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Meet Salomon Hernandez: Library Outreach Coordinator

Post Date:05/29/2024

Salomon Hernandez by river on a snowy day

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Those words of wisdom apply to people as well. People like Salomon Hernandez, the Hillsboro Public Library’s new bilingual Outreach Coordinator, who’s full of surprises and impressive life experiences.

Salomon, tell us about yourself.

I’m originally from Houston, Texas, so I'm relieved to have escaped the never-ending humidity and heat.

I used to compete in ballroom dancing and now enjoy drawing photorealistic portraits. I also have a passion for understanding how things work, which often leads me to take apart machines, computers, and cars. When not dismantling everything around me, I enjoy tackling calculus and Python problems for fun.

Salomon Hernandez at ballroom dancing event

Salomon Hernandez at ballroom dancing event

Professionally, I have taught second grade students in Texas and had the opportunity to be an English Professor in Yaroslavl, Russia. I also served as a Veteran Services Coordinator. These experiences have all contributed to my current role as the Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, where I connect with the community and bring valuable resources to them.

What experiences in your life led you to work in outreach and community engagement?

My experience as a second-grade teacher in a low-income community fueled my passion for connecting with the community and supporting education beyond the classroom.

I saw firsthand the difference that access to resources and support can make in people's lives, inspiring me to continue this work on a broader scale. Working closely with children and families in need made me realize the importance of outreach and the positive impact it can have on the entire community.

What is Library on the Loose and what does it mean for community members?

Library on the Loose is our initiative to bring library resources directly to the community, making books, programs, and services accessible to everyone — especially those who may not be able to visit the library or are unaware of the free services we provide. It means breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that everyone can benefit from what the library offers.

This initiative promotes literacy and learning, and it fosters a sense of community and belonging by reaching people where they are.

What do you like most about your work?

I love making meaningful connections with people and seeing the positive impact of our services on their lives.

It's incredibly rewarding to bring joy and a sense of community as they engage with our resources and programs. Knowing that we are making a tangible difference motivates me every day. The smiles, the gratitude, and the stories of how our services have enriched their lives are what make my work truly fulfilling.

As you reach out to community members for input and feedback, what are you hoping to hear?

I hope to hear how we can better serve their needs, what programs they find most valuable, and any future events and services ideas. Their feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our offerings to be as effective and relevant as possible, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our community.

Listening to their experiences and suggestions helps us grow and improve, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.