Announcements

The Library’s Fire Response

October 27, 2020

Fortunately, no Ashland staff lost their homes to the fire, although several had harrowing commutes that day. However, many district-wide staff were displaced due to the evacuations, and three staff–from Jacksonville Branch, IT, and Digital Services–lost their homes. Seven libraries were closed for a week.

Despite all this, the JCLS administration and staff jumped into action after the fires.

For example, Ashland Adult Services Librarian Ken Loders spearheaded the effort to create a Fire Response and Recovery Resource Guide that has been added to the website (jcls.org). The Outreach to Child Care team donated 172 new Spanish language books and 60 new English language books to local preschool programs heavily impacted by the fire.

Library Director Kari May reported that there was an immediate increase in computer use due to fire victims placing insurance claims, getting new driver licenses, updating voter registrations and requesting new vital records documents. Printing fees are waived for all these cases.

Our Ashland Library Manager, Kristin Anderson, reported that the Ashland Children’s Department has helped families find books about fire, fire fighters, and feeling scared. Ashland staff have also been available for people to share their stories, helping to reinforce the library as a place for community. Evacuated families have also created a new market for the “Take and Make” kits, to give children something fun to do during a traumatic time. In addition, the use of Ashland’s free Wi-Fi service increased after the fire. On Thursday, September 10th, the library’s Information Technology Department recorded twice the normal usage.

It is heartening to see how essential library services are in a crisis, and it reaffirms the importance of the support we provide as Friends. In January, we’ll get back to you regarding 2021 membership. Meanwhile, remember that the Ashland Library is currently open noon-4 pm each day except Friday, and the dynamic Jackson County Library Services website is always open at jcls.org.

Special Thanks to the Ashland Library Staff

October 27, 2020

The fires have also added another layer of challenge to an already-challenging year for our library staff. We have noticed how creatively and cheerfully they have approached the ever-evolving situations and how sensitively they have worked with patrons impacted by both the virus and the fires.
To say thanks, we delivered flowers for the circulation desk and small Chamber of Commerce gift certificates for each Ashland staff member to use as they like at local businesses.

Business Partner of the Year

April 29, 2020

The board selected Project A as the 2019 Business Partner of the Year. When we went to Project A for advice about updating our website, CEO Jim Teece and the staff stepped up in a very big way, offering to donate their expert design and technical assistance for a re-launch to a brand new site as friendsofshlandlibrary.org. Since then, they have supported us with maintenance and hosting services at a very reasonable price. The honor comes with a shelf plaque, and they have chosen to have their plaque placed in the small business section when the library reopens. Special thanks goes to Vice President Paul Steele, who coordinates the project for us.

Leslie Dawson, Friends of the Library; Paul Steele, Project A VP Services; Jim Teece, Project A President & CEO at a morning break thank-you delivery.

Friend of the Year

April 29, 2020

Bob Palermini

The board is pleased to announce Bob Palermini as the 2019 Friend of the Year.

For the last few years, Bob has volunteered as our event and newsletter photographer. He also brought valuable leadership and coordination with Project A on our website transition, and now handle updates and maintenance of the website.

Originally from Illinois, Bob and his wife Tracy moved to Ashland from Los Angeles in 2016. Bob spent 35 years in the newspaper business, finishing up as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for the LA Times.

Bob also volunteers for the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Animal Shelter, SOU Athletic Department, and Grace Point Fellowship in Medford.

In recent years, he has also been a contract photographer for OSF, where you will likely have seen him clicking photos at the Green Shows.

Bob’s shelf plaque will be in the photography section. Congratulations and thanks again, Bob!