Ree West takes over later this month as the new librarian in Twisp.
Winthrop librarian Ree West will be moving down-valley to take over the Twisp library later this month, replacing Dawn Woodruff, NCW Libraries said in a press release.
West will assume responsibility for the Twisp library on Sept. 26. Woodruff retired last week after nearly nine years as the Twisp librarian. NCW Libraries said a replacement for West in Winthrop has not been named yet.
West took over at the Winthrop library in 2020, when it was still housed in a building on Highway 20 next to Mack Lloyd Park. She moved to the new Winthrop library when it opened in 2022.
West’s library career began at Big Sky Community Library in Big Sky, Montana. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Master of Library and Information Science in 2009 and has worked at Glacier National Park and the Spokane County Library District before coming to the Methow Valley.
Former Twisp librarian Dawn Woodruff, center, had a going-away (and birthday) party on Sept. 8
“I’ve loved serving the Methow Valley in Winthrop,” West said in the release. “What a joy to collaborate closely with Friends of the Winthrop Library the Town of Winthrop to open our beautiful new library building. Now, I am ready for a new adventure in Twisp while staying connected to my roots in Winthrop.”
Alicia Gomori, NCW Libraries Associate Director of Community Libraries said, “We are thrilled for Ree to bring her skills, expertise, and experience to the Twisp Library. She is the perfect person to build upon Dawn’s legacy and we are thankful that she will be close by to support the next Winthrop branch librarian.”
During the transition period, both libraries will maintain their regular operating hours, NCW Libraries said.
