New library planned for Culver, first expansion for Jefferson County district

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Jefferson County Library District is establishing a new library branch in Culver, marking its first expansion outside of its mobile library service. The new facility, located across from the post office, is planned to open before the start of the school year.

The district acquired a mostly empty lot in the center of town for the project. The initial plan involves refurbishing a small building on the property to provide computer access and seating for patrons. To begin, the "floating library" will operate three days a week, allowing individuals to check out books in Madras and return them in Culver.

Jane Ellen Innes, director of the Jefferson County Library District, outlined the immediate priorities for the new location. "Right now, we're really focused on the next four to six months and getting the small building up and running, so that the community has someplace to pick up or drop off books." She added, the library will have a computer space where kids can go after school.

After the initial library is established, the district will consider building on the currently vacant portion of the property. The district plans to gather input from the community regarding any future development on the site. This initiative represents the first expansion for the Jefferson County Library District, not including its existing mobile library service.

The district aims to open the Culver library before the start of the school year. Following the initial opening, the Jefferson County Library District will gather community input before considering further construction on the vacant part of the property.