khayden

Dear Community, The month of May brings along sunnier days and beautiful flowers, but it also means budget season! While many public libraries across the nation and in Oregon are facing cuts, the library’s proposed budget for FY25-27 remains stable thanks to proactive planning and dedicated revenue sources such as the local option levy and the Benton County Library Services District. While the increasing costs of doing business mean that a flat budget is more challenging to work with, I am very grateful that we are in such a stable position for the next two years. Additionally, many of you may be aware that we've spent the last year in negotiations regarding the ownership of the Monroe Community Library. These negotiations stem from a challenging financial situation in the City of Monroe and a mutually strong desire to continue to provide library services in the Monroe Community Library building. Now, thanks to our supportive community, the generosity of the South Benton Community Enhancement Association (SBCEA), and the cooperative spirit of the City of Monroe Mayor and City Council, I’m pleased to share the news that the Monroe City Council voted unanimously on Monday, April 14, 2025, to transfer ownership of the Monroe Community Library building to the SBCEA. You may be familiar with this group, as SBCEA is a nonprofit we have worked closely with for over a decade now. This group was a fundraising partner for the new library building in Monroe, and they helped us create the highly successful Monroe Library Legacy Fund. Official paperwork was signed the very next day, and the new ownership is now in effect. This change will not affect library services to the public in any way. The [Read more]