Document text
http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Featured Galleries: April 21, 2007 Big weekend for library fundraising planned Orville Hector | Daily Tidings Ashland Public Library The unthinkable happened April 7 when the Jackson County Library System officially closed due to a lack of funding. A number of grassroots responses emerged, culminating in a a fundraising weekend hosted by the Jackson County Library Foundation and the Save Our Libraries System campaign. This weekend features a benefit rug auction, a children's library celebration, and a nine-hour concert at the Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland. Proceeds from the event will go to the Jackson County Library Foundation and the Save Our Libraries System campaign in support of ballot measure 15-75, which would provide funding for three years for the Jackson County Library System. In a press release Josh Gordon, partnership coordinator for the Save Our Libraries System Campaign, said: "If you support your libraries, you should come out and have a great time at this important event. Nobody wants our libraries to go away, and it's important to show our unity with as many people as possible, who believe our libraries are an important cornerstone of the community." The benefit rug auction will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. More than 500 oriental rugs will be previewed from 5 to 7 p.m. and auctioned from 7 to 9 p.m., with a minimum of 10 percent of all proceeds going to the campaign. Free wine and chocolate tasting will highlight the event, as well as free drawings for gift certificates from over 50 local businesses. For more information about the benefit rug auction, call 301-0815. On Sunday, children will be treated to the free children's library celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature arts and crafts, a book swap, face painting, and storyteller Dorothy Ormes, who will read from 1 to 2 p.m. The weekend's finale, the fundraising concert, features 16 local bands and performers from 2 to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Highlighting the event will be: Craig Wright and The HorseFeathers, State of Jefferson, the Frankie Hernandez Band, Annie Mac, and Rogue Suspects. Also on the program will be: Vincent Love Wright, Cantrell Marriott, Ashland Jazz Trio, The Mighty Lonesoms, Jeremy and DD, Little Thom, One Horse Shy, Holly Freeman, African Drums, Bree Horton, and Aaron Reed. The night will conclude with an all-star jam with a stage full of performers. Donations of $10 or more are requested. For more information about the events call 488-1765. "" Staff report Current Comments: Maybe Ashland should reconsider its priorities. Would we raise property taxes to pay for so-called "affordable housing"? I doubt it. Could we sell off some of the city's vast inventory of surplus property to keep the library open? Why not? If the city council was more focused on running the city instead of spitting into the economic wind, the library would never have closed. Vote no on the tax increase, and then tell the city council to reopen the library the right way. Tom Besich - Ashland - April 21st, 11:14 PM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising: Debt Help Inkjet Printers Payday Loans Free Ringtones Debt Consolidation Security Systems Debt Relief New Hampshire Primary Advertisement: Copyright © 2007 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved. Del.icio.us