Clackamas County City Considers Privatization of Library

To all COLA LO Members,

The Oregonian is reporting an interesting direction for library services.    It seems the City of Gladstone is now looking at privatization of library services after the residents voted down a bond measure to build a new library.  

Details can be found at Library Privatization.

As most members know LO voted down a $17 million bond measure for a new library last fall with the measure losing across nearly all areas of the city and by 16%    With Gladstone looking at this option could a similar option be reviewed for LO?  

The details provide some interesting insights into the changing nature of Library services, especially since the west side of LO generally feels very under served by a library located in downtown LO.  

There has been some debate for many years regarding the need for a larger library or additional library locations throughout the city to service growing areas outside the downtown location. 

However one area that is clear is that the citizens do not want any more new taxes to support the library.   That's a change form the past and may reflect that citizens have been "squeezed" by increasing property taxes, fees, and utility bills.  

Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.