The clock has run out on the lease between Josephine County and the Josephine Community Library District (JCLD), as today marks the 30-day deadline since Commissioners John West, Chris Barnett, and Ron Smith voted unanimously to terminate the agreement. The decision, made on January 6, 2025, has left library officials, patrons, and community advocates scrambling to determine what comes next.
Despite the looming deadline, county officials have only now scheduled a meeting to discuss the matter. The meeting, set for February 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., will include an agenda item labeled: “Consideration of lease termination for County-Owned Real Property at 200 NW C Street (Library).”
The decision to terminate the lease was made with just 30 days’ notice, a move that caught library officials off guard. JCLD leaders have stated that they never received formal written notice from the county regarding the lease’s termination. Instead, the first acknowledgment of the decision came through a January 8 press release that vaguely referenced discussions on a “framework” for renegotiation.
For over a month, JCLD officials have attempted to initiate talks with the county, hoping to resolve the issue before the lease expired. Attorneys representing the district first contacted the commissioners on January 22 to request a meeting, followed by another formal request on January 31. Until today, there had been no confirmation from the county on whether negotiations would take place.
With the fate of the library in question, community response has been swift and vocal. Library supporters have organized rallies, letter-writing campaigns, and public statements urging the county to reconsider. Organizations such as the Oregon Library Association and the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce have also expressed their support for the library.
“The public has made it clear that they expect a fair and transparent process,” said Library Director Kate Lasky. “We remain hopeful that the county will engage in good-faith negotiations so that our patrons can continue accessing the essential resources we provide.”
With the meeting set for February 11, the library’s future remains uncertain. JCLD officials have indicated their goal is to secure a long-term lease extension—ideally for at least ten years—or find a path toward securing a permanent, independent facility.
If the county upholds its lease termination, the library could be forced to vacate the premises, disrupting services for thousands of local residents who rely on it for educational programs, internet access, and community events.
Library advocates are expected to attend the February 11 meeting in large numbers to voice their concerns. With the lease technically expiring today, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether an agreement can be reached—or if Grants Pass will be left without a fully operational public library.
