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Dragonfly, Spring 1999 Face to Face with Elsie Werth Chholing Taha

Today our librarian's duties often hurry us to a computer terminal or Internet connection. Our training quite naturally involves expert knowledge in a variety of databases and published mediums. As librarians we carry the ability to match a user's information need with the appropriate materials.

Within this spirit, earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde at Grand Ronde, OR. My focus was to assess technical levels of varying sets of persons within the Tribe and those employed by the Tribe in hopes of leveling the field for all persons in regard to computer skills and access to critical information.

After a dreary winter in Seattle, driving through the beautiful countryside of Oregon was a treat. Daffodils in full-bloom greeted my eyes and an occasional elusive white cloud dotted blue skies of Spring time. In the town of Grand Ronde, heading toward the Tribal offices, I passed the Grand Ronde Library. This library was one room, about 30 x 40 feet with a hand-painted sandwich sign out in front of a dirt parking area announcing, "The Library is Open Today!" Yes, I had already decided my path would return there before the day was finished.

Open only on Mondays, the Librarian in attendance is Elsie Werth, custodian of the collection for over 47 years. She is a concerned and professional woman, who sat beside a wood stove for warmth, accompanied by a recipe box bursting with "check-out slips." She explained the purpose of her library with conviction: "a reading library." She told me that it was her job to "know good books and then sell the idea of reading to others." She deftly picked up a volume and proceeded to sell me.

Elsie told me how her father came to this territory in 1901 from Kansas. Colorful stories of the Elders her mother knew were next. She concluded with her worries about collection development and the actual future of her library. Sitting in a child's folding oak wood chair next to her sent me back to my own childhood. Viewing her collection of classic books, smelling the scent of the old oak floor with sun streaming through 6-foot tall windows of old wavy glass. Through all these sensations, I remembered who sparked my child's mind so long ago and why I personally became interested in the information profession myself.

It is pioneers such as Elsie who spark the match of learning and encourage curiosity, the very foundation of wisdom and learning. Elsie knew her community well, and the importance of freedom of expression--what a treasure. These librarians are the bedrock of information services delivered with a timeless passion for one's work. Today Elsie is attempting to develop her collection of books on the Pacific Northwest and the Indigenous Native People. Book donations can be sent to:

Grand Ronde Woman's Club Library
C/O Mrs. Elsie F. Werth
9030 Hebo Rd
Grand Ronde OR 97347

URL: http://nnlm.gov/pnr/news/199904/werth.html