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Nyssa librarian honored by local chamber

 

NYSSA – Faith in God is the motivation for Nyssa Librarian Faith Adams in her work and community involvement.

Adams recently was honored as the Nyssa Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Public Servant of the Year. She received her award at the chamber’s annual banquet in February. 

“It is an honor to be honored,” she said. “I do what I do to honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All that I do is for him.”

Adams and her husband Richard moved to Nyssa in 1976. They have three sons – Tim, Jeff and Randy – and 10 grandchildren.

She began working at the Nyssa Library as a volunteer in 1991 and was named librarian the next year. She was mentored by the Nyssa School District librarian, and also had help from other local librarians and took classes through the University of Idaho. She can point to big changes at the library over the past 26 years. The facility was made more open and user friendly with new carpeting and reading chairs, as well as technology updates to make the library and the collection more accessible. Among the significant changes: automation of the paper card catalog to digital searching, connection to other library collections through Sage of Eastern Oregon, and addition of computers for public use. The library has a Facebook page and a page on the city website for patrons to use.

Adams appreciates the support the library receives from the City of Nyssa and Nyssa residents.

“A library doesn’t happen unless you have committed city and community support, as well as dedicated, consistent, trained staff. We have that,” she said.

The city provides “crucial” help with wiring, snow removal and janitor services. 

The library staff also works with community groups such as Eagle and Boy Scouts, and local businesses. 

One change in patronage that Adams has noticed is fewer people visit on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Many patrons order books online and come in to pick up their orders, or they download books to read digitally. 

“The library is quieter, yet busier in different ways,” with more programs, she said. Some of the programs at the Nyssa library include Storytime for preschoolers, drop-in activities for kids and adults, and computers and assistance for using them. For a fee, library staff also does family history research. Read Early/Read Often is a program from Malheur County ESD focusing on early literacy for preschoolers.

In addition to her duties at the library, Adams also has been involved in the community. She co-chaired the Nyssa Kids Fair for three years, was on the Hero Day team, serves on the board of Thunderegg Community Services, and plays piano once a week at Nyssa Gardens Assisted Living.