Arrest made in vandalism at Newberg library

The individual responsible for shattering a window that held a Pride flag at the Newberg Public Library was apprehended by local police Friday, June 7.

In a release distributed Friday, Newberg-Dundee Police said the perpetrator was a juvenile that fired a BB gun at the window, shattering the glass. The library was open at the time.

“After a thorough investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect to be a juvenile,” the department, declining to name the youth, said in the release. “The investigation determined the juvenile acted alone. The juvenile cooperated with detectives and was arrested.”

The case has been forwarded to the Yamhill County Juvenile Department, the release added.

NDPD officers were dispatched to the library at around 7:15 p.m. June 5 following a report of vandalism at the Hancock Street facility.

“Responding officers were able to determine an unknown suspect(s) shot at least one projectile into a window, which caused substantial damage,” the release said. “In addition to the vandalism, there were concerns the suspect(s) possibly had a biased intent because a Pride flag was displayed directly behind the vandalized window. Due to the concerns of bias, this case was referred to NDPD detectives.”

Library officials said damage to the building was minimal.

“The library itself, including the historic 1912 window and the Pride flag, remains intact,” said Library Director Korie Jones Buerkle. “Although no one was seated at the table beneath the window, there were individuals in the Carnegie Library room at the time.”

Jones Buerkle added that city management and elected officials have supported the library following the attack and the city’s human resources team has been providing resources and support to staff “as we navigate through this challenging time.”

“In the face of adversity, we've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community for the library, our staff and the LGBTQIA+ community at large,” she said. “The library stands as a beacon of inclusivity, offering materials that reflect the diversity of our community.”

Jones Buerkle commented on how library regularly erects displays celebrating “various interests, cultures and themes,” including recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Since 2019, in honor of Pride Month, we've proudly displayed the Pride flag in our window, alongside curated Pride book displays,” she said. “This tradition will continue, with the Pride flag remaining in place until the end of Pride Month or until the window is fully repaired, whichever comes last.”

The library will also recognize Pride Month from noon to 4 p.m. June 22 at the Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan St., host a Pride story time and “quiet reading session” at the event as well.