[Reforma_or] Thank you Oregon Libraries

[Yelitza Vargas-Boots]

Dear Members of the Oregon Library Association and REFORMA Oregon,

It is with mixed emotions that I share my decision to resign from my
position as the Bilingual Outreach Librarian with the Hood River County
Library District and Vice Chair for the State Library Board of Oregon. This
has not been an easy decision, as my time working in libraries has been one
of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life.

I have always worked so hard to serve our Spanish-speaking communities and
the reason is simple: I have never separated myself from my community. I am
part of the underserved communities I serve. My family, including my mother
who immigrated to this country, were part of the farm-working communities
we see today in Oregon. Every effort I have made in this role has been in
honor of the legacy of my mother whose education extended only to the
fourth grade and to the strongest woman I have ever known—my
great-grandmother, Heriberta Padilla, who taught me to be a caring,
compassionate person and whose legacy inspires me daily.

Over the past 12 years, I have discovered a deeper sense of who I am and my
passion for library services. I deeply believe in the power of libraries to
uplift our communities and help them thrive, especially the children. As a
library institution, it is our duty to value and uplift children of color
and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, today’s society often
sends harmful messages that seek to put them down. It is critical that we,
as libraries, continue to be spaces where all children—regardless of
gender, race, or economic status—feel welcomed, valued, and reassured.

Please also keep me in mind for library consulting opportunities regarding
Bilingual Community Outreach and Spanish-Language Collection Development.
You can reach me at *yeliboots at gmail.com <yeliboots at gmail.com>* or
509-310-9589.

Thank you all for the support, collaboration, and shared vision we have
worked toward during my tenure. It has been an honor to work alongside such
dedicated individuals, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive
impact of your efforts in Oregon’s library community.

With gratitude and best wishes,
*Yelitza (Yeli) Vargas-Boots*
*Vice Chair*, State Library Board of Oregon
<https://www.oregon.gov/library/operations/pages/library-board.aspx>
*Bilingual Outreach Librarian / Bibliotecaria de Alcance*
Hood River County Library District
541-386-2535 [*7068*]  |  hoodriverlibrary.org
<http://www.hoodriverlibrary.org/>
*"Nos extendemos, apoyando a todos para aprender, crear y crecer" *
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