Save Our Library, GC ACTION TASKS
Building Our Library's Future
These tasks are critical and require immediate action from dedicated volunteers. Please sign up for a team!
Team 1: Library District Research & Strategy
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Understand and plan the formation of an independent Grant County Library District.
Key Actions:
Oregon Case Studies
Contact Josephine County Library System: Learn their post-defunding formation process
Contact Wheeler County Library (Fossil): Understand their transition to the Umatilla County system
Contact Lake and Baker County Libraries: Study their district structures and operations, inquire about possibility of joining their library district (similar to wheeler)
Contact Harney County Library: Explore potential partnership opportunities (another library facing similar funding challenges)
Local Feasibility
Research specific Oregon legal requirements for district formation in Grant County
Deliverable: Comprehensive report on district formation process, key contacts, and local feasibility.
Team 2: Building & Collections Strategy
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Secure a physical home and preserve the library's valuable collections.
Key Actions:
Current Building Assessment
Investigate with Grant County officials:
Will the current library building be donated or sold to the Foundation/new entity? What are the terms? If not then a long term lease?
Is the Foundation suitable/willing/able to receive/own property?
Alternative Sites (John Day)
If current building isn't viable, identify and investigate other potential donated/purchased buildings in John Day
Collection Security & Worst-Case Plan
Develop a plan for safeguarding the library's collection, especially unique historical items and microfiche
Include potential storage options if no building is secured immediately
Deliverable: Report on building options, feasibility, and collection storage plan.
Team 3: Library Foundation & Legal
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Leverage the 501(c)(3) Foundation as the legal and financial backbone for an independent library.
Key Actions:
Foundation Board Engagement
Current board to vote/agree on providing a new "home" for the library
Foundation Review
Current Board to audit bylaws, finances, and legal standing
Formally pivot mission to operating/sustaining the library
Legal Counsel
Secure pro-bono/low-cost legal counsel experienced in non-profit/local government law
County Negotiations
Advise on legal pathways for potential property transfer/lease (building)
Address collection ownership.
Deliverable: Strategy for Foundation's immediate role and legal roadmap for transition.
Team 4: Community Engagement & Fundraising
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Rally community support and secure immediate & long-term funding.
Key Actions:
Messaging & Communication
Develop clear, compelling messages about the library's value and future
Outreach: Inform the community about the next meeting (not the mandated meeting, but another meeting like this one with expanded public engagement, preferably before the first public meeting)
Immediate Funding
Launch an immediate "Save Our Library" emergency fundraising campaign via the Foundation to bridge transition gaps
Tax Levy Research
Get details on how to run a property tax levy, including:
When is the soonest it could be brought before voters?
What millage rate will be needed?
Grant & Donor Research
Identify potential grants, major donors, and community partners (businesses, organizations)
State-Level Outreach
Contact State Representative Mark Owens (District 60) to discuss library districts and potential state support
Contact State of Oregon Library Office
Deliverable: Communication plan, launched emergency fund, and list of funding leads.
Team 5: Future Operations & Budget Planning
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Design an improved, community-focused library operation that maximizes accessibility and service while maintaining financial sustainability.
Key Actions:
Staffing & Budget Analysis
Research all-volunteer vs. hybrid staffing models
Create detailed annual operating budget covering utilities, insurance, materials, technology, building maintenance
Analyze employment implications (state vs. foundation employees)
Community-Centered Operations
Survey community needs for optimal hours and services
Propose new schedule focused on accessibility (evenings, weekends)
Plan enhanced programming: community events, children's programs, local history focus
Revenue Planning
Develop membership/Friends programs and fee-for-service options
Plan fundraising events and community partnerships
Deliverable: Operational plan with staffing model, budget, and service improvements.
Team 6: Technology & Communications
LEAD: ___________________ MEMBERS: _____________________
Objective: Build digital infrastructure to coordinate volunteers, engage the community, and support library operations.
Key Actions:
Website & Online Presence
Create professional library website with service information and volunteer sign-ups
Establish social media presence for community engagement
Fundraising & Communication Systems
Set up online donation platform through Foundation
Establish volunteer coordination system (messaging, email lists)
Create community newsletter and event notification system
Collaboration Tools
Implement document sharing and team collaboration platform
Plan library management software and public technology access
Deliverable: Technology plan with website launch and communication systems.
