Library Group’s Memorial Service Launches Membership Drive
Marchers walk up Sixth Street in Grants Pass.
Grants Pass, May 19, 2008—Josephine Community Libraries officially kicked off its five-week membership drive on Saturday, May 17, with a procession and commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the day the Josephine County Library Main Branch shut its doors to the public.
People were invited to write memories of and thoughts about the library and tie them to a wreath at the Grants Pass Growers Market Saturday morning. They were also invited to join a funeral procession past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse for a short program.
Eight-year-old Rachel Hart of Grants Pass tells how she raised money for the library.
Invited speakers spoke of the impact of the library closure and what they’re doing to help get the libraries open again. Eight-year-old Rachel Hart of Grants Pass shared her story of raising money for the library from the proceeds of her lemonade stand, while fourth graders from Sharon McBerty’s class at Riverside Elementary in Grants Pass shared letters they had written about the library.
Bonnie Johnson of Williams, head of the Operations Committee for Josephine Community Libraries, read a statement from former employees of the library, supporting the work of Josephine Community Libraries and endorsing the memorial service. The group wrote, “We didn’t just lose the jobs we loved but, like all Josephine County residents, we were denied the use and enjoyment of the libraries by the closure. We also lost the daily contact with co-workers who had become good friends over the past fifteen years. The closure is still like an open wound for us and our broken hearts haven’t healed.”
Supporter Bob Bath of Grants Pass shared his experiences of the library’s closure, asking whether “the knowledge contained in a library is for those who can afford a bookstore and the Internet, or if it should be for everyone.”
Josephine Community Libraries recently received 501(c)(3) charity status from the Internal Revenue Service, allowing members to write off donations made directly to the library group and enabling the organization to apply for a variety of grants. With receipt of 501(c)(3) status, the group has launched its membership drive, in which it will invite the community to become members Josephine Community Libraries in a patron model similar to that of public broadcasting.
During the membership drive, the group plans to hold various community activities and to mail information to every Josephine County household and business so that everyone will have the opportunity to become a founding member of the new library, regardless of how much they’re able to contribute. The group has developed a management plan, evaluating ways to pay for desired services such as interlibrary loan and Internet access.
The group has already raised about $80,000 but needs at least $200,000 and a membership base before approaching county commissioners to work out a contract for the existing library and collection, as it must show sustainability.
Those interested in becoming members can send a check or money order payable to Josephine Community Libraries to PO Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR, 97528. Those wanting more information or to volunteer can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org.
