The Josephine Community Library District is once again calling on the Board of Commissioners to renew the lease for the Grants Pass library building on NW C Street, the library's home since 1959.
In a formal letter sent this week, the library district reiterated its request for a five-year extension at $1 per year -- identical to the terms submitted to the Board on March 25th.
In the letter delivered by JCLD's legal counsel, the district stated that this modest lease renewal would satisfy the mandate under Section 14.5 of the County Charter to support and maintain the main library and its branches. Library Attorney Mark Bartholomew said the obligation applies to the library district just as much as now as when the library was a county department.
The Board this week authorized Commissioner Chris Barnett to negotiate directly with the library district. The district is hopeful that this step will help move the lease renewal forward and bring an end to "this unnecessary and unfair saga."
The Board -- including recalled Commissioner John West -- voted to terminate the lease on January 6th with 30 days' notice and has failed to respond substantively or engage in direct negotiations. Instead, it has cited internal uncertainty and the potential sale of unrelated property as reasons for the delay.
Rachele Selvig, library board vice-president, said the Grants Pass library building remains essential while the district raises funds for a new downtown facility. She said they're urging the Commissioners "to end this uncertainty and re-establish the partnership our community depends on."
Library officials said the district remains committed to transparency and open dialogue. Community members are encouraged to voice their support by contacting the Board of Commissioners at "bcc@josephinecounty.gov."
