Library Lease Agreement Approved by County and District
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October 1, 2025

At its business session on Tuesday, September 30, the Josephine
County Board of Commissioners (BCC) voted 2–1 to approve a new
five-year lease agreement for the Grants Pass library building at
200 NW C Street, with Commissioner Blech voting against.

On January 6, the Board of Commissioners voted to terminate the
long-standing $1-per-year lease for the Grants Pass library
branch--the community's main library and the headquarters of the
countywide library system. That decision set off months of
negotiations, with county officials citing competing departmental
needs and potential property sales as reasons for delay. After a
series of public hearings, legal reviews, and community advocacy, the
board has now approved a new lease agreement, providing stability for
the library while shifting maintenance responsibilities to the
district.

Commissioner Chris Barnett introduced a motion to adopt the latest
version of the lease, removing the "termination without cause" clause
and replacing it with a standard "for cause" termination clause. The
agreement also establishes an annual lease fee of $1,453 and an
initial payment of $20,424--the balance of the maintenance fund under
the current lease--with terms beginning January 1, 2026. Under the
agreement, the library district will assume responsibility for the
maintenance of the building and grounds.

At their last meeting, the Josephine Community Library District Board
of Directors discussed the updated lease and agreed to its terms,
clearing the way for the continuation of library services in
Josephine County.

"We are relieved this agreement moves us past months of uncertainty,"
said Library Director Kate Lasky. "This has been a difficult process,
but what matters most is that we can keep our focus on serving the
community."

Board President Gina Marie Agosta added, "We are deeply grateful to
the community for standing with us throughout this long process. Your
letters, calls, and public support made all the difference. Thanks to
you, we can continue ensuring that the library remains a vital
resource for everyone in Josephine County."

The Grants Pass library has served as the hub of the countywide
library system since 1959. With the lease agreement approved, the
district can now continue providing uninterrupted services while also
working toward the goal of building a new main library in downtown
Grants Pass.

From: <https://josephinelibrary.org/about-the-library/news/
library-lease-agreement-approved-by-county-and-district/>