Rural Community Builder Name: Sarah Elizabeth Frost
Community: West Valley (Grand Ronde, Sheridan, Willamina), OR
Role: Director, Willamina Public Library
What is one word or phrase that describes this person as an RCB: A bright community-building star in our little West Valley universe.
Recognized by: Loree Havel
Tell us a bit about what you appreciate about them as an RCB: Imagine a layered dessert or maybe a lasagne with a base of passion, honesty, great listening, humor, organization, and compassion. Now, stick it all together with ridiculous energy, charisma, kindness, and courage. Sprinkle on some “nerdiness”, a strong sense of justice, and exuberant optimism. This unique “concoction” named Sarah inspires me with her ability to bridge and connect diverse community groups throughout the West Valley region. During her short tenure as library director she has organized and relentlessly cheered on city and volunteer efforts to reinvigorate the library as a relevant, welcoming public space and to bring early literacy forward as a community priority. Even during current “shut-downs”, Sarah finds creative ways to partner with many groups to provide resources and encouragement to isolated rural library patrons in a myriad of ways including digital connections, art supply packets, storytime, library material deliveries, and much much MORE!
