Jefferson County Library District voters are being asked today to approve a $15.9 million general obligation bond that would fund construction of new library buildings in both Madras and Culver. The measure is one of three on the Jefferson County ballot in the May 19 primary.

What the Bond Would Fund

If approved, the bond would pay for:

  • A new library building in Madras, replacing the current facility
  • A new library building in Culver
  • Furnishings and equipment for both new facilities

The Jefferson County Library System serves residents across the county, including communities in Madras, Culver, Metolius, Warm Springs, and surrounding rural areas. The system's leadership has pointed to aging, undersized facilities as a barrier to expanded programming, longer hours, and better community access.

A Revised Plan After Community Feedback

This is not the first time a library expansion has come before voters. An earlier bond proposal failed, prompting the Library District Board to go back to the drawing board. The revised plan that appears on today's ballot was developed specifically in response to community feedback, with an emphasis on:

  • Broader community access and programming space
  • Lower cost compared to earlier proposals
  • A design philosophy centered on serving all residents, not just urban Madras

"The Board went back to the drawing board and developed a new concept based on community feedback," library officials noted in public statements earlier this spring.

The Case For and Against

Supporters argue that modern library facilities are essential community infrastructure — providing not just book access but internet connectivity, job resources, early childhood literacy programs, and gathering spaces that can serve every corner of the county. They point out that both the Madras and Culver facilities are aging and undersized for the county's growing population.

Critics of library bonds typically point to property tax impacts, particularly for rural landowners and fixed-income residents. The $15.9 million bond would be repaid over time through property assessments across the district.

How to Vote

Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. tonight. The measure requires a double majority — meaning it needs both a majority of votes cast AND at least 50% voter turnout in the district to pass at a special election. However, since it appears on the primary ballot alongside contested candidate races, the turnout threshold is less of a concern than in standalone special elections.