By Stephen Floyd
Keith and Pepper Teem started volunteering at the Mt. Angel Public Library in 1974 and since then have played central roles in both its day-to-day operations and major projects.
Now the Mount Angel couple has retired after 50 years of service at the library and city leaders are marking this milestone with official proclamations and a celebration dinner.
The Teems said age “had a lot to do with it,” and that after 50 years it was time for a younger group of volunteers to take up the mantle.
During the April 1 Mt. Angel City Council meeting, Mayor Pete Wall noted the couple’s many accomplishments while reading separate proclamations recognizing Keith and Pepper individually. He said the Teems’ volunteerism “should be emulated by all capable citizens of this city.”
“The community appreciates everything you’ve done,” Wall added.
One of their more significant achievements was in 1992 when they began leading fundraising efforts for the current library building. The prior building had been condemned. They met with community members, sought grants, worked to find a site and helped finalize building plans.
The pair also has been closely involved with Mt. Angel Library Advisory Board and the Mt. Angel Friends of the Library Board, and remained involved with regular book sale fundraisers.
Keith was recognized for beautification projects such as painting the library entrance, and maintaining the garden outside the building. He is also noted for crafting unique reading chairs for the teen and kids areas. The children’s area is named after the couple.
Pepper was recognized for being a regular face every Wednesday, spending at least four hours processing library materials. Library Director Jackie Mills said this equated to more than 10,000 hours over the years and that all materials in the library have passed through Pepper’s hands at least once.
“I’m just very, very thankful for you both,” said Mills, “and I know the community is thankful whether they know it or not.”
When asked about the five decades of service, Keith told the council it was “sometimes frustrating” but that “it’s been fun.” Pepper said she has “enjoyed it all” and is grateful for Mills’ continuing work to bring new programs and revenue streams to the library.
The library will hold a no-host dinner at Lou’s Kitchen 5 p.m. April 17 to celebrate the Teems’ achievements, followed by a reception at the library at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and reservations can be made by calling the library at 971-370-5040.
In addition to recognition from the city, the Teems were honored April 21, 2023, with the “Library Supporters of the Year” award by the Oregon Library Association. The association said Mount Angel’s library would not be what it is today with the work of the Teems.
