Libraries have undergone an enormous shift since the Umatilla County Special Library District was formed.

When the district was created in 1986, libraries were measured by the number of books, magazines and reference materials. They were quiet places where children were taught to whisper.

Today, libraries function more as places of community connection. They are places to learn and experience new activities as well as trying out sports equipment or technology. And nowhere does a library embody the spirit of community connection more than the Stanfield Public Library.

Attend any event in Stanfield and you will likely find the library in the middle of the fray. Cecili Longhorn has been the director since 2010. She began in 2000 as a volunteer with the Summer Reading Program. In 2008, she started working part-time before becoming the director two years later.

Cecili began taking her daughter to the storytime because she had fond memories of her grandmother taking her as a child and wanted the same experience for her own children.

Once Cecili was connected, she couldn’t stay away. She has a heart for connecting people, as well as introducing them to new ideas, activities and experiences. She also runs the Stanfield Parks and Recreation Department.

Between those two roles, she spearheads a huge summer reading program in the park that includes fantastic storytelling, crafts and a free lunch program. The library is also one of the many sponsors of Stanfield’s Fourth of July celebration.

Cecili heads a community walking group sponsored by the library, and in May will be the driving force behind the city’s 10th annual Arbor Day celebration, “Trucks, Tractors and Trees.” This event brings together the public works, fire and police departments, as well as many local businesses and farmers.

Cecili embodies the spirit of modern-day libraries, which are striving to be places of connection that serve the needs of the people. Everyone, regardless of income, job title, social standing, race or religion, is welcome.

Events

This month, you will find programs for young and old alike. Tuesday morning storytimes are at 10 a.m. And once a month, she invites Monica Hoffman, the library district’s early literacy outreach coordinator.

On March 5, there is a Tiny Art class at 6 p.m.; the first Wednesday of each month is Lego Club at 4 p.m., the adult walking group meets at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and the adult Coffee and Craft time is at 10 a.m. on Mondays.

In March, she is partnering with AWS inCommunities to bring STEAM programs to the library each Friday at 1 p.m., and on March 13, 20 and 27 at 5 p.m. Each event features a different science, math, engineering or art theme.

Also, she runs a Tea of the Month club featuring a different tea each month. (This often results in a lovely conversation with Cecili as well!) The March tea is Stash Peppermint, which includes mint from a local farm (Mills Mint Farm).

Cecili’s vision for the Stanfield library is that it would continue to look forward and anticipate community needs. She works at making this happen daily. Her library is vibrant and thriving, but most importantly Cecili keeps people at the center. People are the reason she heads off to work each day, and it shows.