The Josephine Community Library District (JCLD) announces that it will not be attending the Josephine County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for January 6, citing inadequate notice and the unavailability of legal counsel to represent the district. The proposed meeting is part of ongoing discussions initiated by Commissioner John West during the December 19, 2024, Josephine County Board of Commissioners administration meeting, where he suggested charging rent for the Grants Pass library building, a matter of significant legal and financial complexity.
The district cites inadequate notice, the unavailability of its legal counsel, and the need for all stakeholders to be present to ensure a constructive and well-prepared discussion.
“With only a few business days’ notice during the holiday season and the library’s legal counsel unavailable on January 6, it would be irresponsible for the library’s leadership to attend this meeting without proper preparation and representation,” said Library Director Kate Lasky.
The district has communicated these concerns to the Board of Commissioners, requesting that the meeting be rescheduled to mid-January to accommodate the schedules of all involved parties. The library district has suggested the following dates for a new meeting: January 16–17, January 23–24, or January 30–31. However, Commissioner John West declined to move the meeting and plans to hold the discussion on January 6, despite the absence of key stakeholders, including library legal counsel and the library director.
The district’s position is underscored by the fact that the county charter, specifically Section 14.5: LIBRARY SUPPORT, explicitly requires the Board of Commissioners to “provide for the support and maintenance of the main library and library branches.” This provision highlights the county’s obligation to sustain library operations as a public resource.
“We value our partnership with the county and look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue when all stakeholders can be present,” Lasky said. “Our goal is to find a fair and sustainable resolution that honors the spirit of the county charter and ensures continued access to public library services for our community.”
For more information about library programs and services, visit josephinelibrary.org, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.