Grants Pass, Oregon– The Josephine County Board of Commissioners has unanimously voted to terminate the lease for the Grants Pass branch of the Josephine Community Library. The decision, announced with a 30-day notice, effectively ends the lease agreement nearly a year before its scheduled expiration on December 31, 2025.
Commissioner John West justified the termination by asserting that the library’s transition from a “county” to a “community” institution in 2017 nullified the county’s charter mandate to support and maintain libraries. The county claims the change in governance no longer aligns with their legal responsibilities under the charter.
Opponents say this decision disregarded historical context involving the county’s funding for libraries. In the late 1990s, citing Oregon’s Measure 50, the county redirected a 33-cent library levy to the general fund to bolster public safety funding. This change increased the county’s property tax rate from 25 cents to 58 cents, yet library services have received no financial support from this adjustment, aside from maintaining the Grants Pass branch building.
Library Director Kate Lasky expressed deep concern over the abruptness of the decision. “This abrupt decision undermines community trust and investment,” Lasky said. “Terminating the lease with just 30 days’ notice disregards these contributions and the essential services the library provides to thousands. We deserve a fair and respectful process.”
The termination leaves the library branch’s future uncertain, with the lease set to expire on February 6. If the commissioners proceed with eviction, the library could face a temporary closure or relocation challenges, disrupting services for the community.
The Josephine Community Library District was established in 2017 to ensure library services after the county ceased funding. With branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek, the library serves as a community resource, offering public information, early childhood literacy programs, Internet access, and support for families, entrepreneurs, and job seekers.
The Grants Pass branch location was already expected to be moved to a new 22,000 sqft, single story building in 2026. The $26 million project was approved by joint-library board members last October and is continuing their fundraising efforts. The replacement location is will be built near 6th, 7th, J, and K Streets in downtown Grants Pass.
For more information about library programs and services, visit josephinelibrary.org, email info@josephinelibrary.org, or call 541-476-0571.
Source: JCL
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