I.V. branch library reopens with enthusiastic patrons
From our weekly issue dated September 09, 2009
Patrons line up to receive new library cards and to check out books for the first time in more than two years. (Photo by Illinois Valley News )
An enthusiastic, elated crowd with hopes for no further closures spoke volumes during the grand reopening of the Illinois Valley Branch Library in Cave Junction.
Some 200 people packed the building on Palmer Street and overflowed onto the sidewalk, as Josephine County Libraries Inc. (JCLI) hosted the reopening on Saturday, Sept. 5.
The branch is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Noretta Jacobson was introduced as branch manager for JCLI. Russell Long, JCLI director of libraries, introduced speakers. They were Doug Walker, JCLI board president; Cave Junction Mayor Don Moore; Josephine County Commissioner Dave Toler; and Barbara Ketley, a JCLI board member.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the check-out desk was conducted by Linda Naydol. She received several rounds of applause for her dedicated efforts, with help from others including Patty Downing, at getting the branch reopened through volunteerism. The ribbon was cut by Shawn Walker, 7, aided by Emma Smith, 5, and Georgia Smith, 7.
All the speakers noted that the reopening shows what a community can do when a cadre of volunteers roll up their sleeves and get to work. Despite the optimism and joy, there was a tempering based on the need to continue raising money to keep the branch open with strong partnerships.
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The county’s public libraries closed in May 2007 due to lack of funds. Toler noted that the county put up a $300,000 matching fund, and that JCLI, organized in September ‘07, took that challenge and ran with it.
The main library is open; and JCLI has plans to next reopen the branches in Williams and Wolf Creek later this year.
Many called the I.V. facility reopening the fruition of a dream, with many heartfelt comments that communities need their libraries for a variety of reasons. Serving as a valuable resource for residents of all ages, the closure of two years ago must be avoided, it was said.
One woman, a longtime volunteer, said in a strong voice with passion, “Never again!”
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