As of 2016, Hughes was living in a "tiny home", a 400 square-foot house located next door to her son, Michael.
[8][9] She displayed the work of painters Scott McIntire, Frank Okada, Carolyn Cole, Martha Banyas, Jackie K. Johnson, Sherrie Wolf, Judy Cooke, Carol Colin, jeweler and sculptor Nelsie Davis, artist Bill Ritchie, sculptor William Tunberg, Scott Sonniksen, and the work of the current Director of Art Programs for Marylhurst College, Paul Sutinen.
[2][25] Hughes claimed the inspiration came to her after she sat on a box in the stacks and read an entire book.
Leo Burt, the fugitive believed to be behind the Sterling Hall bombing and one-time Unabomber suspect may have visited the Coffee Room and written in one of the books in 1988.
[29] Hughes previously worked providing organizing services to small businesses and individuals.