FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2008

OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Jennifer Roberts, 441-3295 Doug Walker, 660-6531

Josephine Community Libraries officially kicks off its membership drive on Saturday

Grants Pass, May 16, 2008— Josephine Community Libraries will kick off its five-week membership drive Saturday 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 are 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 are also invited to gather in an area next to the post office at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and join a funeral procession past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse for a short program. The program’s emcee will be Kevin Widdison, whose column in the Grants Pass Daily Courier last summer prompted an outpouring of support for the idea of a library run by a community group, stepping forward to fill the gap in services traditionally provided by the government.

Members of the public have submitted written comments about what the library closure has meant to them, and excerpts will be read at the commemoration on Saturday. Also, invited speakers will talk about the impact and what they’re doing to help get the libraries open again. Josephine Community Libraries board members and volunteers will also be present.

One of the event organizers, Jennifer Roberts, said, “While some of our speakers will discuss our shared sorrow at not having the libraries open, the event will also celebrate the joy of an effort that is drawing together the community with hope for getting them open again.”

The membership drive begins on the anniversary of the library closure, with people contributing their individual tales to the collective story of the community.

“We wanted to collect these stories because it’s important to remember what we’ve lost and how it was precious to us,” Roberts said.

The drive will end with a vision workshop on June 21, where people will be invited to share their dreams for a library years in the future.

Josephine Community Libraries board member Bill Peterson is the organizer for the vision workshop. “The vision workshop is important to us because we’re not just looking backward in paralyzed sorrow. Together, we can turn memories into hope.”

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Josephine Community Libraries, page 2

June 21 is also the beginning of summer, the symbolic coming of a new season for libraries in Josephine County.

Board President Doug Walker explained some of the history of the grassroots library effort. He said that those involved had debated the best way to run a library under private management and decided on a model similar to public radio, in which donors become members, but the library is open to anyone regardless of ability to pay.

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.

During the membership drive which launches on Saturday, 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.

“In order to make this plan work and open the libraries with the services and materials we all need, the organization needs large donations,” Walker said. “However, the benefits that come from a library belong to all of us, and every little bit helps.”

Walker went on to explain the membership levels, which consists of Sustaining Members of up to $200, Bronze Member at the $201 to $500 level, Silver Member at $501 to $1000, Gold Member at $1001 to $5000, and Platinum at $5001 and up.

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.

“The membership mailing is currently being printed, so look for it in the next couple of weeks,” Walker said. “It will come in a bright yellow envelope.” He added that those who don’t want to wait to become a member can send a check to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or donate using PayPal on the Web site, www.josephinelibrary.org.

Those interested in more information or volunteering with the effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org.

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Josephine Community Libraries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1684 Grants Pass, OR 97528
(541) 660-653
info@josephinelibrary.org www.josephinelibrary.org