News Release

Open the door to knowledge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

December 11, 2008                                                                            Jennifer Roberts, 441-3295

Doug Walker, 660-6531

Josephine Community Libraries prepares for Children’s Opening Day

Grants Pass, December 11, 2008-Josephine Community Libraries volunteers were busy Wednesday preparing for the opening of the Children’s Room at the main branch of the library, located at 200 NW C St in Grants Pass. The opening is scheduled for 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 20.

“We’ve been vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning a year and a half’s worth of dust!” said an exhausted Barbara Ketley, Josephine Community Libraries volunteer and president of the Grants Pass Friends of the Library.

The reason for all the activity is the Children’s Opening Day, where children will be treated to a special ride on JCLI’s version of the train in The Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate and a reading of the book.  Circulation will also be available in the Children’s Room only, so kids can check out books over the holidays.  Adults will get a chance to preview the rest of the library, meet staff, talk to volunteers, and join Josephine Community Libraries.

“It’s just awesome to be in this building and finally work towards our fabulous grand opening,” continued Ketley.  “I’m so excited for the public to be able to walk through the front doors!”

Volunteers were also buoyed by the news that the Josephine County Board of Commissioners approved a three-year lease and a grant agreement for a matching-fund grant of $300,000.

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Josephine Community Libraries, page 2

Doug Walker, president of the Board of Directors for Josephine Community Libraries, pointed out that it’s not too late for people to join the group.

“In fact,” explained Walker, “if people join before December 31, they can still be Founding Members, which brings special recognition and, more importantly, the pride of knowing you helped support community libraries.”

The libraries in Josephine County closed on May 17, 2007.  In September 2007, committed community members formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County.  People interested in getting involved with the library effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org.   Those interested in becoming member can send their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or make a secure donation on the Web site, www.josephinelibrary.org.

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Josephine Community Libraries, Inc.

P.O. Box 1684   Grants Pass, OR  97528

541-660-6531

info@josephinelibrary.org www.josephinelibrary.org