[Libs-Or] Celebrating Aletha Bonebrake: Announcing the Bonebrake Professional Development Fund

[Jennie Tucker]

Aletha:  We met monthly and then bi-monthly trying our damndest to create a library district from those first counties who recognized the importance of working together. During those meeting LEO was created, and has continued on through thin and thick years.  From that point I was happy to meet you once again as a Oregon State Library Trustee and then as a Director for the last 7.5 years.  Much has been accomplished and we have you to thank for your hard work and stick-to-itness.  I am now enjoying LEO as a library volunteer.  To think that after all these years what a contribution LEO has become especially for the smaller rural libraries of Eastern/Northeastern Oregon.  It has been a pleasure working with you and knowing you.  Thank you again Aletha!

Jennie Tucker
Summerville, OR
 

> On Jun 1, 2022, at 7:13 AM, Stephanie Chase via Libs-Or <libs-or at omls.oregon.gov> wrote:
> 
> The Libraries of Eastern Oregon is thrilled to announce the creation of the Bonebrake Professional Development Fund, named in recognition of the many years of service and incredible contributions of retiring Board member Aletha Bonebrake. 
> 
> Aletha was one of the founding members of the Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO), and one of its most dedicated volunteers. LEO emerged following two years of informal meetings among public librarians, and has been operating as a nonprofit since December 2000. Without Aletha’s contributions, and the contributions of many volunteers, library staff, library directors, and advocates, LEO would not be in the place of strength it is today.
> 
> In thankful recognition of Aletha’s service to LEO, the LEO Board in early 2022 voted to establish the Bonebrake Professional Development Fund, to support the continuing education and professional development of library staff in Eastern Oregon. The Bonebrake Professional Development Fund contains funding to support the cost for a library staff person from the LEO region to participate in the Oregon Library Association’s biannual Leadership Institute, LIOLA, as well as a set of funds for ongoing scholarships. In addition, the Bonebrake Professional Development Fund contains funding for ongoing virtual and in-person professional development opportunities coordinated by LEO on behalf of members.
> 
> We cannot thank Aletha enough for her vision, her dedication, and her passion, and we hope this acknowledgement, though it may be small, of her commitment to strong, collaborative libraries in Eastern Oregon resonates. 
> 
> LEO represents over 50 public libraries in 15 counties — Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler — and is reportedly the geographically-largest library consortium in the continental U.S., covering an area of 54,680 square miles, or more than half the landmass of Oregon.
> 
> Please join us in celebrating Aletha and thanking her for her incredible service to libraries in Eastern Oregon!
> 
> Stephanie Chase
> Executive Director, Libraries of Eastern Oregon

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