For the first time in about a year and a half, Roseburg is getting a public library again. A soft opening is scheduled for sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Douglas County’s 11-branch library system closed after voters in November 2016 rejected a proposed special funding district to keep them functioning. With the help of volunteer staff, several of the locations reopened, but Roseburg’s flagship spot remained closed. And then, last December – the County transferred ownership of the library building and its contents to the city of Roseburg at no cost.
Now, final touches on the remodel are underway. Kris Wiley is the director of the Roseburg Public Library. She says the city has committed itself to funding the new space.
WILEY: “The city council is incredibly supportive of this project. They’re the ones who decided - when the County ceased operations - that a public library was important in this community because the constituents told them it was.”
Wiley says while it’s hard to pick just one – the renovated children’s space is a feature she’s looking forward to sharing the most.
Initially, the library will be open 30 hours a week and closed Sundays and Mondays.
