Community input sought on how to fund the Grant County Library
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – UPDATE: The Grant County Librarian has provided insight on a question from the public regarding previously-collected funds supporting a new library. the question was, “What happened to the money the library made from donations to build a new library? I was under the impression that there was a decent amount raised…”
Our newsroom reached out to Chris Ostberg, Grant County Librarian, and this was her response:
(From Librarian Chris Ostberg)
“The Grant County Library Foundation has been in the process of raising money for a new library building since they started in 1992. They have a raised a decent amount of money for this project, but they do not have enough to actually build the new library building. The Grant County Library Foundation does in fact help the Grant County Library, they give money to the library so that we can bring in summer programs for the kids, our programs coincide with the summer lunch program at the JDCC Parks & Rec lunch program. This year we had enough money to bring in 5 summer programs for the kids on average 40 kids participated in each of the programs. The Grant County Library Foundation also gives money to the Grant County Library so that the library can have a Summer Intern, this program helps our youth as they have to go through the complete process of getting a job and then they get to experience working before they have to go to college and get a real job. Without the help of the Grant County Library Foundation we would not be able to bring in the summer programs. The money that the Grant County Library Foundation got from their campaigns, were asked for with the intent of a new library building, the Foundation can only spend the money on a new building. They can not take money donated to them under these campaigns for just anything, unless the person donating the money specifically states that the money is to be use for the operations of the Grant County Library, or to buy books, shelves.
This is a county budget shortfall that is why the Library is taking the steps of doing a feasibility study to ask the community how they will help keep the library open after June 25, 2026. We have a Save Our Library committee and everyone is more than welcome to come and help or just let us know what you are thinking. We are a small group and have only come up with two solutions, if anyone has a solution we would be very happy to hear it and discuss it with you. The committee meets Wednesday at 6:00 pm Canyon City Community Hall or you can connect to the meetings virtually on facebook, or come to the library and I will be very happy to discuss where we are and what we are trying to do.
Thank you for your question.“
PREVIOUS: The second of two community meetings was held on Tuesday, October 21st considering how the Grant County Library would be funded without support from the county, which is currently facing budget difficulties.
A survey on the matter is now available to all local residents. The Save Our Library Committee is conducting a feasibility study and announced that the information will help organizers learn how the community would like to proceed with funding the library. The survey states that, “Previously, Grant County allocated about $220K to fund the library. Due to a severe budget shortfall, Grant County needs to reduce costs. The Grant County Court has indicated they will eliminate funding for the library after June 2026.”
The study explores different options and asks for community input. A paper copy is available at the Grant County Library.
Also, Grant County residents can find the feasibility study and participate within the below:
