What We Do

We Raise Money for Our Libraries

Josephine Community Library Foundation is a nonprofit that raises funds for library projects beyond the district’s tax-funded operating budget. The library foundation supports improved facilities, modern technology, diverse materials, and programs that expand access to library services.

Thanks to generous donors and grant funders, the library foundation helped fund the new Williams library and expand the Illinois Valley branch. Now, we’re working toward a new main library in Grants Pass.

How We Started

Community volunteers established the library foundation in 1987 to give people a way to support their local libraries. Today, the library foundation continues that work, helping build a stronger library system for generations to come.

How We Evolved

After voters approved the Josephine Community Library District in May 2017, the library foundation became a fundraising partner, supporting special programs, facility improvements, and building projects beyond the district’s operating budget.

Our Work

  • Long-term planning for the future of library buildings and facilities.

  • Cultivating relationships with individuals, businesses, and granting organizations.

  • Facilitating legacy planning.

  • Providing financial support for specific library program and facility needs and goals.

  • Fundraising locally for the library with a focus on community engagement and enthusiasm.

 
 

Learn More:

 

Our Achievements

For more than 30 years, the library foundation has helped strengthen our libraries, thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in their value to our community. Your support makes projects and services possible that go beyond the library district’s budget. Here is some of what we have accomplished together:

  • Updated materials as needed, including books, DVDs, and more

  • Improved technology for use inside and outside the library

  • Preconstruction activities for the new Grants Pass library (since 2024)

  • Library card sponsorships (since 2019)

  • Renovated Illinois Valley library branch reopened (2024)

  • New Williams library branch opened (2023)

  • Downtown Grants Pass property purchase (2023)

  • Grants Pass library teen room update (2019)

  • Patron computer replacement project (2019)

  • Participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (2018)

  • Library Facilities Master Plan (2018)

  • Illinois Valley children’s library remodel (2016)

  • Grants Pass children’s library remodel (2015)

  • Design and construction of new Wolf Creek library branch (2003)