Grants Pass, October 1, 2025 — At its business session on Tuesday, September 30, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners (BCC) voted 2–1 to approve a new five-year lease agreement for the Grants Pass library building at 200 NW C Street, with Commissioner Blech voting against.
On January 6, the Board of Commissioners voted to terminate the long-standing $1-per-year lease for the Grants Pass library branch — the community’s main library and the headquarters of the countywide library system. That decision set off months of negotiations, with county officials citing competing departmental needs and potential property sales as reasons for delay. After a series of public hearings, legal reviews, and community advocacy, the board has now approved a new lease agreement, providing stability for the library while shifting maintenance responsibilities to the district.
Commissioner Chris Barnett introduced a motion to adopt the latest version of the lease, removing the “termination without cause” clause and replacing it with a standard “for cause” termination clause. The agreement also establishes an annual lease fee of $1,453 and an initial payment of $20,424—the balance of the maintenance fund under the current lease — with terms beginning January 1, 2026. Under the agreement, the library district will assume responsibility for the maintenance of the building and grounds.
At their last meeting, the Josephine Community Library District Board of Directors discussed the updated lease and agreed to its terms, clearing the way for the continuation of library services in Josephine County.
“We are relieved this agreement moves us past months of uncertainty,” said Library Director Kate Lasky. “This has been a difficult process, but what matters most is that we can keep our focus on serving the community.”
Board President Gina Marie Agosta added, “We are deeply grateful to the community for standing with us throughout this long process. Your letters, calls, and public support made all the difference. Thanks to you, we can continue ensuring that the library remains a vital resource for everyone in Josephine County.”
The Grants Pass library has served as the hub of the countywide library system since 1959. With the lease agreement approved, the district can now continue providing uninterrupted services while also working toward the goal of building a new main library in downtown Grants Pass.