JCLI open house at main library set for Dec. 20
From our weekly issue dated December 3, 2008
When Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI) launched its summer reading program during July, volunteers pledged, “We’ll get books in kids’ hands any way we can!”
The library group now is pleased to announce its adherence to that pledge with the opening of the Children’s Room of the Grants Pass Branch Library on Dec. 20, the first day of winter break for area schools.
“This is an exciting time to have our Children’s Room opening,” said Debbie Bennighof, the new volunteer children’s librarian for JCLI. “With school out, children will have an opportunity to check out books and enjoy library services that haven’t been in place for more than a year and a half,” she said. “This is a holiday present to our community children.”
Children will be treated to a special ride on JCLI’s version of the The Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate and a reading of the book. Circulation also will be available in the Children’s Room only, so kids can check out books during the holidays.
Besides a possible visit by Santa, the opening will have something for adults, too: a sneak peek at the new library. Although check-out will be unavailable, as the circulation system will still be undergoing installation, the community can preview the rest of the library, meet staff, talk to volunteers, and become a JCLI member.
“Come see what we’re doing,” said Doug Walker, president of the JCLI Board of Directors. “And if our computer network system is functioning by Dec. 20, you can even get yourself a JCLI library card.”
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Walker also notes that the group is working tirelessly to get the library ready for opening. “We got the keys to the building last week,” he said, “and since then we’ve been installing computers and phone systems, signing contracts with book sellers, scrubbing floors and windows, inventorying the books, and generally getting the library ready for our opening,” said Walker.
Libraries in Josephine County closed on May 17, 2007 due to lack of funding from the county board of commissioners. In September ‘07, committed community members formed JCLI, a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County.
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