Grants Pass, June 17, 2025 — Josephine Community Library Director Kate Lasky was named Community Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of Grants Pass during the organization’s annual awards dinner held June 12 at Black Bear Diner. The award recognizes Lasky’s long-standing leadership and contributions to public service, literacy, and community development.
“Kate has been at the helm of our local library system for nearly 15 years and in that time has worked tirelessly to meet the community need for a flourishing library system,” said Leslee O’Brien of the Zonta Club of Grants Pass.
Lasky has served as library director since 2009, helping transition the library system from a volunteer-run nonprofit to a publicly funded special district. Under her leadership, the district maintained its four-branch structure while expanding hours, services, and professional staffing to meet the growing needs of the community.
In addition to leading the library, Lasky serves on the Josephine County Chamber of Commerce board and was chair in 2024. She co-chairs the Oregon Library Association legislative committee, previously served as OLA president, and held board roles with Oregon Humanities and Asante Health. She was named Oregon Librarian of the Year in 2025 and has been recognized by Library Journal, OLA, and the chamber.
Other honorees included Yellow Rose Award recipients Joanne Stumpf, Lois MacMillan, Tyler Cheek, and Jann Taylor, recognized for their leadership in education and youth mentorship. Elaine Booth received the Shirley Campbell Zontian of the Year award for her club service.
For more information about Josephine Community Library, visit josephinelibrary.org. For details about the Zonta Club of Grants Pass and the awards, contact Leslee O’Brien at 541-244-8788 or lesleeo66@gmail.com.