Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) and the Jackson County Library District (JCLD) Board have reviewed the media release from Jackson County District Attorney’s Office regarding the Talent Library Incident that occurred in December. We appreciate the thorough review conducted by the District Attorney’s Office, Talent Police Department, and Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force and their commitment to community safety.
While the report concludes that no crime occurred, JCLS recognizes the concern this situation caused for our patrons and community. From the beginning, our priority has been to act responsibly to protect the safety and well-being of everyone who uses our libraries. The precautionary measures we implemented, including suspension of the individual involved, permanent revocation of internet privileges, and immediate policy review, were taken to uphold that commitment.
“As custodians of public spaces, we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and well‑being of everyone who walks through our doors.” Says JCLD Board President, Susan Kiefer. “These recent events highlight that there is always room to strengthen our policies and response practices. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating library environments that are safe, welcoming, and supportive for every member of our community.”
This incident has underscored the importance of continuous improvement. In addition to the steps already taken, JCLS is moving forward with:
- Enhanced staff training focused on policy enforcement and child safety.
- Comprehensive policy review to strengthen safeguards and accountability.
- Exploring new technology tools and protections to ensure library internet access is safe, secure, and used appropriately.
“We deeply appreciate the commitment and collaboration of the partners who worked alongside us throughout this process. We recognize that we do not operate in isolation—our success depends on the relationships we build with organizations that share our goals for community safety and well-being.” Community Engagement Manager, Josh Letsinger urges that, “Together, we can continue to create secure and accessible spaces for everyone who wishes to use them appropriately.”
We invite constructive community input as we refine these measures. Libraries are cornerstones of trust and learning, and your feedback helps us ensure they remain safe, welcoming spaces for all.
Your trust matters to us. We will continue to share updates on these improvements and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of safety.