Josephine County – Once again, I’ve come across misinformation and disinformation intended to mislead readers into believing a false narrative. Two recent statements in particular stand out:
- that the commissioners do not want a library, and
- that the commissioners closed all the libraries in 2007.
Both of these claims are false, or at best highly misleading. If people are going to make such sweeping statements, they should at least provide credible references.
Can anyone point to any verifiable source where Commissioners Barnett, Blech or Smith have stated they wanted to shut down or evict the library? I have never seen such a statement. From the beginning, the library issue has been about terminating a lease for negotiation purposes, not about eviction. Most of us understand this, yet some continue to promote a false narrative.
I’ve also read claims that former Commissioner John West “hates” the library or wants it closed. I’ve never seen a single credible reference to him saying that. Whether people agree with him or not, John West has consistently presented himself as focused on the county’s financial stability and looking out for taxpayers. Unfortunately, his words and intentions have sometimes been misrepresented by those trying to push a particular narrative, similar to what is happening now.
As for the claim that commissioners “closed down all the libraries” in 2007 let’s put that in proper context, and let’s be honest about what really happened:
What Really Took Place in 2007
1. Closure Happened Due to Funding Failure, Not a Direct Vote
- In 2006, voters in Josephine County rejected a proposal to establish an independent library district that would fund the libraries. As a result, the county lost its dedicated funding source for libraries.
- Without that levy to finance operations, the county **ceased funding and closed all library branches in May 2007.
2. Deep Cuts to Library Funding
- Dating back to 1997, under Oregon’s Measure 50, the library levy, a 33-cent tax, was merged by the commissioners into the broad property tax. Though that tax still appears on bills, none of it actually goes to support the library, as the money was redirected to the general fund (e.g., to public safety).
- As those redirected funds piled up, by 2007, with declining timber revenues and failed levies, the fiscal strain forced the closure of the library system.
3. Community Response and Library Reopening
- In response to the closures, local residents formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc. (JCLI), a nonprofit that raised funds through donations and volunteer effort to keep library services alive.
- The main branch reopened by late 2008, and by 2009, all four branches were operational again, run entirely by volunteers and donations.
- This volunteer-run model continued until 2017, when voters approved creation of the Josephine Community Library District, a taxpayer-funded special district ensuring stable funding for the libraries.
In Short: Why Were the Libraries Closed in Previous Years?
Though there wasn’t a direct vote to shutter the libraries by the commissioners, the closure was effectively enforced by:
- Voter rejection of a funding levy in 2006.
- Long-term redirection of library tax revenue, which eroded the financial basis for library operations.
- Declining county revenues, especially from timber, which further reduced available funds for public services.
- Lack of alternative funding mechanisms, leading the county to shut down library services in 2007.
2007 Library Closures: Resulted from loss of funding, not a specific vote to close.
- Underlying Cause: Years of diverted revenue and failed levies left no funds to operate the system.
- Community Resurgence: Libraries reopened as nonprofit, volunteer-run services by late 2008.
- Long-Term Solution: A voter-approved library district in 2017 finally provided stable, dedicated funding.
Conclusion:
It is important not to be swayed by individuals who attempt to create false narratives or stir up anger in the community, as their motives are often tied more to advancing a political agenda than to addressing the facts. The reality is that no county commissioner has expressed any interest in closing down our community libraries. These institutions are widely recognized as valuable public resources, and suggesting otherwise misrepresents the truth.
When you hear such claims, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself whether what is being said is logical, credible, and supported by evidence, or whether it is designed to provoke emotion and division. At the end of the day, the focus should remain on responsible stewardship of county resources and ensuring the best outcomes for taxpayers, rather than being distracted by unfounded accusations.
