Free Little Libraries
Project At-A-Glance
-
The Mission: To increase book access in underserved and rural locations throughout the Gorge.
-
The Builders: Local students applying engineering and trade skills to real-world projects.
-
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
Oregon Community Foundation
Four Rivers Early Learning & Parenting Hub
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:
FORTHCOMING
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:
FORTHCOMING
Free Little Library World Map Link
FORTHCOMING