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P.O. Box 1684 Grants Pass, Oregon P.O. Box 1684 Grants Pass, Oregon 97528
info@josephinelibrary.org

THE LIBRARIES

Q. What is the mission of Josephine Community Libraries?

A. The mission of Josephine Community Libraries is to facilitate the opening and to ensure long-term operations of a public library system serving Josephine County, while adhering to its core values of integrity, credibility, and accountability.

Q: When do you expect to reopen the libraries?

A: The hope is to open sometime in 2008. This will depend on how quickly and how well we can raise the necessary funding.

Q: Will all the library branches open in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek?

A: This is the goal, but again, this depends on the success of fundraising.

THE ORGANIZATION

Q: Who is part of this library reopen effort?

A: There are currently more than 200 volunteers on the mailing list of this effort, 50 of whom are serving on one or more committees. They are parents, retired people, professionals, members of the Library Foundation and Friends of the Library, a county commissioner, the former library manager, and more. We have more than 500 concerned citizens on our mailing list.

Q: What’s the name of this group?

A: On September 18, the name “Josephine Community Libraries” was adopted. This was changed from the short-lived “Josephine Library Team” or “JoLT”.

Q: What organization is being proposed to operate the library system?

A: The organization is a new private nonprofit corporation whose only purpose is to operate the library. This nonprofit is applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS as a charitable organization qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Q: Who is leading this effort?

A: From August until November, the effort was lead by an ad hoc steering committee of 18 community members, with the support of fundraising, publicity, legal, budget, county, and other subcommittees. A permanent board of directors of 12 leaders was installed on November 27.

Q: Who is on your board of directors?

A: The board consists of Brady Adams of Evergreen Federal Bank, retired engineer Charles Brown, Judy Christensen of the Library Board and Library Foundation, Dennis Doyle CPA, retired manager Susan Ellsworth, Corin Goodwin of Gifted Homeschoolers Forum, Bill Kangas of the Grants Pass City Council, retired attorney David Mannix, writer Nick Morgan, Bill Peterson of Copeland Companies, educator Elayne Smith, and retired general contractor Doug Walker.

Q: How can I learn more about Josephine Community Libraries?

A: Continue browsing through this Web site. You can also attend board meetings. We keep the Web updated for board meeting times and locations.

Q: How can we contact you?

A: Send e-mail to us at info@josephinelibrary.org.

Q: I thought the libraries were already reopened in October?

A: You’re thinking of the Jackson County library system, which indeed reopened in October, after also closing in May. Jackson County hired the private for-profit company LSSI to operate their libraries. Unfortunately, the closest Jackson County library is the Rogue River branch. Only residents of Jackson County may obtain a library card to check out materials.

Q: What’s the history of this group?

A: On July 16, 2007, Kevin Widdison, city editor of the Grants Pass Daily Courier, published an editorial entitled “A library awaits, if we’re willing” in which he challenged the community to start its own library.

The community response was overwhelming, and on July 26, all those who responded were invited to a meeting at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. About a hundred people were present. Ideas were discussed, and about 60 people signed up as general volunteers or to serve on various committees.

At the August 29 Steering Committee meeting, the group adopted its mission statement, elected interim officers to serve until a formal board is elected, and decided to form a new private nonprofit charitable organization whose only purpose is to operate a library.

On September 21, Josephine Community Libraries was incorporated. The Rogue Community College Foundation agreed to accept contributions on behalf of Josephine Community Libraries while Josephine Community Libraries awaits its nonprofit designation from the IRS.

On November 27, the first official board of directors was installed.

FUNDING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Q: How much money do we need to raise?

A: The Budget Committee is in the process of developing a sustainable budget for the next three years of operation. To obtain $300,000 in possible County matching funds, we must raise $300,000 in cash.

Q: What’s this about $300,000 from the County?

A: On September 18, the Board of County Commissioners voted to establish a $300,000 matching grant that will be available to a qualified nonprofit for library operations. Once an organization raises $300,000 and meets the necessary qualifications, the nonprofit would submit a proposal for the grant.

Q: Can I make a contribution now? When will you start fundraising?

A: As of September 25, we are accepting donations. Checks can be made out to “RCC Foundation/ Josephine Community Libraries.” Mail a check or money order to Josephine Community Libraries, P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.

Q: How will you raise so much money?

A: We’re considering many sources, including fundraising events and corporate and foundation grants. Another source will be a patron model, including annual pledges and different levels of commitment.

Q: Does this mean that only those who donate will be able to use the library?

A: No, this patron model would be similar to that used by public broadcasting. Patrons would make their contributions, but anyone can use the library.

Q: How can I get involved?

A: Please sign up on our contact list or send e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org to receive regular e-mail messages about our progress. You can also specify that you would like to volunteer, and even specify the committee you want to serve on. Note that by signing up on our contact list, you are giving us permission to contact you by phone or by e-mail. Your information will be held in the strictest confidence, and it will not be shared with any other party.