LIBRARY DISTRICT FORMATION

Over the past few years, Clackamas County was engaged in a dialogue with the cities regarding the creation of a stable funding source for libraries. The County General Fund has been the source for the majority of Oregon City and other Clackamas County and city libraries funding for several years. Beginning in 2007, the financial position of the County changed dramatically with elimination of $12 million in federal funding.

An independent review of the Clackamas County Library system recommended the creation of a library district. Based on this recommendation and discussion with city partners, the County proposed on the November 2008 ballot the formation of a library district to make up for the loss of funding. That vote passed by a large margin and went into effect July 1, 2009. The district tax rate of about 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed value allows every library to achieve the Oregon Library Association’s 'threshold' level of service.

The district includes all cities that adopted an intergovernmental agreement to join the district. Oregon City adopted such a resolution.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO THE OREGON CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

For Oregon City Public Library, this means we are able to stay open 7 days per week with increased hours, we were able to hire our new library director, Maureen Cole, and we are in the process of purchasing a permanent home for the library at the Eastham School building.  For more information about the ongoing purchase process of the Eastham School building, see our Frequently Asked Questions at our Director's Message.