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The closure of the library, which it appears will be permanent after May, is very short-sighted, and in my opinion, violates what OHS stands for. When OHS was incorporated under state statutes, it was for the society to maintain a LIBRARY of materials that would be accessible to Oregonians. 

While I'm sure the members of the Board are very busy people and take time out of their schedules to volunteer as board members, the fact of the matter is that they have fallen asleep at the wheel and have taken actions that they would not engage in or condone when it comes to their own lines of work. It is incredibly inconsiderate to have closed the library via e-mail with just two days' notice, disrupting many people's work. I doubt any of them would have countenanced the landlords of the buildings where they have their offices saying that the upkeep of the buildings was getting too expensive, so everybody had to be out in 48 hours and tough luck.

Likewise, if their firms were going under, I'm sure they would be out there seeking and soliciting funds and solutions. None of them would shrug their shoulders and say, "Oh well, that's it." I actively support several non-profits and when they are in trouble, I receive a barrage of e-mails asking for support. If OHS had done this, I'm sure many of  would have answered the call. I find it very troubling that the board decided to abandon the library--its historic and statutory mission--and take the easy way out rather than figure out a way to save the library. If that's the way they plan on operating, I think they should be replaced with people who will go out in public and solicit support for the library and make every Oregonian aware of what a treasure it is. 

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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