When Jefferson County voters went to the polls in May, they sent a clear message about the library bond — no, and by a wider margin than before.
Measure 16-117, which would have authorized general obligation bonds to fund a new main library in Madras and a smaller branch facility in Culver, was rejected by 65.8 percent of voters. Of 5,359 ballots cast on the measure, 3,525 were no and 1,834 were yes.
It was the second consecutive election in which Jefferson County voters rejected a library construction bond. A previous measure also failed, though by a narrower margin of about 56.9 to 43.1 percent. The 2026 result was significantly more decisive.
What Voters Were Asked
The Jefferson County Library District has been making the case for years that its main facility in Madras is too small and too outdated to serve the county's growing needs. The proposed bond would have funded a brand-new library building in Madras to replace the current structure, along with a smaller satellite branch in Culver to extend service to the south end of the county.
Supporters argued the investment would serve students, seniors, job seekers, and families for generations. Opponents raised concerns about property tax impacts and the overall cost of the project.
Jefferson County Was the Only Library Measure to Fail Statewide
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting's post-election analysis, Jefferson County was the only county in Oregon where a library funding measure failed at the May 2026 election. Library levies passed in Eugene, Scappoose, Baker County, and Veneta.
That distinction raises questions about what makes Jefferson County's political and economic environment different — and what the library district might need to do differently to win voter support in a future election.
What's Next for the Library?
Library district officials have not yet publicly outlined their next steps following the second defeat. Options may include scaling down the project's scope or cost, pursuing alternative funding sources, or taking a longer pause before returning to voters with a revised ask.
In the meantime, the Jefferson County Library on SW 5th Street in Madras continues to operate. The library offers books, digital resources, computer access, and programming for children and adults — services that remain in demand even as the building struggles to accommodate modern needs.
Residents interested in weighing in on the library's future can attend Jefferson County Library District board meetings, which are open to the public. Contact the library at 541-475-3351 for board meeting schedules and other information.