St. Helens library director details growing programs and usage as council weighs outreach limits ahead of ballot measure Suzanne Bishop, St. Helens public library director, told the joint library board and city council on Feb. 25 that the library saw 49,336 building visits in 2025 and outlined new initiatives — including a Columbia County authors collection, a teen advisory board and a makerspace expansion — while councilors sought legal guidance on what the library may distribute about a pending ballot measure.

St. Helens library is booming with a 25% increase in visits and exciting new programs, including a special collection of local authors and a teen advisory board!

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St. Helens library warns of possible cuts as council weighs utility fee and local levy The St. Helens Library director told the board on Feb. 9 that a projected general-fund shortfall has prompted the city to consider either a municipal services fee or a local tax levy; either outcome could materially affect library operations and staffing unless voters approve revenue measures.

The St. Helens Library faces potential budget cuts unless the community rallies to support a new utility fee or local tax levy—critical decisions are on the horizon!

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St. Helens officials say general fund shortfall may prompt voter-approved service fee City administrators told the Saint Johns Public Library Board the city is on a trajectory to exhaust contingency reserves and is considering a May ballot measure — a general-service fee or levy — to produce recurring revenue; officials also cited a $1.3 million revenue loss after Cascades Tissue closed.

St. Helens faces a financial crisis that could drain its contingency reserves by June, prompting city officials to consider a crucial May ballot measure for new revenue.

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Oregon Library Secures $2.6M IMLS Funding Amid Congressional Budget Uncertainty Oregon Library of the IMLS receives 2025 funding amid ongoing budget discussions for 2026.

The St. Helens City Council meeting revealed a critical $2.6 million in library funding, but with looming budget cuts on the horizon, the future of community resources hangs in the balance.

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Saint Helens residents advocate for library funding amid budget concerns Citizens emphasize library's importance to education and community services during budget discussions.

St. Helens residents are rallying to protect their beloved library's funding, emphasizing its crucial role in education and community safety as budget discussions heat up.

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Local Library Reports Increased Teen Engagement and Plans for Summer Programs Library experiences surge in teen visits and prepares for enhanced summer activities.

The St. Helens Library is transforming into a bustling community hub, with record teen attendance and exciting summer programs on the horizon!

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