Josephine Community Library Newsletter

News of the Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek libraries

June 20, 2019

A Universe of Stories

2019 Summer Reading Program

With the recent release of students from school for the summer, the library is offering more than 17,000 children in Josephine County a FREE Summer Reading Program to combat " summer slide."

Children, teens, and adults can sign up for the Summer Reading Program at any branch of Josephine Community Library in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek.

Funding for the Summer Reading Program is made possible each year by the Oregon State Library Ready to Read Grant.

Click to learn more about the Summer Reading Program

Holiday closure

All four library branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Fine free for youth

Josephine Community Library no longer charges fines on children and teen items.

Eliminating fines ensures that all youth will have access to library books and materials and are able to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program from June 22 through August 3.

Patrons will continue to be responsible for lost and damaged materials. After 20 days, replacement costs will be charged for lost items. Click here to learn more.

Thanks for keeping

your libraries wonder-full!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the library foundation’s Spring Fundraising Drive . Together we raised $36,516, which will go toward library card scholarships for children outside the library district, updated technology, and building improvements.

Your gift to the library foundation funds special programs beyond the reach of the library’s regular budget, making possible the magic of libraries for our family, neighbors, and the next generation!

Library awarded safety

and security grant

Josephine County Board of Commissioners is partnering with the library and the Four Way Community Foundation to ensure a safe library environment for staff, volunteers, and patrons.

A Four Way Community Foundation grant of $6,526 will be used to purchase and install security cameras at the Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek branch buildings. Matching funds have been secured from Josephine County Board of Commissioners and the library’s budget.

Click here for more information.

Learn to use Snapchat

Snapchat is an app for Android and iPhone devices that can be used to send and receive photos and videos, called snaps.

You can briefly share your creative photos and videos by posting them to your story for everyone to see.

Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.

Library of America book collection

The library recently added 100 new books from Library of America, thanks to a generous donation by James Basker of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Library of America, a nonprofit organization, champions our nation’s cultural heritage by publishing America’s greatest writing and providing resources for readers to explore our nation's rich, living legacy.

Stop by your nearest branch to check out these new titles.

Teen Corner

Beginning June 22 , teens can register for the Summer Reading Program at any of the four branch libraries. Participating teens have a chance to win a $50 gift card for Oregon Books & Games every week.

Join us for a Teen DIY Summer to make these free projects at the Grants Pass branch:

Galaxy Jars

Wednesday, June 26 from 4–5 p.m.

Friday, June 28 from 4–5 p.m.

DIY Telescopes

Friday, July 12 from 4–5 p.m.

Light Up Constellation Canvas

Friday, July 26 from 4–5 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Summer Reading Program activities for teens.

Books in Space

Adults can join the Summer Reading Program between June 22–August 3 by reading or listening to any books related to outer space.

Readers can complete a short questionnaire to be entered in a raffle for a gift card to local businesses in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and/or Wolf Creek.

Click here for more information.

Sustainable Gardening Program:

drip irrigation

In partnership with the Josephine County Master Gardeners™ , the Sustainable Gardening series offers adults a chance to learn the basics and the not-so-basics of home gardening from 1 to 1:45 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at the Grants Pass branch.

The topic of the first program on Saturday, June 29 is drip irrigation.

For more information, click here , send an email or call 541-476-0571 .

Sensational Storytime

summer session

Sensational Storytime is an inclusive, interactive storytime for children ages 2 to 4 .

Each session is held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays from July 2–23 in the bookstore at the Grants Pass branch. Storytimes include free-play, circle time with books and songs, and a sensory-focused art activity.

Registration is required. To sign-up for the summer 2019 session, contact AmeriCorps Inclusion Facilitator Caitlin Biedscheid at 541-956-2059 x4743.

E-book Workshop in Grants Pass

Join us on Saturday, July 13 at the Grants Pass branch to learn how to use the library’s collection of e-books and audiobooks on your phone or tablet. Specific workshops will be offered throughout the afternoon at these times:

1 p.m. for Apple and Android

2 p.m. for Kindle (except Fire)

3 p.m. for Kindle Fire

Registration is not required, but space is limited. Each session is expected to take

30–45 minutes. Please come prepared with login and password information as needed.

To register and for more information,

click here , send an email , or 541-476-0571 .

Keeping Tabs on America

Join us for an Oregon Humanities Conversation Project on the topic of surveillance from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Williams branch .

During " Keeping Tabs on America," scholar and journalist Kristian Williams will lead community members through a discussion about the uses of surveillance, why it's important, and why privacy is important.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot and for more information,contact Williams Branch Manager Ellie Avis or call 541-846-7020.

Exploring the Moon Landing

Join the Grants Pass Astronomers Club for a presentation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 at the

Grants Pass branch.

Participants will explore NASA history, learn about the Apollo 11 crew, and see photos of the 1969 moon landing.

Registration is not required.

Friday Tech Time

Stop by any of the four branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, or Wolf Creek on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. during Friday Tech Time.

Library staff and volunteers are ready to answer technology questions and assist with:

Downloading e-books
Email set-up
Navigating social media accounts
Resume formatting
...and more.

If possible, bring password, and login information as needed.

Summer reading at your library

Here's a sampling of space-themed books available from any of the four Josephine Community Library branches.

Apollo's Legacy: Perspectives on Moon Landings by Roger Launius
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley
Zack Proton and the Red Giant by Brian Anderson
The Martian by Andy Weir by T. D. Jakes
Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration by Buzz Aldrin
Sally Ride: America's First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr

To check availability for these or to find other books in the collection, search the library catalog. To place a hold, click the "Place Request" button, then enter your library card number or username and your password. If you need a library card, click here for an application, or request one at your library branch.