Reiche: Looking Good in the Neighborhood!

The PPL system is committed to creating a superior experience in each of its 6 locations. The talk of the day has centered on our Monument Square location and the possible reuse of the Public Market building but each location is a critical consideration for us. On May 17, the refurbished Reiche Branch reopened with new windows, new paint, new shelving and maybe best of all, a new floor plan.

The effort was fueled by our community partners including United Way (United Way Day of Caring volunteers), West End Neighborhood Association, Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland West and Day 1. We also had a host of individual neighborhood volunteers. Our final task is to acquire an awning to go with the picnic table on the plaza.

Each of our locations has a different feel, size and clientele. (Approximately 50% of our lending takes place at locations other than Monument Square.) It is our goal to invest aggressively in each of them and celebrate their unique role in their communities.

The Library Has A Face

If I have learned one thing during 30 years of library work, it is that libraries - regardless of the type - are not well understood by people. They are prone to being stereotyped (as are the people who work within) but so are I suppose just about every other occupation and institution. (Think about lawyer and politician jokes!) Libraries have earned some of that stereotyping but much of it is unfounded and the result of a lack of libraries putting forward a human face. The depth and complexity of library users and uses is rarely communicated by librarians and that is what I hope to do with this blog going forward.

I also hope to reflect the rich conversation that I am privileged to have regularly with the citizens from all walks of life . If nothing else, people have strong opinions about the Portland Public Library system and they aren't shy about telling me. That is a good thing and it calls for contemplation and comment by me.

I am looking foward to it!

PPL @ PPM?

It has fired the public imagination and it has generated a level of intense debate. The comments have ranged well beyond just a discussion of two buildings and have touched upon what people think the downtown PPL location is in reality (at present) or should be. In advance of the June 12 bond vote, we will be covering the issue in this blog in hopes of clarifying some of the aspects to enable people to cast an informed vote.

Look for more soon!