Next Chapters Crowdfund

Building community, one story at a time.

Thanks to the generous contributions of hundreds of donors, we not only met the goal to raise $250,000, but exceeded it! Every dollar will now be matched for a total of $500,000. This is a huge win for our community and the first step toward building a new downtown Grants Pass library.

Library leaders and generous donors have already provided more than $1 million towards the purchase price of $1,924,603 for a new property located in downtown Grants Pass between Sixth and Seventh and between J and K streets.

The library foundation is excited to announce that the Four Way Community Foundation is offering a $250,000 matching capstone gift towards the purchase of the property for the new library in downtown Grants Pass. That means every donation made to the Next Chapters Crowdfund through April 30 will have double the impact.

Thank you Four Way Community Foundation for partnering with the library to build a better future for generations to come.

Dream

Immediately following the formation of the Library District in May 2017, community members, volunteers, and donors expressed concern about the state of the existing buildings, especially in Grants Pass where the current branch is overcrowded, with inadequate electrical infrastructure for new technology, and limited space for books and other materials, computers, storytimes, programs, customer service, and meeting rooms. Since serious deficiencies and nearly 50-years of neglect compromise the quality and level of service that can be provided, improving the library’s facilities is critical to the success of the library and the community.

Inspire

With the help of the Four Way Community Foundation and the community’s matching donations through the Next Chapters Crowdfund, the land could be purchased this summer. Once the property is purchased, the library foundation can begin applying for federal, state, and local grants to build a new library in Grants Pass. This is just the first step, but a vital one.

Build

Today’s library users demand more than books and periodicals. Grants Pass residents are increasing their reliance on the public library to access broadband and technology, engage in civic life, and fulfill basic needs through early literacy and lifelong learning programs. The onsite computer appointments and loanable technology such as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots have been especially vital over the past year.

The early concept design for the new Grants Pass library is cost-effective and efficient, and features a civic plaza, a large conference meeting room, modern technology for teens and adults, and economic development for surrounding businesses by connecting the river district to the downtown corridor. The new library building will be a place where everyone can come together to learn, work, meet, and grow.

Concept drawing of the exterior of a downtown library connecting the river district to the downtown corridor, located between Sixth and Seventh and between J and K streets. Drawing by Hacker Architects.