Royal City library gets new head branch librarian

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City Public Library will see more a familiar face in the days ahead. Tim Hoelscher has been appointed as the new Royal City head branch librarian by the North Central Regional Library.

Hoelscher has worked in the Royal City library as a substitute for five years. He has also occasionally worked in the Mattawa library.

“I worked at a public library in the Portland area when I was in seminary,” said Hoelscher. “I started as the librarian on Jan. 2. I have been subbing here for the previous librarian, Shannon, for five years. There are a lot of things about the library I was familiar with, but there have been a few things I have had to learn that are new.”

Recently, he has been running the Royal City STEM programs, which meet every Monday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. In addition, Hoelscher has been the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Royal City for 27 years.

Hoelscher enjoys painting, both houses and pictures, hiking and running.

“I learned to paint houses when I was growing up,” Hoelscher said. “My dad was a teacher. I helped him.”

“My undergrad work was in graphic works and education. I’ve always kind of enjoyed anything I can do in graphic arts.”

Hoelsher enjoys getting to know the people who use the library.

“We’re a small-town library,” said Hoelscher. “When kids are in school, it is slower. People stand at my desk and talk for 20 minutes. I get to talk and hear their story.”

One of Hoelscher’s hopes is that he will be able to encourage people in the community to discover the resources the North Central Regional Library has to offer.

“There are a lot of resources available to us,” Hoelscher said. “Some people are surprised by what we can offer.”

The Royal City Public Library is open Monday’s from noon to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is located at 136 Camelia St. NW in Royal City.