December... Lots to talk about

Welcome to the holiday season and hold on tight: 2017 will be here before we know it! Here are some dates to save and items to think about...

Year-end Library hours changes

In addition to the closures we announced last month, we've added early closures on December 26 and January 2. Here's the final list:

• Saturday, December 24: closed all day
• Sunday, December 25: closed all day
• Monday, December 26: close early at 6pm
• Saturday, December 31: close early at 4pm
• Sunday, January 1: closed all day
• Monday, January 2: close early at 6pm
• Monday, January 15 (MLK Day): closed all day

If you're planning holiday travel or will need some extra time off of volunteering to get ready for celebrations, remember to tell me right away. If you're usually scheduled on one of the days or evenings when we'll be closed and want to reschedule your shift (it's absolutely not required but I know that a few people want to!), please let me know as soon as possible.

Holiday events and occasions at the Library

School is out the last two weeks of December, so we're loading up the Library schedule with activities for kids and families. We have something fun planned nearly every week day, so if you've been itching to try something new, hop on the Volunteer Information Center and sign up. We've got life-sized Candy Land games, glitter crafts, Lego days, and a life-sized maze. If you've never helped with events before, let me know and I'll get you set up!

Seasonal job opportunity at the Winter Village at Orenco

Our friends in the Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department are looking for part-time Skate Guards to work at the outdoor ice rink at Orenco Station Plaza from December 2 through January 2. Applicants need to have skating experience and own their own skates. The positions are open to high school students. If you or someone you know is interested, learn more and apply online ASAP!

Library Board statement on Library access

In their meeting on November 17, the Library Board discussed the role of libraries in society, especially following a contentious election season and the strong feelings surrounding it. They drafted a statement about the important role that libraries play in creating a safe space for the community and in supporting a civic--and civil--society. As volunteers, you have a part in creating that space our community. Please read their brief statement below. If you have questions or want to discuss the Library's values or role in the community, I'd be happy to talk.

Restroom use

Transgender rights and bathroom use have been in the news over the last year, and as a public facility, we occasionally get questions about our policy on the use of Library restrooms. In case you end up fielding a question from a patron or would like more information yourself, this is the policy: patrons, staff, and volunteers may use the restroom that is consistent with their expressed gender. All City facilities follow the same policy (e.g. city parks and the Civic Center), which is outlined in the Municipal Code. If you're ever concerned about someone behaving inappropriately in a Library restroom please do let staff know immediately, but please remember that any person may use the bathroom that corresponds with that person's gender identity.

I know this can be a confusing and complicated topic--I've attended a couple of trainings this year on transgender issues and feel as if I'm just scratching the surface. But if you have questions or concerns, let me know.