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…
Balancing quiet and community spaces
Have you ever visited the library only to find it wasn’t as quiet as you had expected? You aren’t alone. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a…
Survey results for a new Grants Pass library
Unless you’ve visited the Grants Pass library recently, you may not be aware that the demand for services has outgrown the capabilities of the current building on C Street behind…
Public library annual reporting
Every August, as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, I complete an annual report — a requirement outlined by the library board’s bylaws and mandated by ORS 357.520,…
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…
The library budgeting process
It’s budget season! That means the library is in the process of building next year’s budget. While you now might have an impulse to stop reading, stick with me —…
The rebirth of Williams library
In the heart of Southern Oregon, a literary phoenix has risen from the ashes. The Williams branch of the Josephine Community Library has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to 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…
The life of a library book
Every day, more than 10,000 library books are circulating throughout homes in Josephine County. The four buildings in Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams, and Wolf Creek house about 125,000 items…
Complaints and compliments
Beyond fostering a love for reading and promoting knowledge, our local public library is a community connector, facilitating social interactions and civic engagement — sometimes in the most unlikely way….