Grass-roots effort for libraries gaining momentum
Group elects officers; votes to form new nonprofit organization to operate all branches
A group of Josephine County citizens are taking action to reopen the county library system, with the first concrete steps to benefit all citizens occurring during a Steering Committee meeting Wednesday night, Aug. 29.
As part of a grass-roots effort, which began in late July, committee members gathered at the county courthouse in Grants Pass. They:
- Adopted a mission statement.
- Elected officers.
- Voted to form a new nonprofit organization.
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The latter is to become part of what is hoped to be a public-private partnership with Josephine County.
“We’ve been working throughout August as an ad hoc group to explore options and discuss various ideas,” said Cathye Mason, the newly elected chairman of the Steering Committee. "We have a great group of committed individuals, and scores of other volunteers ready to serve to make this happen,” she said.
The mission, adopted last week, is “To facilitate the opening and to ensure long-term operations of a public library system serving Josephine County.”
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Besides Mason, the other officers elected to the committee are Illinois Valley resident Linda Naydol as vice chairman, Dennis Doyle as treasurer, and Teresa Stover as secretary. Ten Steering Committee members were present.
Also participating in discussions were approximately 20 people from the public or from other subcommittees, including three members of the fund-raising committee. Nine individuals volunteered to become involved in the effort, and two of them were elected to join the Steering Committee.
Members of the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation, as well as community professionals, sit on the Steering Committee. Former Library Director Cessa Vichi and county Commissioner Dave Toler also serve on the committee. Both are Illinois Valley residents.
When the motion carried to form a new nonprofit organization, applause broke out. An attorney present as a guest provided a list of information needed to complete the incorporation paperwork.
The committee will meet weekly to complete items needed to form the organization, including a name for the organization and bylaws. Also under discussion are the budget and membership.
“Once we file our incorporation paperwork,” said Mason, “we can start moving toward membership drives and other fund-raising efforts.”
Another library meeting was held at the same time at Grants Pass High School. "We want to clarify that the other meeting was not affiliated with our effort (Aug. 29),” Mason said.
“We regret the confusion this might have caused the public,” she said.
The next Steering Committee meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 4 at the county courthouse.
Those interested in getting involved with the library reopening effort can contact Stover at 471-2931.
