The Josephine Community Library District Board of Directors has issued an update regarding the ongoing discussions about the lease agreement for the Grants Pass branch, located at 200 NW C Street, which is set to expire on December 31, 2025.
In their statement, the Board first expressed their deep gratitude to the community for their continued support. They acknowledged the invaluable advocacy efforts from residents, including letters, rallies, and public statements, which have helped amplify the importance of sustaining the library system. Special thanks were also extended to the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and the Oregon Library Association, both of which have publicly endorsed the library’s role in fostering education and opportunity in the area.
The current lease agreement for the Grants Pass branch is in place until the end of 2025. The Board emphasized that this lease aligns with the county’s charter obligations, specifically Section 14.5, which mandates that the Board provide support and maintenance for the main library and its branches. This provision is a foundational part of the commitment to ensuring access to library services for residents across the county.
The Board also shared positive news regarding ongoing communication with Josephine County’s legal counsel. Representatives from both sides have been in touch regarding potential meeting times, signaling a promising start to discussions aimed at securing a lease renewal. The library district is committed to finding a solution that serves both the needs of the community and the long-standing partnership between the library and county government.
A historical perspective on library funding was also provided to shed light on the complexities of the current situation. The Josephine County Library system has faced significant financial challenges over the years. In 1997, voters approved a 33-cent library levy to fund operations. However, after Measure 50 made the levy permanent, the Board of Commissioners merged it into the county’s general fund. Over time, as federal O&C timber revenues declined, the levy shifted away from supporting library services and became a crucial source of funding for other county departments.
This shift led to the eventual closure of the library system in 2007, leaving the community without access to vital services. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and donors, the library was reopened and sustained until the formation of the Josephine Community Library District in 2017, which secured dedicated funding through a special tax district.
Since its creation, the library district has operated independently from the county government, funded entirely by a voter-approved special tax. This structure has saved the county millions annually while ensuring that the library continues to provide essential services. The Grants Pass branch, a cornerstone of the community since 1959, stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers and supporters.
Looking forward, the library district is making strides to address the long-term needs of the community. Plans are already in motion for the construction of a new library facility, with groundbreaking anticipated in 2027, contingent on successfully raising the necessary funds. The new facility will be funded through grants and donations, with no new taxes or tax increases required. While these plans move forward, the current Grants Pass branch remains essential to the continuity of library services, and fundraising efforts are actively underway to make the new library a reality.
The Josephine Community Library Board reiterated its commitment to transparency and promised to keep the community informed as these discussions continue. The library is dedicated to ensuring that it remains a vital and accessible resource for generations to come, and with continued community support, it will do so for years to come.