Angela Ocaña named Eugene Public Library director
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by Ben Schorzman, Content and Community Engagement Manager
After a national search, interim Eugene Public Library Director Angela Ocaña will have the “interim” dropped from her title after being named to the position this week.
Ocaña, who has worked for the Library Services division since 2017, has served as the library’s director since August 2023 when former director Will O’Hearn left for a new job.
She started her career in Eugene as the Youth Services supervisor before moving into a leadership role as the Community Services manager. In her 26 years as a professional, she has worked in every facet of librarianship.
“Angela has a proven track record of leading, innovating, and building relationships,” said Joshua Bates, director of the city’s Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. “Throughout the recruitment process, I was deeply impressed by her vision for the library, her love and commitment to Eugene and her empathy and care for staff. I’m confident that through her leadership the library will continue to be a beacon for access, belonging and knowledge for our community.”
As the Youth Services manager, Ocaña helped build the Downtown Library’s Teen Center and was a leader in adapting library services through COVID restrictions. She served in the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during the pandemic and helped shepherd the creative visions of staff for the library’s youth, adult and branch services.
“Our library is a vital institution in Eugene, and the Eugene Public Library is one of the best in Oregon,” Ocaña said. “I am excited to lead our organization of amazing and passionate staff as we continue to create an environment of belonging for everyone in our community.”
Ocaña formerly served as the past chair of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, a forum of the American Library Association for the discussion of activities, programs and problems. She was selected as one of the ALA’s emerging leaders 2018 and has won awards for her work with teens.
