Keizer Community Library’s Board of Directors
The Keizer Community Library has an active and passionate all-volunteer, working Board of Directors. All share a passion for the library and a commitment to its support. Board Officer positions are held for a one year term, while there are no term requirements for the general Board of Directors.
Board Officers
Barbara Miner
President
Barbara was an electron microscopist working in semiconductor development for 25 years. She then developed engineering programs for young girls. Barbara has always loved books and enjoys a variety of topics, but especially loves stories about real people.
Favorite Quote: “Richer than I you can never be – I had a mother who read to me. ” ― The Reading Mother, Strickland Gillilan
Cindy Hunt
Vice President
Cindy grew up on a ranch in Montana and came to Oregon to attend law school at Willamette University. She moved to Keizer in 2000 when she was looking for a great neighborhood in which to buy her first house. Cindy has more than 30 years of experience in education policy working for the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Legislative Counsel’s Office. She has been an avid reader her entire life and feels libraries play a critical role in our community. Cindy’s three favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird, The Outsiders and Swiss Family Robinson.
Favorite Quote: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen Ki
Betty Hart
Treasurer
Gina Pye
Secretary
When Gina and her husband retired to Keizer, she knew she wanted to channel her love of books, energy and past experience with children of all ages into a new, local endeavor. Since her first days as a circulation desk volunteer, she’s also channeled that energy and experience into hosting and helping with Storytime and other children’s events. Her past experience on corporate and non-profit boards led her to becoming a board member. Gina looks forward to being involved with the KCL for many more years!
Favorite Quote: “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.” ― Marc Brown
BJ Toewe
Library Director
Favorite Quote: “Only the rarest kind of best can be good enough for the young.” ― Walter de la Mare
Board of Directors
Carlie Dossman
Paula Guiles
Favorite Quote: “Never give up.”
Paulette Helsley
Susan Jacobo
Susan is a first-generation Mexican American born and raised in Salem, Oregon. She is passionate about education, literacy, and the arts and enjoys incorporating music, creativity, and cultural traditions into her work with children and families. Susan has worked in public education for over 12 years and has experience performing music for cultural events and leading community workshops. She especially loves creating welcoming bilingual spaces where children can develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. Currently, Susan volunteers with bilingual storytime at the Keizer Community Library and works as the librarian at Weddle Elementary School.
Favorite Quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ― Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Oca Patriarca
Oca has spent his career building, designing, and modernizing complex information systems, from property assessment platforms in Manitoba to cloud and AI infrastructure for the State of Oregon. He has led innovation teams, strengthened organizational security, and guided strategic technology planning across government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Oca enjoys exploring new places and reading widely, especially on topics that deepen his understanding of people and how systems shape their lives.
Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Kiara Ramsay
Born into a military family in Alaska, Kiara spent her life moving around the country. One of the few consistencies in Kiara’s life growing up was the library. No matter where she lived, there was always a library waiting for her. As Kiara got older, she became a volunteer at her local library, and it was one of the best experiences of her life – to be able to give back to the place and people that had given her a safe haven growing up. So, when she moved to Keizer, she knew she wanted to be back in the library in a meaningful way. At Keizer Community Library, Kiara serves as the Chair of the Children’s Programming Committee. In addition to volunteering on the Library Board, Kiara teaches science at McNary High School.
Favorite Quote: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” ― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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