Columbia Gorge STEM Hub Launches Little Free Libraries Project to Boost Youth Literacy and STEM Skills in Five-County Region

Dec 16

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Columbia Gorge STEM Hub:

From Nicole Tolmie

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 16, 2025 — The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, a department of the Columbia Gorge Education Service District, is launching a new Little Free Libraries project designed to increase equitable access to literacy resources while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities for local students.

Funding for the project includes grants from the Oregon Community Foundation’s Judith K. Hofer Philanthropic Fund and Roundhouse Foundation.

The Little Free Libraries project will bring together a broad network of education and community partners to design, build, and install over 15 culturally responsive little libraries across Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties. The goal is to install the libraries in locations across our region with limited access to literacy resources for young readers.

Students at Hood River Middle School, South Wasco County School District and Wildwood Academy will support the building and installation of the library boxes as part of their community-focused career-connected learning. This service-oriented project allows students to gain valuable, real-world construction experience while contributing to a regional effort that directly addresses educational equity.

The project, just pre-launched this week, has already garnered substantial community support. Four Rivers Early Learning and Parenting Hub, located within the Columbia Gorge ESD, will be using Birth to Five Early Literacy funding, administered by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to fill the libraries with books for children ages 0-5. Titles will reflect the demographics of local communities and be culturally responsive to the families served. Four Rivers encourages families to begin reading with their children from birth. Shared reading strengthens attachment and supports the brain’s early connections, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Other partners will help shape the selection of culturally relevant books that reflect the values, languages, and cultures of each unique community. Community-based organizations will support in the stewardship of the libraries, long-term.

Community Input & Involvement Requested: The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is currently exploring locations for the little free libraries in spaces where literacy may be limited for younger readers, and actively exploring partnerships with organizations, schools or individuals who have an interest in supporting the stewardship of a little library at their curbside! To learn more or get involved: Contact Kate Wurster, STEM Hub Coordinator, at kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us.