Tina Shevham shelves books at the Vale Emma Humphrey Library. As new librarian, she’s planning activities to connect with the community. (The Enterprise/Pat Caldwell)
VALE – For new librarian Tina Shevham, this Friday’s special story time at Vale’s Emma Humphrey Library is more than just a Halloween program.
The story time – from 2 to 4 p.m. – represents the first of a host of local library offerings she plans for the community.
Shevham, who stepped into the head librarian slot in September, said one of her main goals is to strengthen the library’s ties with the local community.
“I am excited to promote this library,” said Shevham.
A Harney County native, Shevham worked for the state Transportation Department as an engineer and then helped her husband, Vince, manage a ranch near Harper. Recently the two moved into Vale, where Shevham spotted a job ad in the Malheur Enterprise for the librarian job.
“And I thought I would go and apply,” said Shevham.
Shevham replaces former librarian Morgan Quintero, who stepped into a full-time job with the city of Vale.
Shevham said she was interested in the librarian job because she wants to support Vale.
“I love it because it has given me an opportunity to help the community,” said Shevham.
Shevham said a library is essential for any town.
“The community needs the library,” she said.
Shevham said the Emma Humphrey Library isn’t just a place to find a good book.
The library, she said, offers five computers for public use and also has DVDs to check out. A local resident can check out five DVDs at a time, said Shevham.
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“We are the only source in Vale for movies,” said Shevham.
The computers, she said, are also popular.
“I have some seniors who actually use the computers who have no internet access or can’t afford it,” said Shevham.
Shevham said she wants to bring in new books and sponsor more events – such as the Halloween story time – to make the library a viable community partner.
“I want to get more people in here and push Facebook for the library,” said Shevham.
The new job also allows Shevham to connect to Vale, she said.
“Since we moved into the county I wanted to get to know the community,” said Shevham.
So far, she said, the best part of her job is meeting new people.
“I am already getting some favorites,” she said.
Shevham said another key goal is to capture the attention of young readers.
“I want to get people involved in the history of the library and also get new generations coming in to keep the library going,” said Shevham.
Libraries, she said, play a pivotal role in a community and she doesn’t want to see them disappear. Now more than ever, Shevham said people have more choices to find books but a Kindle or Nook can’t replicate the experience of browsing shelves of books in a library.
Shevham noted local residents can acquire library cards for free.
“All they need is some sort of photo identification,” she said.
The library, at 150 A St. E., is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
News tip? Reporter Pat Caldwell: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.
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