In a forward thinking move to provide better support for students and teachers, Lindsay Riley has been chosen to serve in the revamped position of District Librarian. She will be placed primarily at the high school as she gives support and direction to library media assistants at elementary and middle schools, providing a consistent vision to make district libraries K-12 a strong resource for study skills and critical thinking.

Over the decades, budget challenges have slowly reduced licensed librarian positions at our elementary and middle schools. After the retirement of the long time high school librarian in 2017-2018, Dr. Luke Neff, Director of Strategic Partnerships, gave oversight to the high school library along with many other district duties. “Moving forward, we want to be proactive and creative as we think of how to best serve students,” said Superintendent Dr. Joe Morelock. “We’ve redesigned this position to give unified support and vision across the district for our libraries, and believe this is a win for students and teachers.”

“After spending a year trying to be a librarian,” said Neff, “I cannot stress enough the importance of having a highly-qualified, dynamic leader for our libraries. Lindsay Riley has the skills, professional training, and vision for equity our students need.” 

Riley has served in education since 2001, with a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan, and has completed the Library Media program at Portland State University. She has served as a teacher and a mentor teacher, and enjoys working with student and adult learners. She served two schools and supported more than 50 teachers and 1,200 students as a teacher- librarian for three years in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District before coming to serve here in Newberg.

“My work across the years as a classroom teacher, a literacy coach, and as a teacher - librarian, has shown me that kids are intuitive and naturally curious,” said Riley, “Libraries are places where every person should feel invited and encouraged to learn and thrive. I am thrilled to be joining the Newberg School District and I look forward to being a part of such vital places of student learning in all of our schools’ libraries.”