The second floor of the Eugene Public Library is bathed in sunlight. The windows stretch from the floor to the towering ceilings. The wood paneling on the ceiling ebbs and flows. In combination with the warm, circular light fixtures, the ceiling’s pattern gives the impression of jellyfish, floating serenely in the tide.
Even early on a Thursday afternoon, there are very few empty chairs at tables that occupy that vast room. People sit amid the shelves, talking, doing homework, securing victories in Fortnite Battle Royale and watching the newest season of Bridgerton on the computers. Eugene public schools aren’t out for the day yet, but once they are, the building is prepared to host many more visitors.
The space is peaceful, but not quiet. One voice cheerfully rings through the shelves. Library services director Angela Ocaña wanders through the stacks, greeting each and every coworker. No one slips by without acknowledgment…