WALLOWA — Lately, there has been big talk about the little town of Wallowa.

The third largest town in Wallowa County, there is a gem right in the middle of town that locals, especially kids, are talking about. You see, there is an unassuming storefront at the corner of East First and North Pine streets that warrants a closer look.

The library’s picture window offers a friendly welcome, and on display are favorite books and colorful Lego creations. Once you step inside, you will really see what all the talk is about.

Wallowa Public Library, classified as a rural remote library, is more than just a place where books are circulated. It has become clear just how important public libraries are to a community, particularly in isolated areas like Wallowa.

Holly Goebel, a nurse by training (Eastern Oregon University) is now also a part-time librarian. Two-thirds of the country’s rural librarians have not previously studied library science.

A chat with Goebel will make it clear that she has the passion and heart to be the head librarian and currently the only paid staff member.

“I’ve been bringing my daughter to this library since she was a year old. This has been an important place to us,” she said.

When the position opened during the pandemic, with the encouragement of family and friends, Goebel applied and was hired as the librarian. These past few years, she has become quite knowledgeable in library protocol, procedures, practices and potential.

She is exploring the possibilities of making the library an even more robust community center for all residents.

More than books

Goebel continues the library’s 113-year-old tradition of circulating books and providing the community with the opportunity to “enhance and improve learning literacy skills to live a fuller life” (American Library Association.) But she also sees this public facility as so much more.

Expanding existing programs, like story time with Tiara Robb of Building Healthy Families (a local nonprofit family support organization in the county) and creating new programs like the A.B.C Club offering monthly Lego building challenges, her vision is becoming reality.

She has reorganized the stacks and created learning centers in every nook and cranny of this small space.

“Children are more likely to want to come in to play in the ‘kitchen area.’ They’re surrounded by books, so their parents can easily reach over and pick one to read to them,” she said.

Providing opportunities for people to gather comfortably in the library is key to the programs she has created. They gather to hear stories, make crafts, build bridges, view art and play as they are surrounded by books, the portals to imagination, knowledge, and ultimately, a full life.

Snacks are always available for everyone — a small way to help address food insecurity.

The Friends of the Library

Budgetary restrictions limit the operating hours to 20 per week, so the schedule is Mondays, 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

However, Goebel hopes that someday they will be able to increase the hours of operation as she expands the library’s offerings. Working closely with Friends of the Library, a nonprofit, charitable group supporting the library, grants are being secured for programs that include a recent expansion of the juvenile fiction and youth nonfiction collection, and a STEM robotics program (coming soon).

The Friends of the Library also coordinates fundraising events, such as the recent Puzzle, Pie and Book Drive and the annual summer book sale on the third weekend in July. Together, they are exploring the possibilities of expanding the Lending Library.

“It would be great to, for instance, have snowshoes for kids that we could loan to families,” Goebel said. “They outgrow them so quickly and often don’t use them more than a few times a season.”

They are also exploring a U.S. Forest Service grant that could provide hiking and camping equipment that would allow more families the opportunity to fully explore and enjoy the beauty of the Wallowa Mountains.

Adult offerings

The Wallowa Public Library is also considering ways to expand adult programs and services. Currently, free Wi-Fi is accessible for all visitors. Patron computers are available. Library services include copying, printing (Wi-Fi printer) and faxing.

Goebel has ideas for adult programs that community members can likely meet — Spanish language classes for adults, writing workshops, musical programs, developing the back garden and so much more.

She said the Wallowa Public Library serves more than just the 830 residents of the city — anyone with a Wallowa County library card is provided the same access to its services, programs and opportunities.

Follow the library on Facebook for the most current information via facebook.com/wallowapubliclibrary.