Library Group Collecting Stories of Library Closure’s Impact
Grants Pass, May 7, 2008—To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the closing of Josephine County’s libraries on May 17, Josephine Community Libraries is collecting stories from community members about the impact of libraries—open and closed—in their lives.
“Anniversaries are always a time to reflect,” notes volunteer Robin Elliott, “and on this anniversary in particular—one year of a shuttered library—we thought it would be appropriate to record and share the powerful stories we hear of how much people love and miss their libraries.”
The community is invited to send their 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 will 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 interested in becoming 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.
