LA GRANDE â William âBillâ Whitaker spent the bulk of his career working toward social justice and campaigning for universal health care in Oregon and Idaho. He died in September 2020, and now the modest collection of his health care books and journals have a new home at La Grandeâs Cook Memorial Library.
Whitaker began advocating for health care as a fundamental right after people around him had their lives cut short due to a lack of access to health care, according to a Health Care for All Oregon newsletter from October 2020. He received a masterâs of social work from Atlanta University and a doctorate at the Brandeis University Florence Heller School for Advanced Social Welfare in Massachusetts.
LA GRANDE â La Grandeâs Cook Memorial Library has long offered basic library services to locals living outside La Grande. Starting May 1, nonresidents can purchase memberships that give them access to all of Cook Memorialâs services.
Library Director Kip Roberson explained Cook Memorial Library is making the move to distinguish between who lives inside the city limits of La Grande and who does not.
Residents of La Grande on a per capita basis spend approximately $50 annually in taxes to support library services, Roberson said, so they receive the full slate of what the library has to offer.
That covers basic library services â borrowing books, magazines and DVDs, attending programs and events, using the public access computers and borrowing e-books and e-audiobooks through Library2Go â as well as enhanced services. Those include access to platforms to stream movies and TV shows, expanded access to e-books and e-audiobooks, online career assistance and borr
LA GRANDE â Library Giving Day is Wednesday, April 7, an event that gives library lovers a chance to show their appreciation and support for local public libraries, according to information on the Cook Memorial Library website.
In addition to La Grandeâs Cook Memorial Library, the Libraries of Union County Foundation encompasses public libraries in Union, Elgin, Cove and North Powder. Public libraries offer books, activities and informative programs for all ages and are resources for knowledge, discovery and enrichment.
âWhen faced with extraordinary circumstances in 2020, the mission of each of the countyâs libraries remained steadfast and strong,â the announcement stated. âUnion Countyâs public libraries are a constant, and thatâs thanks to the caring support of our generous community members. Your gift will help keep Libraries of Union County Foundation strong and more prepared to adapt to the changing times and growing need for the public