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About Gresham

Gresham Reads

The Gresham Reads program offers free books for youth at Little Free Libraries located in Gresham parks.

How Gresham Reads works

1

Take.

Find a story you love. 

2

Share.

  Return it or pass it along.  

3

Give.

  Donate books in good condition.

Little Free Library locations

Donate books

New or gently used books are welcome to offer reading choices.

Book donations can be dropped off at Gresham City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

  • About Gresham Reads
  • About Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
About Gresham Reads

Mayor Shane Bemis launched the original Gresham Reads in 2017 to encourage local children to discover the joy of reading.

“Studies routinely show the critical importance of childhood literacy, " said Mayor Bemis. "Gresham has a laser focus on our children and families, and the Gresham Reads program will give us a new and exciting way to make age-appropriate books accessible for our youngest residents." 

The Gresham Youth Advisory Council (YAC) relaunched the program in 2025 by gathering book donations and hosting a workshop to build Little Free Libraries with residents. Changing the location of books from local restaurants to Gresham parks and prioritizing parks furthest from Multnomah County libraries helps increase accessibility for all residents.

“I am grateful to our Youth Advisory Council for reimagining this program in a way that will help expand access to books for our youngest residents,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “It says a lot about who we are as a community that we continue to invest in our children in meaningful ways like the Gresham Reads initiative.”

Many thanks to our community partners for their generous support:

About Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of high school students who serve as a bridge between local youth and the City of Gresham government. YAC members provide input on public issues, educate peers on topics affecting youth, and build partnerships that strengthen community connections. The council also encourages youth leadership and introduces students to potential careers in local government.

Learn more about YAC and how to apply.

Contact

For more information about this program, email YAC@GreshamOregon.gov.

  • Youth Advisory Council and community building Little Free Libraries.
  • Youth Advisory Council and community working together at Gresham Reads workshop.
  • Books to fill Gresham Reads Little Free Libraries.
  • Youth Advisory Council member filling a new Little Free Library to launch Gresham Reads program.
  • Gresham Reads logo - owl reading a book

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  • The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and community members building Little Free Libraries for the new Gresham Reads program. 

  • The community working together at a Gresham Reads workshop.

  • Books to fill the brand new Little Free Libraries. Parks furthest from Multnomah County libraries were selected as the first Little Library locations so free books could be more accessible to all residents. 

  • Youth Advisory Council President Xavier Juarez stocks the Little Free Library at Hall Park. The Gresham Reads program has officially launched!

  • Community involvement helps make this program a success. Report a problem with a Little Library, suggest a new location, or leave us some general feedback. 

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