Posted
Sponsored by: Board of Commissioners
In May 1976, for the first time, Washington County voters passed a countywide serial levy to support public library service, establishing the Washington County Cooperative Library Services. Prior to 1976, only six cities operated municipal libraries for free access by city residents: Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Sherwood and Tigard. Therefore, over half the population of Washington County had no public library service; residents of unserved areas either purchased annual library cards at one of the city libraries or more often, went without library service. In 1974, the Beaverton City Library received a federal grant through the Oregon State Library to study the issue and recommend options for the establishment of library service for all county residents.
A cooperative structure was proposed, linking together the existing libraries with County funding support to allow libraries to serve all residents. The Washington County Board of Commissioners agreed to place the first library tax levy on the May 1976 ballot and its approval by voters established the Washington County Cooperative Library Services. Voters have continued to support this unique partnership between the County, nine cities and three non-profit organizations to provide free, robust public library service for all residents. Most recently, in November 2015, voters increased library levy funding with 64% approval. Member libraries now include 16 full-service public libraries, an automated Book-O-Mat and two specialized libraries, plus free mail-delivery to homebound residents. In 2016 WCCLS member libraries have over 265,000 registered patrons and provide access to a shared collection of over 1.7 million books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, and more.
WCCLS members have selected September through December 2016 to celebrate our County of Readers. Over 15 activities and events will take place at member libraries to highlight this cooperative partnership. Our public libraries preserve for all residents the freedom to read through free access to information and ideas for education, enlightenment and entertainment. WCCLS asks the Board of County Commissioners, city councils across the county, and the non-profit boards that administer public libraries to join us in celebrating reading by recognizing the 40th year of this unique and successful inter-governmental cooperative partnership.
Media Contact:
Eva Calcagno, Director of Washington County Cooperative Library Services(503) 846-3233
[email protected]