A $10,000 grant from Four Way Community Foundation has paid for new computers for staff and volunteers at Josephine Community Library’s Illinois Valley branch. The equipment replaces computers that had been in service since 2018 at a library that serves more than 20,000 visitors each year.
The computers are used throughout the branch’s daily operations. Staff and volunteers rely on them to check materials in and out, place and fulfill holds, answer reference questions and help visitors find books and other resources. They also use the equipment when assisting people with technology and online tools.
“Computers are an important part of almost everything we do at the library,” said Roberta Lee, branch services manager for Josephine Community Library District. “Our staff and volunteers use them to connect people with books, information, programs, and technology. Having reliable, up-to-date equipment means we can spend less time working around outdated technology and more time helping the people who walk through our doors.”
The grant also supports work that takes place before visitors arrive for a program. Staff and volunteers use computers to plan and deliver children’s activities, adult events and other library services. The replacement therefore covers equipment needed for both direct assistance to visitors and the preparation required to provide programs at the Cave Junction branch.
The computers being replaced had remained in service for about eight years. According to the library, equipment used for public service and business operations is generally expected to be replaced every three to five years. Heavy use contributes to that schedule, while newer equipment offers improvements in security and performance. The Illinois Valley computers had been in use well beyond that usual replacement period.
The grant is designated for computers used by staff and volunteers. The library’s release did not specify the number of machines purchased or describe changes to computers available for visitors’ own use. The equipment described in the grant supports the people who handle library transactions, respond to questions and help visitors use library resources.
Four Way Community Foundation has supported Josephine Community Library’s technology and other needs for many years. The organization works in Josephine and Jackson counties, and its assistance to the library has helped pay for services and resources beyond what regular public funding can cover. The $10,000 award addresses a specific equipment need at the Illinois Valley branch.
Josephine Community Library Foundation shared the news of the grant. Established in 1987, the nonprofit raises money for projects outside the library’s regular budget. Its areas of support include programming, capital improvements, technology and other special projects. The foundation’s fundraising provides an additional source of support for libraries serving Josephine County residents.
Information about Josephine Community Library District programs and services is available at josephinelibrary.org or by calling 541-476-0571. Information about Josephine Community Library Foundation is available at jclfoundation.org.