One of “my earliest memories is of walking down the stairs to the children’s collection of the old Salem Public Library,” Steinke recalls, an early exposure to libraries that sparked her love of reading and a lifelong passion for education.

“I’ve been hanging out in libraries since junior high. They just seem like a comforting place to be. I worked in the library at Western Oregon University (then the Oregon College of Education) during my first year before I transferred to the UO,” shared Steinke.

She continued her studies at the University of Oregon, where she spent countless hours in the carrels on the third floor of what would later come to be called Knight Library. Her love for literature and education flourished during her time at the UO, particularly through her courses in children’s and young adult literature.

“I took children’s lit while getting my teaching credential at the UO’s College of Education. I was then accepted to, what was back then, the School of Librarianship in 1967.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a fulfilling 30-year career as a school librarian with the Eugene 4J School District.

Steinke’s commitment to libraries extends beyond her professional life. She and her husband, Clayton, have generously supported UO Libraries—through their estate plan and their donations to the student employee fund—reflecting their belief in the transformative power of education. They also support two UO scholarships: one for undocumented/dreamer students and a College of Arts and Sciences one for students in the Social Sciences. All their major giving goes directly to support students.

“Clayton and I credit our UO liberal arts educations for leading to successful careers,” Steinke acknowledged. 

Their donations have already funded scholarships and endowments, including support for hundreds of library student employees. One of those students is Maggie Dobson, ‘24. 

“I’ve worked in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) in Knight Library since 2023, first as a student and now as a reference services archivist. It’s been an incredibly beneficial experience for me, especially since I was recently able to transition from a student position to a staff one,” Dobson shared.

Steinke joined the UO Libraries’ Advancement Council around 2011 to say thank you to libraries. As a council member, she’s been an active advocate for the library system. She sees this as an exciting time for UO Libraries, with the opening of the UO Portland Library at the new Northeast campus, the integration into the Big Ten’s “Big Collection,” and the recent restoration of the Knight Library as significant milestones.

Chair of the Advancement Council Pamela McClure-Johnston has worked with Steinke for eight years. 

“What makes Sheryl so wonderful to work with is her keen mind, experience as a school librarian, and her thoughtful suggestions for solving problems. Partnering with Sheryl, for example on the annual Advancement Council Report, has inspired me to fly with ideas and to know that Sheryl will bring me back down to reality with smart, concrete, and sensible solutions,” McClure-Johnston shared, and added enthusiastically, “Sheryl is a Duck to her core! She is loyal, always willing to ‘pitch in’ when there is a job to do, and she and her husband Clayton are giving back to future generations of students through their gift to the UO Libraries to fund student employment. Happy Birthday, Sheryl!”

Because libraries have always been a comforting place for Steinke, she encourages current students—including her Duck granddaughter—to explore all that UO Libraries’ seven locations have to offer. 

“There’s more at the libraries than you will ever realize. Just ask a librarian. There’s a library for every student. If the flagship Knight Library seems intimidating, try the awesome Price Science Commons Library or the cozy Design Library. Dig around in the online resources available on the library website.”

Beyond her work with UO Libraries, Steinke is actively involved with the Eugene Public Library as a board member and secretary for the Friends of the Eugene Public Library, where she also helps organize the annual book sale. Her love of hiking, reading, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren further enriches her life.

Reflecting on her 80 years, Steinke shares a favorite expression: “Smile at the rain.” 

“Growing up in Oregon, I’ve always loved the rain. It brings rejuvenation to my life. A second favorite expression is ‘the journey is the reward,’ which reminds me to live in the moment.”

As she celebrates this milestone, Steinke’s legacy of dedication to libraries and education continues to inspire others, including the UO Libraries Vice Provost and University Librarian Alicia Salaz, who said, “Spending time with Sheryl is such a joy. Her life story and love of the library inspires me to keep working to make the same kind of impact on future generations that the library had for her, Clayton, and her family. Her story and passion for libraries reminds our whole team why we do what we do. Happy birthday, Sheryl!”

For those interested in supporting UO Libraries, Steinke has a simple message: “The people you will meet care so much about UO Libraries. You will be impressed.” 

Her impressive commitment exemplifies the key role that passionate individuals can play in advancing educational and library resources and the importance of giving back to support future generations.

Happy birthday, Sheryl! Thank you for your remarkable contributions to libraries and beyond.

—Kate Conley, communications specialist, UO Libraries