We’re back this month with our FLEX Feature article and this time we talked with Zoe Oakes, Branch Manager of the Franklin Public Library.
Tell us about the Oil Region Library Association.
The Oil Region Library Association (ORLA) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2015 with the intention of taking over the governance of local public libraries. This partnership collectively brought together all public libraries in Venango County (Franklin, Oil City, and Cooperstown) under the governance of one organization for the first time ever.
What is your role at ORLA?
I serve as the Branch Manager of the Franklin Public Library, where I am in charge of stewardship of the building and the collection it holds. I help build partnerships with local businesses and organizations to help spread awareness of what is available to and in the community, beyond the walls of the library.
What is your favorite part about working with this organization?
I am proud to be a member of ORLA. I am passionate about helping patrons get the fullest use of their time at the library and promoting resources available when the physical libraries are closed. It is a pleasure to share in comradery between patrons and staff— sharing personal anecdotes, offering advice, and of course discussing the latest James Patterson novel!
What would surprise people about ORLA?
The libraries have traditional print material, but also an every expanding collection of “realia.” These are one-time-use, expensive, or risky items to offset costs to community members. Going to Two Mile Run Park? Check out a Metal Detector and GPS and go Geocaching! Doing household repairs or DIY? Check out a power drill and auto-leveling lase/stud finder. Want to meet friends in the virtual world for a Beat Saber competition? Check out an Oculus Quest 2.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The Franklin Public Library is celebrating 100 years of serving the public on Friday, June 17, 2022. The community is invited to help with the planning and implementation of the festivities. Please contact your local ORLA branch for additional information.
Thank you, Zoe, for sharing about the Oil Region Library Association and your role at the Franklin Public Library! You can learn more about ORLA at oilregionlibraries.org.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) May 2022 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.