CITY OF COOS BAY CITY COUNCIL
Agenda Staff Report
MEETING DATE
August 18, 2026		 AGENDA ITEM NUMBER
3.a
TO:
Mayor Benetti, Council President DiNovo and City Councilors
 
FROM:
Samantha Pierson, Library Director
 
THROUGH:
Nichole Rutherford, City Manager
 
ISSUE:

Consideration of Appointment to the Coos County Library Board

 
SUMMARY:

The City of Coos Bay recommends two members of the seven member Coos County Library Board, one representing the area inside city limits and one representing the area outside but within School District 9. Jon Souder is being recommended to fill a four-year term representing the area outside city limits.

ACTION REQUESTED:

If it pleases Council, recommend appointment of Jon Souder to the Coos County Library Board, representing the area outside the city limits.

BACKGROUND:

The Coos County Library Service District (CCLSD) was created by county voters in 1992 to provide a stable funding source and coordinated public library services throughout Coos County. The district contracts with the county's eight public libraries—including the Coos Bay Public Library—to provide consistent library services to all county residents regardless of where they live.

The Coos County Library Board serves as the governing body responsible for oversight of the Library Service District. The Board establishes district-wide policies, adopts budgets, oversees long-range planning, and administers contracts with participating libraries to ensure equitable and efficient delivery of library services throughout Coos County.

Under the district's governance structure, participating jurisdictions recommend representatives to fill designated positions on the Board as vacancies occur. The City of Coos Bay is responsible for appointing an individual to represent the community for the current vacancy. Appointing qualified board members helps ensure that Coos Bay continues to have a voice in countywide decisions affecting library funding, service levels, capital planning, technology investments, and cooperative library programs.

While the Coos Bay Public Library is operated by the City of Coos Bay, many library resources and services—including countywide funding, cooperative purchasing, interlibrary services, shared technology, and district-wide planning—are coordinated through the Coos County Library Service District. Representation on the district board helps ensure that the interests of Coos Bay residents are considered as countywide policies and funding decisions are made.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

None

ATTACHMENT(S):