The Keizer library that started with children’s books in a spare room at City Hall recently won state approval to be formally considered a public library.
The State Library Board voted unanimously on May 15 to approve the application from the Keizer Community Library. The designation is effective July 1.
“It’s a huge step,” said BJ Toewe, a retired librarian and volunteer who has championed the Keizer library. “It is a milestone.”
The designation won’t lead to any immediate changes in the library, which operates out of the Keizer Heritage Center on Northeast Chemawa Road.
But the change opens the way for chasing after state grants. State officials calculated Keizer would have received up to $7,000 last year under a literacy program.
Toewe said the designation also means Keizer can apply to be part of the regional library system. That would mean Keizer library users could request books from any of the 18 libraries in the system.
The Keizer library operates on $30,000 from the city’s motel tax and other funds raised through donations and events. The total budget, including a part-time library manager, is $59,000.
The community library started in 1988 and has grown to include nearly 14,000 books and 2,000 DVDs and CDs. It also provides free computer access and conducts events, such as arranging for children to read to dogs.
“Children’s programming is an important focus,” the Keizer library said in its state application. “Current programs include weekly story times in English and in Spanish, a weekly read to a dog program, craft programs on school in-service days and holidays, and a 12-week summer reading program for children and teens with weekly events of professional performers, and craft and science activities.”
In 2022, Keizer voters rejected a measure to create a monthly fee to raise $400,000 a year for library operations.
Keizer had been the largest city in Oregon to operate without a public library.
“I view this as a very big step for them,” said Ann Malkin, a state library board member from Bend.
“Libraries are a great public good,” said Greg Williams, a board member from Oregon City.
The board last approved a public library designation in 2020 for the local library in Winston, a southern Oregon community near Roseburg.
State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen said Keizer will be in line now for a share of the state’s Ready to Read grant program.
“The Ready to Read grant helps public libraries achieve literacy goals in their community, and libraries get to choose which early literacy and summer reading outcome to focus on,” she said. “We’re excited to see what Keizer Community Library does with their Ready to Read grant in 2027.”
Toewe said a new Friends of the Library group has formed to take over raising funds for the Keizer library. She said once its tax-exempt status is approved, residents can join the group as members.
On its website, the group lists its vision: “Our library is essential to informing, inspiring, and enriching our community. Our vision is to assist the library in advancing education, literacy and cultural opportunities through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and advocacy.”
Board members include Gayle McMurria Bachik, Vicki Brammeier, Rhonda Rich, Linda Somner and Kathy Thomas, with Toewe an ex-officio member.
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