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Siskiyou County Library leaders seek donations after $20,000 family‑literacy cut
Summary
County librarian and literacy coordinator told supervisors about branch upgrades, outreach at the county fair and a $20,000 cut to the family‑literacy grant; the Friends of the Yreka Library highlighted roughly $100,000/year in volunteer value and ongoing digital‑divide services.
Theresa Johnson, county librarian, told the Board of Supervisors that the county library system’s budget for FY 2024–25 is $674,426 and reviewed recent outreach, branch renovations and literacy efforts.
Johnson said Happy Camp branch received grant funding that paid for new flooring, paint and upgraded wiring and shelving, and that the branch has reopened. She also reported that the Tule Lake branch closed from Nov. 18 to Dec. 5 for remodeling work.
Deborah Davis, the county literacy coordinator, said the state‑funded literacy program includes adult and family literacy and a 0‑to‑5 story time partnership with First 5. "Our program has recently lost $20,000 for the family literacy program for this fiscal year," Davis said, and she asked for donations to cover picture books and program costs.
Representing the Friends of the Yreka Library, Vicky Driver described volunteer operations that support front‑line services. Driver estimated about 20 volunteers and, when calculating time at a $20/hour value, said the group contributes roughly $25,000 per quarter — "That's a $100,000 a year that you guys don't have to pay for." She also described the library's role in bridging the digital divide with free public computers, Wi‑Fi and help filling out forms.
Supervisors thanked staff and volunteers and asked follow‑up questions about volunteer recruitment and program trends. Johnson said she is working with the Siskiyou County Office of Education on a student‑library card program to expand access for schoolchildren.
The library presentation concluded with an offer to provide copies of flyers and program materials to the board and a request for community support to replace lost family‑literacy funding.
