Josephine Community Libraries to celebrate life and times of the library
Josephine Community Library at Growers Market.
Grants Pass, May 12, 2008-To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the closing of Josephine County’s libraries on May 17, Josephine Community Libraries will hold a “Remember the Libraries” memorial service. Library mourners will gather just outside the Growers’ Market at 11:30 a.m. to begin a funeral march past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse. At the courthouse, revelers will celebrate the life of the library with stories and songs.
Those interested in reopening the libraries are also invited to attend and get information or stop by our Growers’ Market booth earlier in the day.
Community members who would like to have excerpts of their stories read at the celebration are invited to send stories of under 1000 words to Josephine Community Libraries, P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or to info@josephinelibrary.org (with “Story” in the subject line). These stories may be used in the organization’s historical record to show the impact of the libraries for future generations; they may also be used in fundraising and promotional materials. By submitting their work, authors agree to permit Josephine Community Libraries to reproduce and disseminate their work in print or electronically. However, the authors otherwise retain all rights over their submission.
Overall, Josephine Community Libraries has raised over $80,000 in cash and has pledges of cash and in-kind goods and services totaling approximately $120,000. The organization will be based on the public radio/public television model, in which memberships are offered, but everybody has access regardless of membership status. This will contribute not only to the libraries’ reopening, but to their long-term sustainability.
The libraries in Josephine County closed almost a year ago, on May 17, 2007. In September 2007, committed citizens formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County. People interested in getting involved with the effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org. Those who would like to become a member can make their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” and mail it to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.
