Josephine Community Library Announces Final Design for New Grants Pass Library

Grants Pass, September 25, 2024 — Josephine Community Library is excited to announce the final selection of the design concept for a new, state-of-the-art library in downtown Grants Pass. After extensive community outreach and years of planning, library leaders have unanimously selected a single-story, 22,000-square-foot design that will anchor a new community hub in River City Square between Sixth and Seventh and J and K streets.

“Thank you to all the community members who participated in our listening sessions and survey,” said Josephine Community Library Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz. “We’re excited to reach this important milestone and begin the next steps in the development of the new library in Grants Pass.”

The library foundation hosted a series of eight community listening sessions with ZCS Engineering & Architecture and surveyed participants. More than 60% of survey respondents favored "Concept A," a modern, one-story design featuring a secure outdoor courtyard, expanded spaces for children and teens, meeting rooms, and potential for future expansion.

The library district and foundation held a joint board session with 25 library leaders, who reviewed survey results and unanimously confirmed the community’s choice of Concept A. Their considerations included budget constraints, staffing limitations, funding challenges, and balancing immediate versus long-term needs, with any future enhancements likely to follow after the library is established in the new building.

While the library leaders are committed to completing the project as quickly as possible, the current plan will allow for a phased approach. The project is estimated to cost $26 million, including soft costs, and will be rolled out in phases to ensure continued access to services while fundraising and construction progress.

To date, the library foundation has secured significant financial support, including a $425,000 grant from the State of Oregon’s Cultural Resource Economic Fund and a $500,000 anonymous donation through the Oregon Community Foundation for pre-construction work. These funds will allow the project to move into the design development and site preparation phases.

The need for a new library has become increasingly clear as the current facility, built in 1959, struggles to keep pace with modern demands. With outdated infrastructure, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and a leaking roof, the current location can no longer serve the growing needs of the community.

For more information about the new Grants Pass library project or to contribute to the building fund, visit jclfoundation.org or contact the library foundation directly.

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The Josephine Community Library Foundation is a nonprofit foundation established in 1987 to help keep viable and flourishing libraries available to the citizens of Josephine County. The Library Foundation raises money to help fund innovative programming, capital improvements, technology, and other special projects that are beyond the reach of the regular library budget. These resources enhance and improve the libraries in our community, supporting the library in building community and providing open access to information. For more information visit jclfoundation.org.