#McKenzieStrong – Rebuild the Blue River Library

Libraries are often a focal point for small communities, and that was most certainly the case in Blue River.

I had just started volunteering at the Frances O’Brien Memorial library at the end of August, and on my first – and as it sadly turned out, only – shift I was amazed at how busy things were. A steady flow of patrons of all ages came in, browsed, returned items, and picked up some more.

Priscilla Oxley, Board President for the O’Brien Memorial Library, had been the one to welcome me and show me the ropes when I started volunteering there. She also lost her home in the fire, so the next time I saw her in November, she was living with her daughter while figuring out next steps, both for herself and the library.

There has been a huge outpouring of support for rebuilding the library, she tells me, including a GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Lane Library League that raised around $12,000. Contributions keep coming in from locals as well as much further afield from people who have a special place in their heart not only for the library but for the McKenzie Valley.

Even before the fire, the Blue River Bottle Boys collected the deposits on bottles and cans to fund the library, and a few weeks after the fire they were right back at it, determined to help build it back “a dime at a time” explains Pete Petty, who started the initiative.

Pete and his friend Monty Wilson hope to see the library come back as an even stronger focal point for the community, but they, and Priscilla, are realistic about the challenges ahead. “It’s going to take time,” she says, adding that it is crucial that the region gets the resources needed to build better infrastructure, as things like setting up a sanitation system would make a huge difference to the community’s ability to rebuild back better.

If enough funds are raised, this mobile unit could be fitted out with technology to also help keep patrons connected and give them access to a broader digitized catalog of materials.

It seems fitting, since Mrs O’Brien started the library as a mobile setup, meant to give her students access to the same books as kids living in town would have. Her strength and proactive attitude are an inspiration for those now determined to carry on her legacy and bring back the library to Blue River.  As Priscilla wisely says, you should go into things expecting success – and work to it.

Those interested in contributing can donate using the PayPal button above or send a check to The Frances O’Brien Memorial Library,  PO Box 291, Blue River, OR 97413.

For the latest information on the recovery and rebuilding of the McKenzie Valley, and to contribute to those efforts, visit McKenzie Recovery and follow @CdcKenzie on Twitter.