For many families, tutoring can feel out of reach — costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month just to help a child pass a class or stay on…
Library beefs up security
There are some issues at the library that cannot be softened with humor or reframed with clever words. Homelessness is one of those issues — and its impact on the…
Why the waitlist? Ebooks explained
If you’ve ever tried to borrow an ebook and seen 10, 20, or even 50 people ahead of you, you’re not alone. One of the most frequent questions I hear…
Every volunteer has a story
The most powerful stories in a library aren’t always the ones in print. After 15 years of working at Josephine Community Library, I’m still in awe of the stories that…
Unwritten endings: Libraries, journalism, and the stories we tell
This story starts with a cliffhanger — libraries suspended between the promise of stable ground and the threat of collapse, defunded by local activists. But keep reading, because the ending…
Where the Money Went — The Library’s $55 Million Story
Remember your roots. Strong or weak, they are the history that grounds us, steadies us, and defines who we are today. Another reason to remember your roots? Some of them…
The Illinois Valley library reimagined
The end of a long project is a marvel. Looking back on the milestones met, benchmarks exceeded, and obstacles overcome feels almost unreal. This was no less true of the…
Building a Bright Future — The New Grants Pass Library
Imagine a place where the community gathers, ideas flourish, and the spirit of learning thrives — a place that not only serves as beacon of knowledge, but also stimulates the…
Libraries bridge the digital divide
“Why do we need libraries when we have the internet?” I’m often asked this question. I’ve explained, summarized, and made the case for libraries, and through all the discussions I…
Unpacking library card access in Josephine County
In a perfect world, everyone would know everything about how government works. The laws, the funding, the governing structure. But this isn’t a perfect world and government is complicated. In…