Museum and library push outreach and digitization; library seeks $650,000 electric bookmobile

The Bell Museum and the county library told commissioners Jan. 13 that expanding educational outreach and upgrading aging infrastructure are central priorities.

Sean Briscoe (Bell Museum) described multiple traveling exhibits, two new permanent exhibits, digitization of a collection of roughly 50,000 physical artifacts and increased school and out‑of‑county visitation (museum visits rose from roughly 16–17,000 to just over 19,000 in the last reporting year). Briscoe noted limited staff capacity and reliance on volunteers.

Library leadership (presented by county staff with Kim Bales present) said staffing shortages and building maintenance are priorities. The library applied for a $650,000 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality grant to replace a diesel bookmobile with an electric model; the grant requires decommissioning the diesel vehicle and raises operational questions such as charging logistics for outlying community routes. The library plans further accessibility upgrades and said it has hired three full‑time outreach specialists to increase engagement.

Next steps: museum will continue digitization and outreach partnerships; the library will evaluate bookmobile operational costs after grama/grant agreement review and return to the board for operational approval.