Free Little Libraries
Project At-A-Glance
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The Mission: To increase book access in underserved and rural locations throughout the Gorge.
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The Builders: Local students applying engineering and trade skills to real-world projects.
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The Impact: A collaborative effort fueled by community partners and funders - totaling 21 free libraries!
Building a bridge between technical education and community literacy,
the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is proud to lead the Free Little Library Project.
This initiative brings together a diverse network of regional partners, funders, and local schools to address literacy gaps across our five-county Gorge region. By installing hand-crafted libraries in high-need areas, we are providing 24/7 book access while empowering the next generation of creators. Each library is designed and constructed by CTE (Career and Technical Education) and STEM students, turning classroom learning into a tangible community resource.
The Foundation of our Success:
Our student builders provided the skill, but our partners provided the opportunity. We would like to recognize the following supporters for their generous contributions. Their investment in funding, materials, and literacy resources directly supports both our CTE students’ education and our community’s access to books.
Roundhouse Foundation
Columbia Gorge Education Service District
Oregon Community Foundation
Four Rivers Early Learning & Parenting Hub:
Funding has provided in part by through the Department of Early Learning and Care's Birth to Five Early Literacy funds.
The Guardians of the Collection:
A library needs a home and, more importantly, a caretaker. Our host locations are the essential 'boots on the ground' for this project. By providing the land, often assisting with the physical installation, and committing to the ongoing stewardship of the little library at their location, these partners ensure that our student-built libraries remain safe, stocked, and welcoming for years to come!
Under Construction....check back soon!
Host Check-In: Need a book refill? We love seeing our Little Libraries in action. If you’ve noticed your shelves are looking a bit bare, don't worry—that means it's working! Reach out today to request a restock and keep the reading momentum going.
Creating a Community of Readers:
Free Little Libraries help make books easy to find and free for families in our community. Our community believes early reading is important because it builds language, imagination, and school readiness from a young age. By giving children regular access to books, these libraries help families build their own home libraries over time. This means more chances to read together, learn new words, and create positive reading habits that support children’s success in school and beyond.
Meet the Builders:
Our libraries don't just hold stories; they tell the story of our talented youth. From the first screw to the final coat of paint, students from local districts have poured their time and talent into creating the little libraries. We are proud to showcase the hard work of the following schools and programs who are building a more connected community, one library at a time:
Arlington High School
Dufur High School
Hood River Middle School
South Wasco High School
Wildwood Academy
Find a Free Little Library:
Our mission is to bring books to every corner of the Gorge. Below, you will find the addresses of the current libraries hosted by our local partners. But the story doesn't end here—the Gorge is full of little libraries! To discover more hidden gems and book-sharing boxes across our region and beyond, use the official world map to plan your next literary adventure.
STEM Hub Free Little Library Locations:
Under Construction....check back soon!
Free Little Library World Map Link:
https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/