixit Stations to be Unveiled on Friday During Bike Tour

Just in time for prime bike-riding season, and Bike to Work Week, we are opening Bicycle Fixit Stations outside three libraries at a special event and bike tour on Friday, May 13.

The event kicks off at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch (148 Henry Johnson Blvd.) at 9:30 am when library officials will be joined by leaders of local bicycle, transportation, and community organizations for a short press conference and unveiling of that branch's Bicycle Fixit Station. Participants will then get on their bikes and ride to the Bach Branch (455 New Scotland Ave.) to visit the fixit station there. The last stop on the bike tour is the Delaware Branch (331 Delaware Ave.).

Community members are invited to participate in the bike ride -- just meet us at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch at 9:30 am this Friday with your bike and helmet!

"We're excited to provide the people of Albany with free Bicycle Fixit Stations at three Albany Public Library branches," said Scott Jarzombek, the library's executive director. "There are many recreational cyclists, families, and commuters who can benefit from having easy access to bike repair tools at three locations in the city of Albany. The Bicycle Fixit Stations are another great service the library is proud to provide to the community."

The stations, manufactured by DERO, contain all the tools riders need to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, including changing a flat tire, adjusting brakes, and fine tuning gears. Each station includes the following tools: Philips and flat head screwdrivers, various Allen wrenches, a headset wrench, a pedal wrench, several sizes of box wrenches, tire levers, and an air pump. The tools and air pump are securely attached to the stands using stainless steel cables, but are still easy to access for those using the stations. The stands have hanger arms that allow users to spin the pedals and wheels while making adjustments.

The library partnered with the Albany Bicycle Coalition and the Protected Bicycle Lane Coalition to secure a grant from the Capital District Transportation Committee's Capital Coexist Traffic Safety Ambassador Mini-Grant Program to fund the stations. Additional funds are provided by the Albany Public Library Foundation.

APL Budget, Trustee Candidate Forum

The Albany Public Library is just about two weeks out from the annual budget vote and trustee election. If you're interested in learning more about the library's 2017 budget and candidates for the Board of Trustees,  attend one of two forums this week.

• May 2 (Mon) | 6 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
• May 5 (Thurs) | 6 pm | Pine Hills Branch

Attendees will hear a budget presentation by Executive Director Scott Jarzombek, followed by a Q&A with the candidates running for three seats on the library board. We will make videos from the forums available on the APL YouTube channel early next week.