Main branch main goal of library group
From our weekly issue dated July 30, 2008
Linda Naydol surveys books at the Cave Junction Branch of the library. (Photo by Ali Madjdi, for Illinois Valley News)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requesting the start of negotiations to reopen the main library in Grants Pass has been drafted by the Josephine County Board of County Commissioners for the nonprofit Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI).
Opening the main branch is seen by JCLI as the first step in reopening all the library branches as well.
“We’re excited about this new development,” said Doug Walker, JCLI board president. “We look forward to establishing a good relationship with the commissioners and are encouraged by the terms they’re proposing.”
In the draft, the commissioners indicated that they would lease the main library building and collection to the group for $1 per year and provide a $100,000 grant.
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In return, the group would operate as an independent contractor to manage daily operations, personnel, programs, and technological infrastructure. The group also would submit a three-year strategic plan before a contract is signed.
The group still is negotiating with the commissioners about maintenance. In the draft MOU, the nonprofit group would be responsible for those expenses.
“We understand that the commissioners want to make sure that the county’s assets are well-maintained, but we believe it’s reasonable to ask the county to take care of the building since we’ll be taking care of operations,” noted board member Jennifer Roberts.
Now that JCLI is amid negotiations with the county, directors also have begun searching for a library supervisor. They soon will begin advertising for a library professional with experience in resource development and volunteer coordination. Applicants can phone 660-6531 or send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org.
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These developments followed closely on the end of JCLI’s first official membership drive, in which it raised $84,361. The group proposes to sustainably operate the library by borrowing the patron model from public radio and public television, in which memberships are offered for as little as $1, but everybody has access regardless of membership status.
There are now 1,079 members, and the total raised in cash and in-kind donations and pledges since the group formed in September 2007 is $235,000. The libraries in Josephine County closed on May 17, ‘07. In September ‘07, committed community members formed JCLI, a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County.
People interested in getting involved with the library effort can send an e-mail to info@josephine library.org. Those interested in becoming members can send their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass OR 97528 or make a secure donation on the Website, www.josephinelibrary.org.
