CANYON CITY – Local library advocates are hosting a program next Monday that will examine the transformation of the Harney County Library into a flourishing community program.

“How to make your rural library the heart of your community? Just say YES!” is the topic of the program, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Canyon City Community Hall.

The program is scheduled as the Grant County Library Board and Foundation continues to explore new ideas for the library located in John Day. Community interest and input are an integral part of this process, so the groups are inviting the community to come and hear about the local success story of Harney County Library.

The presentation will show the basic philosophies, actual processes, and paths taken that have, over just seven years, transformed a dismal Harney County Library into its current status as the hub and heart of a rural county.

Jolyn Wynn, Harney County Library Director; Suzanne Marchmont, the children’s program director; and Beth Coahran, the HCL Foundation Treasurer, are the presenters.

They will review the original state of the library, the process of envisioning a revitalized community library and breaking out of comfort zones.

Other topics will be funding possibilities, volunteer support, techniques for securing lasting change, and the benefits of partnerships with larger institutions.

 The Grant County Library Board and Foundation recently approached the County Court with a proposal to acquire and renovate the old junior high building in John Day and turn it into a library and community center. They want a larger site to accommodate library programs, museum displays, and community events.

School District #3 has put the junior high building on the market, citing the cost of maintenance and operation of the building as too high.