JCLI turns page for library system membership drive
From our weekly issue dated May 21, 2008
Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI) kicked off its five-week membership drive Saturday, May 17 with a procession and commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the day the Josephine County Library Main Branch shut its doors to the public.
The membership drive began with people contributing their individual tales to the collective story of the community.
The drive will end with a workshop on June 21, where people will be invited to share their dreams for a library years in the future.
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JCLI board member Bill Peterson is the organizer for the vision workshop.
“The workshop is important to us because we’re not just looking backward in paralyzed sorrow,” he said. “Together, we can turn memories into hope.”
June 21 also will mark the beginning of summer, the symbolic coming of a new season for libraries in Josephine County, said JCLI.
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Board President Doug Walker explained some of the history of the grass-roots library effort. He said that those involved had debated the best way to run a library under private management and decided on a model similar to public radio, in which donors become members, but the library is open to anyone regardless of ability to pay.
JCLI recently received 501(c)(3) charity status from the IRS, allowing members to write off donations made directly to the library group and enabling the organization to apply for a variety of grants.
During the membership drive the group plans to hold various community activities and to mail information to every Josephine County household and business so that everyone will have the opportunity to become a founding member of the new library, regardless of how much they’re able to contribute. The group has developed a management plan, evaluating ways to pay for desired services such as interlibrary loan and Internet access.
“In order to make this plan work and open the libraries with the services and materials we all need, the organization needs large donations,” Walker said. “However, the benefits that come from a library belong to all of us, and every little bit helps.”
Membership levels consist of Sustaining Members of up to $200, Bronze Member at the $201 to $500 level, Silver Member at $501 to $1,000, Gold Member at $1,001 to $5,000, and Platinum at $5,001 and up.
The group already has raised approximately $80,000; but needs at least $200,000 and a membership base before approaching county commissioners to work out a contract for the existing library and collection, as it must show sustainability.
