With less than a week remaining before the February 6 deadline that could see the Josephine Community Library’s lease terminated, uncertainty looms over the future of this vital community resource. Jennifer Roberts, President of the Grants Pass Friends of the Library, has voiced deep concerns over the lack of communication from Josephine County commissioners regarding ongoing lease negotiations.
According to Roberts, despite repeated efforts to engage in discussions, library officials have received no formal response from the county.
“All we know about what the commissioners are planning or thinking we’ve learned from their media interviews,” she said. “The library has had no official communication regarding the lease. Nothing. No meeting with legal representation. No letter. Nothing.”
The absence of direct dialogue has left library leadership, staff, and patrons in limbo. The library’s legal counsel reached out to the county’s attorneys on January 22 to arrange a meeting, but as of today, there has been no response.
The uncertainty has already begun to create ripple effects. Vendors have contacted the library to ask whether they will still be paid. Patrons have expressed concern over whether the library will close. Meanwhile, staff members—many of whom have dedicated years of service to the library—are left wondering about the fate of their jobs.
“I don’t know of a plan for what’s next,” Roberts admitted. “I sure hope the commissioners do.”
The Josephine Community Library has long been a cornerstone of the community, providing not just books but access to technology, educational programs, and a safe space for residents of all ages. The possibility of closure raises serious concerns about the future of these services, particularly for students, job seekers, and seniors who rely on the library’s resources.
While the commissioners have not provided direct updates to the library’s leadership, their public comments suggest that financial and legal considerations are at play. However, without clear guidance, the library remains in a precarious position, unable to make plans beyond the looming February 6 deadline.
The decision to charge rent or evict the library was passed unanimously in a 3-0 vote, supported by newly elected Commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith, and led by former Commissioner John West. Following the vote, Barnett took to social media and various news outlets, claiming that the library was not being forced out and that everything was fine. However, this statement contradicts his actions, a pattern that has become familiar to many observers.
On January 11, 2025, during a live on-air interview with local Channel 12 News, Barnett declared that the vote was “null and void.” He has since attempted to walk back that statement, acknowledging that a single commissioner does not have the authority to unilaterally overturn a board decision. Despite this, as of today, no meeting has been scheduled to address the issue, and the commissioners have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
As the deadline approaches, library supporters and concerned residents are calling for transparency and swift action from county officials. Many hope that negotiations can still take place to prevent a disruption in services. Others are pushing for community engagement, urging local leaders to recognize the library’s critical role in Josephine County.
For now, the fate of the Josephine Community Library rests in the hands of the commissioners. The community will be watching closely in the coming days to see whether county officials provide clarity—or whether Grants Pass could soon lose one of its most valued institutions.
Residents interested in supporting the library’s efforts can reach out to the Grants Pass Friends of the Library for updates and advocacy opportunities.