Who We Are

The Stayton Public Library Foundation was organized in 1992 with the mission to raise funds to improve the Stayton Public Library facilities, provide an endowment to support library operations, and to support special library programs and services.

Library Expansion History

In July 2007, the SPLF completed a 2.9 million capital campaign to build a 7,500 sq. ft. addition onto the Stayton Public Library. Donors contributed $2.4 million for construction, plus $490,000 in estate pledges which will be placed in an endowment to support future library operations.

Immediately after the expansion was completed the Library addition was dedicated and turned over to the City of Stayton.

The library expansion project was a collaborative effort of the Stayton Public Library Foundation, the City of Stayton, the Stayton Library Board, and the Friends of Stayton Library. We thank over 500 individuals, businesses, community organizations and 26 Northwest area foundations who generously contributed to the capital campaign. The Stayton Public Library is a vibrant center of learning and civic activities. Since the July 6, 2007 dedication, the library has been filled as patrons take advantage of this superb facility.

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

The Stayton Public Library is a member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service. The Library supports a city population of around 8,000 and serves neighboring rural towns.

The number of people using the Library has increased so much it has exceeded our expectations! Gifts by many individuals made our community’s vision a reality. The investment has clearly paid dividends several times over for all Stayton Public Library users.

2021-2022

Library visits: 80,000+
Library card holders: 10,000+
Children’s program participants: 11,000+

Circulation:
Physical materials:142,290
Digital items:12,420

History of the Library

  • October, 2009

    The Early Literacy Outreach Program is initiated.

    October, 2009

  • July, 2007

    Library addition dedicated and turned over to the City of Stayton.

    July, 2007

  • June, 2007

    Library addition complete.

    June, 2007

  • September, 2006

    Expansion construction begins.

    September, 2006

  • 2005

    The library is full.

    2005

  • 1989

    New 5,000 sq. ft. library is built on First Avenue.

    1989

  • 1988

    Oregon State Library recommends 7,500 to 10,000 sq. ft. building to last 15 years.

    1988

  • 1978

    City of Stayton accepts the responsibility for the public library.

    1978

  • 1972

    Women’s Club hires the first paid librarian.

    1972

  • 1927

    Stayton Women’s Club building on Second Avenue becomes the first library.

    1927

  • 1880’s

    A glass-fronted case of books at the drug store/post office at Third and Water becomes the first lending collection.

    1880’s

  • 1875

    Students form a literary society, elect a librarian, and buy Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary.

    1875

Foundation Board of Directors

The Board of Directors meet monthly to review financial information and make key Stayton Public Library Foundation decisions.

Deana Freres, President

Jane Kuenzi, Secretary

Signe Woods, Treasurer

Jane Fielder

Trevor Harlow

Advisor to the Board: Janna Moser, Director, Stayton Public Library