US EditionGrant County Moves to Cut Funding for Its only Public Library
- Grant County Court voted in January 2025 to start defunding its only public library in John Day, Oregon, a rural community hub.
- The decision follows a $1.5 million budget shortfall caused by rising insurance, retirement costs, and lost jail and grant revenues.
- County officials must hold two public hearings before funding can be cut, while the library director doubts a replacement district can form quickly.
- Commissioner Rowell said, “We have to cut costs,” warning of a catastrophic deficit without action in this county of about 7,200 residents.
- The funding loss could close the library, cutting vital services, and residents have gathered 500 petition signatures seeking to preserve support.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Letter: Rural libraries at risk as federal funding freezes
To the editor: Federal grants often serve as the backbone of rural library services. Without their local library, many communities would lose access to basic resources. However, recent federal actions have placed critical funding for public libraries and museums in jeopardy. Following an executive order from President Trump, the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been uncertain. Staff were placed on administrative …
Rural libraries at risk as federal funding freezes
Federal grants often serve as the backbone of rural library services. Without their local library, many communities would lose access to basic resources. However, recent federal actions have placed critical funding for public libraries and museums in jeopardy.
Madeline Faber: Rural libraries at risk as federal funding freezes
Federal grants often serve as the backbone of rural library services. Without their local library, many communities would lose access to basic resources. However, recent federal actions have placed critical funding for public libraries and museums in jeopardy. Following an executive order from President Trump, the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been uncertain. Staff were placed on administrative leave, and gran…
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