A series of events that began inside a small branch library in Talent late last year has culminated in the departure of the longtime director of the Jackson County Library District. After weeks of public scrutiny, internal review, and multiple board meetings, the district’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to enter into a termination without cause agreement with Library Director Kari May, bringing her more than seven-year tenure to a close.
The controversy originated in December 2025 at the district’s Talent branch in Talent. Library staff and patrons reported that a man had repeatedly accessed images and videos depicting nude children on a public computer over the course of several days. The material did not meet the statutory definition of child sexual abuse material under Oregon law, and no criminal charges were filed. However, concerns quickly mounted among staff and community members regarding how the situation was handled administratively.
Initially, the patron’s library privileges were suspended for a short period. After community members voiced concern that the disciplinary action was insufficient, district leadership extended the suspension and permanently revoked the individual’s internet access across all library branches. The episode drew significant public attention and prompted questions about internal policies governing computer use, patron conduct, and enforcement standards.
In early January 2026, the library board convened in executive session to review the matter and consider personnel actions. Shortly thereafter, the board voted unanimously to place May on paid administrative leave pending further review. The decision followed a lengthy public meeting that drew strong participation from residents throughout Jackson County, with speakers expressing a range of perspectives about leadership, staff morale, and district culture.
Over the next several weeks, the board continued to deliberate. Members authorized negotiations related to May’s employment status, extended her administrative leave, and approved hiring an outside firm to conduct a review of human resources practices within the district. The board indicated that its evaluation extended beyond the single incident and included broader administrative considerations.
On February 4, 2026, during a public meeting in Medford, the board voted unanimously to enter into a termination without cause agreement with May. A termination without cause typically reflects a contractual separation in which no formal finding of misconduct is made, and it generally includes severance terms as outlined in an employment agreement. The action formally ended May’s leadership of the district.
May had served as director during a period that included facility upgrades, program expansions, and the ongoing management of library services across multiple communities in Southern Oregon. Her departure leaves the district in a transitional phase as the board prepares to identify interim leadership and begin the process of selecting a permanent director.
At present, May is no longer serving in any official capacity with the Jackson County Library District. The board has indicated its intention to review internal procedures and ensure that district policies reflect community expectations while remaining consistent with state law and public library standards.
The situation has underscored the challenges public institutions face when balancing access to information, patron conduct policies, legal definitions, and community standards. As the district moves forward, board members have emphasized the importance of restoring public confidence, supporting staff, and maintaining library services for residents throughout Jackson County.