By Pat Caldwell
The Enterprise
VALE – You might call it a perfect match.
Morgan Quintero realized her love of libraries when she was a child.
Her affection manifested itself when she turned her bedroom into a make-believe library.
“I would make my brother and mom come in and check out book. I even had my own bunny stamp,” Quintero said.
Now, Quintero is the new librarian for Vale’s Emma Humphrey Library. Last week, as she stood behind the front desk at the library, she pondered the source of her love of libraries.
“I feel like I am finding my identity somewhat. It kind of fits me,” said Quintero.
Quintero, 25, started out as the assistant librarian working for former head librarian Janeille Bennett.
“I was super excited when I got it,” said Quintero
Quintero said there is a certain peace a library brings to patrons.
“Technology is such a big thing now, but you come here and everything kind of slows down,” said Quintero.
Quintero said she has several big goals.
“I want to be part of the community,” said Quintero. “I want us to be involved with the community and have kids and youth more active here.”
Quintero’s gig is 20 hours a week. When she isn’t working at the library she helps her mom, Becky Holt, at Boots to Roots salon in Vale. Quintero works there as a nail technician.
Quintero said there is a regular corps of people who use the library but new faces are also coming in.
“This job gives me the opportunity to help grow the library. It has a lot of potential,” said Quintero.
While there are always books and DVDs to check in or out, Quintero said her job also involves planning events. For example, she said, the library plans to host a Christmas Craft event Dec. 14.
Quintero said the best part of her job is the fact she loves doing it.
“I look forward to going to work,” said Quintero.
Quintero, who reached Malheur County from southern Oregon to attend Treasure Valley Community College, said she loves Vale.
“I like the small community,” said Quintero.
Quintero said she looks forward to watching the library grow.
“And I like that I can come here and be me and I am excited for the future,” said Quintero.
Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“I don’t ever want to lose this job,” said Quintero.