Planning Better Buildings
Grants Pass library branch
200 NW C Street — Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 — 541-476-0571
Draft rendering of the selected concept design for the new Grants Pass library facing Sixth Street between J and K Streets.
After extensive community outreach and years of planning, library leaders have chosen a single-story, 22,000-square-foot design for a new community hub in River City Square. Strong community input favored "Concept A”, which will include a secure outdoor courtyard, expanded spaces for children and teens, meeting rooms, and plenty of parking. The $26 million project is now advancing into the design development and site preparation stages. The library foundation has secured early funding to support the design development and site preparation stages thanks to a $424,000 grant from the Cultural Advocacy Coalition and a $500,000 contribution from the Anonymous Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.
Josephine Community Library recently completed an extensive remodel on the Illinois Valley branch and renovated a new library building in Williams.
Why Does Grants Pass Need a New Library?
The current Grants Pass library was built in 1957 and is the only remaining branch not owned by the library. This presents challenges with maintenance, space usage, and other issues that would be solved by owning the building. The new library will be fully owned by the library and built with the potential for future expansion to serve the community’s growing population. The property’s downtown location will help revitalize that area, linking the historic district to the Rogue River.
A thriving library will offer the economic benefits of Internet access, a wide variety of public programs, and materials to borrow for both education and entertainment. It will act as a community center where all can come together to learn, work, and play — including space where local organizations and groups can meet and connect.
Current Status
The library is currently in the preconstruction phase, working with ZCS Architecture and Engineering to develop building designs. The library foundation is raising money through grantfunders and private donations and will soon launch a capital fundraising campaign. Read about the challenges with the current library lease at jclfoundation.org/lease.
History
“You can support something bigger than yourself. We’re investing in the future. We’re leaving the community better than we found it.”
The Josephine County library system, established in 1914, has been a cornerstone of the community, providing access to knowledge and fostering connections for over a century. The libraries faced a major crisis in 2007 when their dedicated funding was absorbed into the county's general fund, leaving them unfunded and forcing closure. Determined citizens rallied to reopen the libraries in 2009 through volunteer efforts, donations, and grants, restoring this vital resource to the community.
Today, the Grants Pass library operates in a county-owned building under a lease arrangement, with plans for a new facility to begin construction in 2027. This history underscores the enduring importance of libraries as community hubs and the resilience of residents who continue to advocate for equitable access to resources, ensuring these spaces remain vibrant and impactful for future generations.
Thanks to many generous donors, grant funders, and the success of the Next Chapters Crowdfund in the spring of 2023, the foundation purchased property in downtown Grants Pass — the site of the future Grants Pass library branch, located between 6th and 7th Streets and J and K Streets.
Capital Campaign Steering Committee
Dennis Webber
Vince Lucido
Dawn Welch
Executive Director Rebecca Stoltz
Josephine Community Library Foundation
Josephine Community Library District
Pat Fahey, co-chair
Executive Director Kate Lasky
Sue Cohen, co-chair
Sara Katz
Doug Walker
Caroline Brooks
Mike Murphy
Ann Bauer
Greg Fishwick