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Welcome to the North Santiam Library District Committee website! We are a volunteer group of East Marion (and a small part of Linn county), Oregon residents working to bring high-quality, publicly funded library services to everyone in our proposed library district. Our goal is to form a library district that will provide library services throughout the proposed district. This means extending access to those who are unserved or underserved, and providing better library services to everyone in the proposed district. What do we have now? What is the proposed North Santiam Library District? Why a district? How do we get there? How can I get involved? What do we have now? 70% of the population in our proposed district is unserved or underserved. Three public libraries: Stayton, Lyons and Jefferson. Two volunteer libraries: one in Idanha and one in Mill City. People living outside the city limits of Stayton, Lyons or Jefferson can check out only one book at a time. If they want more than one book, they need to pay a $60 annual fee for a library card. Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Services (CCRLS) provides a courier, Internet access, computers, their software and maintenance and collection cataloging and reports. back to top ⇑ What is the proposed North Santiam Library District? At this time, the North Santiam Library District is an idea - an idea that the residents of East Marion county and a small portion of Linn county would best be served by a taxing district, independent of city governments, dedicated to bringing and enhancing library services throughout the area. The proposed district would encompass four school districts: Santiam Canyon School District, North Santiam School District, Cascade School District, and the Jefferson School District. [MAP] If approved by the voters in November of 2006, the North Santiam Library District would be supported by a permanent tax rate of 62 to 72 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation or $93 to $108 annually for a home assessed at $150,000. back to top ⇑ | further District Plan information Why a district? Two feasibility studies have concluded that a library district is the best solution for long-term stable funding for the libraries in this area. A district will provide bookmobile services and story times to daycares, seniors, retirement facilities, homebound, small communities, and rural schools. Enhance the collections and programs at the three existing libraries. Create a capital reserve fund for building improvements. Increase hours in existing libraries. back to top ⇑ | further District Plan information How do we get there? It takes all of us working together to achieve better services. There is no other way except collectively. It is not equal access to public services when only some individuals have to pay. Libraries are an essential part of a vibrant community and enhance the personal lives of all who have access to them. We need to form a library district. We have chosen to inlclude the four school districts mentioned. They are adjacent and run from Marion Forks to Jefferson. We have gone through a budgeting process and can maintain a district with .62 to .72 cents per thousand. November 2006 is our target date for appearing on the ballot. back to top ⇑ | further District Plan information How can I get involved? Our meetings are open to anyone, and we would welcome your involvement. The North Santiam Library District Committee meets approximately monthly. There is much to do as we move towards a November 2006 election. Please join us! Contact us for more information. back to top ⇑ YOUR HELP IS IMPORTANT! LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE BETTER LIBRARY SERVICES.