1974 – County Library was established with federal demonstration funds.

1976 - A county-wide property tax levy funded the Lane County Library, which provided a bookmobile and a branch library in Creswell. Levy monies collected in those municipalities which had libraries were returned, minus a small amount to support Lane Council of Librarians. This levy was renewed every 2-3 years. The levies were not large enough to reimburse city libraries for serving residents in the unincorporated areas.

1984 - Siuslaw Library District established

1988 - Library Task Force conducted a year long study, resulting in the recommendation that a tax be levied to support a universal library card. This tax was to reimburse existing libraries for providing services to all county residents. The County Library ceased operations when operating levies failed in both May and June elections.

1990 – A ballot measure in June 1990 to provide universal access to the existing public libraries failed.
The measure would have established a modest levy of 14.6cents/$1,000 assessed valuation. Funds collected in rural and unincorporated areas would have paid for library service for those living outside of existing library service areas by reimbursing existing libraries for actual nonresident use. Funds collected in cities and districts with libraries would have been returned to those governing bodies to benefit their local libraries. 58% voted against the levy, 42% voted in favor.

1993 - Siuslaw Library District expanded east to include the Mapleton area.

1994 - Fern Ridge Library District established as a stand-alone entity.

1994 - City of Eugene conducted a market survey of RR/SC residents to see if there was interest in purchasing specific services. Based on survey results, EPL did not offer specific services to the area.

1998 - City of Eugene voters approved a four-year levy increase in library support to equip and staff the new Eugene Public Library, which has recently opened, and to open two new branches in leased space in the Bethel and Sheldon areas of the city.

1998 - Voters in the Fern Ridge Library District approved a five-year serial levy to increase library hours.

1998 - The Oregon State library awarded Lane County a $20,000 LSTA grant to identify and analyze options for providing library services to those without access to public library services.