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Dear Library Friends and Neighbors, We are reaching out outside our usual communication channels because we believe this situation warrants a direct update to our library community. You may have seen a recent article in The Oregonian about the City of Beaverton's interest in potentially assuming operations of Garden Home Community Library. We want to share an update and reassure you that both Garden Home and West Slope Community Libraries continue to operate as usual. The City of Beaverton has initiated a feasibility study to explore the possibility of bringing Garden Home Community Library into the city's library system. Although the property housing the library was annexed into Beaverton in 2002, the library primarily serves the surrounding unincorporated communities. The city has cited the library's location within its boundaries as a reason for considering a change in operations. Garden Home Community Library Association (GHCLA) has not requested or agreed to any change in ownership or operations, and no such change has occurred. GHCLA is an independent nonprofit organization that owns and operates both Garden Home and West Slope Community Libraries. For more than four decades, our libraries have been sustained by the dedication of community members, volunteers, and staff. We are proud of that history and of the welcoming, community-centered services we provide today. As a longtime member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS), GHCLA operates under agreements that establish the responsibilities of the county and its library partners. We remain committed to those agreements and to our cooperative relationships. Beaverton's feasibility study is a city initiative and is being undertaken independently by that city. Importantly, WCCLS has not joined or endorsed a proposed transfer of Garden Home Community Library's operations. Our volunteer Board of Directors and library leadership are taking this matter seriously. We have engaged legal counsel, are gathering information, and remain in communication with WCCLS and other community partners. We believe our current operating model serves our communities well and see no compelling reason to change it. Our commitment to both Garden Home and West Slope Community Libraries remains unchanged. Programs, services, and daily operations will continue as usual, and our staff, volunteers, and board will remain focused on serving our patrons and neighbors. We will keep you informed as developments warrant. Thank you for your continued support of our libraries and the communities they serve. Sincerely, Sharon Selberg, Board President Molly Carlisle, Executive Director Garden Home Community Library Association
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