A county in southern Oregon will be shutting down its entire library system due to lack of funds.
The full story involves Teddy Roosevelt, timber, railroads, and the northern spotted owl (I kid you not), but the long and short of it is that Jackson County’s library system was heavily dependent on federal funding. When federal funding for the rural county was cut, jails and public safety came ahead of information and education. So far, residents are resisting a property tax levy to replace the missing funds.
I gripe plenty about our library system, but when I read stories like this, I realize how lucky we are. Looking for information on the financial health of JRML, I found the library’s 2004-2009 Five Year Plan (pdf). It’s better reading than it sounds — check it out. Some fabulous facts:
- 68% of of area residents identify themselves as library users
- 82% of local students have library cards
- 92% of area residents favor expanded library services, even if it would mean higher taxes of $15 a year
- Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is the most heavily used library of its size in the United States
Filed under: books, charlottesville, libraries, virginia
It’s a shame that people don’t appreciate a good library as much these days. I go sporadically, but always enjoy myself.
I really use the heck out of JRML. I think they’re going to put a name plate on my section of the hold shelf one day.
I love that library!
I still prefer the library system in Loudoun County — the collection is much newer, no fines, automatic renewal, and they have a much better DVD selection. Ideal for homeschoolers.
That said, I make sure I get my money’s worth out of JMRL. Doesn’t cut down much on my book tab at B&N, though.
[...] Elizabeth demonstrates the awesomeness of JMRL. [...]
what a shame.
[...] 6th, 2007 · No Comments The Jackson County Library system will shut its doors at 5:00p PT [...]