A Library Transformed: The Heart of Woodland’s Community

After being genuinely surprised at the opposition to installing a mural on the west wall of the library, the library has decided not to pursue the mural project. The library director, Greta Galindo, wanted a public expression of the amazing success the library had become inside.

And indeed, what Greta has created inside is amazing. She has an unusual skill at recognizing and hiring people with passion; the librarians and staff are all not only highly skilled but have real passion for what they do.

Greta Galindo, the library director; Sara Day, the teen services librarian; Sara Vickers, the children’s librarian; Trina Camping, the Maker Space librarian; Carol Davis, adult services librarian; and Kacye Wilson, literacy and outreach librarian. Maureen Ladd, Sherston Rosenfield, and Sylvia De Soto are library techs. Sylvia Moreno is the circulation supervisor.

Board of Trustees: Chari Chris Lambertus, Vice Chair Noel Rodriguez, Carol Beckham, Dr. John Jackson, and Maureen King.

Greta has a unique ability to recognize and hire people who are passionate about their work. The shared passion is the first thing one notices about her librarians and staff. She also is a very skilled administrator. One librarian noted that Greta trusts them, and that gives them permission to excel and create new projects. From day one, Greta’s goal has been to make the library outward-facing, with strong community outreach.

Our Woodland Library has gained National attention. It’s one of three libraries President Obama chose to partner with for a library promotion through social media. In this now viral TikTok, Obama got to know Henrietta, the famous librarian cat.

Additionally, in 2021, First Partner Jennifer Siegel Newsom visited the library and complimented Sara Day’s teen summer program.

“I especially loved meeting the teen volunteers who truly make these programs possible,” she stated. “I’m in awe of their dedication to their community and to developing the next generation of library lovers.”

Also, under Sara Day’s guidance, in 2023, Adulting 101: Life Skills for Teens had over 140 Yolo County teens take part and learn about skills to use for post-high school life.

Sara Vickers, the children’s librarian, also has been highly successful; in 2023, there were 92,801 books checked out from the children’s library, and she has held 450 children’s programs with an attendance totaling 17,990. Sara also makes sure every first grader has a library card. Sara is a master at creating programs. She even coordinated with Putah Creek Council to come to the library with programs for kids.

Our library has created from scratch one of the best Maker Spaces (Square One) in the country. It is the only one with a wood shop. Trina Camping is the Square One Librarian. She has been there from day one, and I have never seen such a perfect match of skills, passions and desire to help people learn with the actual job description.

Through Trina’s summer Makercamp program, 71 middle schoolers had the opportunity to visit UC Davis’ Neurobiology Engineering Labs. One can imagine how life-changing that could be for some students! The list of what Square One includes is exhaustive, but it includes a Laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing machines, an electronics bench, and a digitalization station. For library card holders, it is free; one only must take a basic safety class (BUS). In 2023, 307 people took a BUS class and Square One gained 940 new users.

Kacye Wilson is the literacy and outreach librarian. As part of that outreach, the library has purchased a Bookmobile, which will be in service in the new year.

One of Greta’s main goals has been community outreach. In 2023, 27,969 people attended 866 community programs.

Our library is a safe space. It is a member of the Trauma Informed Network of Care.

What many people don’t know is the library provides free tutoring and free job search.

Greta is deeply appreciated for her being a dependable partner with the Rose Club and the Rose Garden.

Woodland can be proud of this Library!

— By Nancy Fischer, Woodland