‘LearningExpress’ through Sonoma County Library

I wasn’t able to vote “Yes” for Measure Y in support of increased funding for Sonoma County Library; at the time I had not yet relocated back from Ashland, Oregon. But I encouraged area readers to cast their votes in support.
​

Sonoma County Libraries to reopen Mondays

I’ll arrive back in Santa Rosa just in time to be able to go on Mondays to Sonoma County Library. Thanks to Measure Y, libraries across the system will be open again on Mondays for the first time in six years (as reported by Christi Warren for the Press Democrat).

Sonoma County Library: Voters pass Measure Y

Congratulations to Sonoma County Library upon Measure Y’s successful passage. Via the Sonoma Valley Sun, a library press release thanks Measure Y supporters.

Sonoma County Measure Y: Multiple libraries benefit

Seven years ago today, I reacted to news of a planned 10-day shutdown of Sonoma County Library over the year-ending holidays.

Measure Y on ballot for Sonoma County Library

Circa Jan. 2012: ‘Support Libraries’ installation
at downtown Santa Rosa library

With a special use tax to benefit Sonoma County Library appearing on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot, it seems a good time to re-highlight (from January 2012) this “Support Libraries” tag that had been installed outside its central library in downtown Santa Rosa, Calif. If Measure Y is approved by two-thirds of voters, it will create a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) “transactions and use” tax for 10 years on retail sales in the County of Sonoma beginning April 1, 2017. Access more details on the “Funding” page, Sonoma County Library website.

Sonoma County voters consider tax for library

In northern California, the Sonoma County Library has my solidarity as voters consider a 1/8-percent sales tax in the November election. As related by Christi Warren writing for the Press Democrat, the library commission unanimously voted to place the tax on the November ballot. Citing figures from library director Brett W. Lear, the article states that if voters approve the measure, it could add about $10 million annually to the library’s $17 million budget. This library supporter, formerly a volunteer in a three-county cooperative system between Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino County libraries, wishes it every success.

ESSA includes favorable library provisions

President Obama signs the ESSA. Photo credit: U.S. White House

President Barack Obama has signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and American Library Association (ALA) President Sari Feldman credited ALA members’ advocacy efforts with favorable provisions for school libraries.

Jackson County Library Services, re-branded as independent entity

During a recent visit to the Ashland library, I picked up a letter that was sent to me. It announced my transition from Jackson County volunteer to being a volunteer specifically with Jackson County Library Services (JCLS).

Jackson County Library District: Full rate first year

Jackson County homeowners will pay the maximum tax rate possible for the first year under the Jackson County Library District, as reported July 17 by the Medford Mail Tribune.

Jackson County Library District: Early results

Unofficial election results showed Measure 15-122, the proposed Jackson County Library District, with 54.75-percent voter approval among 44,482 ballots cast as of a 7:55 p.m. Summary Report. Thank you to everyone who campaigned for our libraries and cast your votes in support.

Jackson County, Oregon: Election Day is today

Image credit: Libraries for All - Jackson County

Thought I’d pass along this election-day reminder from Libraries for All - Jackson County. And while we’re on the subject, be sure to take your ballot to an official drop-site.

Bicycle publicity for Jackson County library district

Bicycle-billboard publicity for a Jackson County library district

From now until the May election, whenever I ride around Ashland, I will be a moving billboard for the Jackson County library district. Green letters against a gold background urge viewers to vote “YES ON 15-122.”

Independent campaigns for Jackson County libraries

Ashland library yarn-bomb on the Libraries for All website

Every single corner of Jackson County has “its own little independent campaign” in support of a library district, according to Cathy Shaw speaking to the Medford Mail Tribune.

Yarn bombing: ‘Vote for the Library’

Friday night, this happened in front of the Ashland Public Library. Just in time for May’s library-district election for Jackson County Library Services.

‘Libraries for All’ in Jackson County, Oregon

Image credit: Libraries for All — Jackson County

Libraries for All — Jackson County is mobilizing volunteers to campaign for Measure 15-122. Residents are being asked to vote during the May 2014 Primary to form a special district for Jackson County libraries. The recommended funding rate is 60 cents per $1,000 of the assessed value on a home.

Meeting for Special Library District campaign

From Friends of the Medford Library comes an invitation to everyone who wants to assist with the campaign for a Special Library District, 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the large community room at Jackson County Library Services’ Central Branch Library, 205 S. Central Ave. in Medford. For more information, call 541-779-3246 or download a PDF of frequently-asked questions about the Special Library District from http://www.medfordfriends.org/.

Library referenda: successful campaigns analyzed

A successful library referendum campaign identifies three things, according to Kathy Rosa, writing for American Libraries: the amount of money needed, how long the tax will last and a justification that resonates with the community. Among these, the “overarching challenge” is to build trust and establish compelling need.

It’s a timely article, given Jackson County libraries’ urgent need for funds.

Friends of Ashland Public Library: two fundraisers

Friends of the Ashland Public Library is holding its annual Book Sale and Silent Auction this weekend. And Nov. 18 to 24 is “Friends of the Ashland Public Library Week” at Louie’s Restaurant and Bar.

‘Vote For the Library’ ... in knitting

“Vote For the Library.” Knit letterforms using an alphabet grid.

Jackson County libraries: Special district could bring in $9 mil

A proposed special district to fund Jackson County Library Services could bring in an estimated $9 million a year, according to Ryan Pfeil reporting for the Medford Mail Tribune. The district would eliminate a need for county general fund support and bring library hours back to pre-shutdown levels.