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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Dear OLA Community,
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">As we continue to monitor the unpredictable nature of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the OLA Executive Board met
on Sunday evening, 11/9, to discuss how we can support endangered staff and programs at the State Library of Oregon.
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">If the government does not reopen by November 30, the LSTA funds that sustain the Library Services Division will be depleted.
State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen informed OLA leaders that this would result in a shortfall of approximately $88,500 for December payroll, leading to layoff notices for ten staff members, effective November 30, 2025. These staff coordinate essential statewide
programs and services such as Answerland, OSLIS, Library2Go, and consulting, training, and data services that Oregon libraries depend on every day.
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">A state budget officer noted that foundation grants or private donations could be accepted to fill this funding gap, ensuring
uninterrupted services through the end of the calendar year. With a quorum present and a unanimous vote, the OLA Board authorized me, as Board President, to:
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">“Make a donation payment of up to $88,500 in express support of the salaries of ten Library
Services Division staff who are facing layoff effective November 30, 2025. OLA will seek additional funding resources to match or share in the total amount, including potential reimbursement from IMLS when and if drawdown funds become available.”
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">While OLA hopes to identify a funding partner, we are prepared to make the full one-time donation if necessary. This timely
action reflects our commitment to providing a temporary bridge that prevents layoffs and keeps vital statewide programs operating while the State Library and federal agencies work to restore access to LSTA funds.
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Looking ahead, OLA will continue collaborating with the State Library, the Governor’s Office, and other stakeholders to
develop long-term strategies that protect essential library services from future disruptions. This includes advocating for stronger contingency planning, state-level funding for critical positions and programs, and clearer communication protocols during periods
of fiscal uncertainty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Please feel free to reach out to me or Wendy if you have questions.
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Thank you,
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:140%"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:140%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">April
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">April Witteveen<span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Library Director<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oregon State University – Cascades Campus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">Office: 541.706.2169<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none">Cascades Library Main Line: 541.322.2079<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/59ddb7857eda44a583f83cb5988c1814@osucascades.edu?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=plink"><span style="color:#0563C1">Book a meeting with me!</span></a><br>
<a href="https://www.name-coach.com/april-witteveen"><span style="color:#0563C1">How do I pronounce my last name?</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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