Hood River Library: A Community Hub and Local Resource

The Hood River Library is more than a repository of books; it serves as a cornerstone for education, creativity, and community engagement. Located in the heart of Hood River, OR, the library supports the region with a range of resources, programs, and services designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Its central location makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.

The Hood River Library operates as part of the Hood River County Library District. Its mission is to reach out to the community, enabling people to learn, create, and grow. The library’s vision emphasizes inclusivity, fostering a dynamic and creative environment where everyone belongs and opportunities abound. Core values such as collaboration, community, compassion, and fun drive its programs and services. These principles help the library adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

The Hood River Library ensures that technology is accessible to all patrons and visitors. Services include public computers equipped with headphones and the LibreOffice Suite. Patrons can also borrow laptops for in-library use. Additional offerings include printing, copying, and scanning services, making the library a valuable resource for students, professionals, and visitors alike. These services are designed to eliminate barriers to technology access in the community.

The library’s staff extends services beyond its walls to reach families in the community. Every Saturday, staff visit the Odell Mobile Home Park to deliver books, craft bags, and snacks to over fifty-eight families. Additionally, the library collaborates with local organizations like Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District and Gorge Grown to host pop-up libraries at Odell Neighborhood Park twice a month. These events feature books, crafts, snacks, and summer reading prizes, providing educational and recreational opportunities for all ages. By meeting families where they are, the library builds lasting relationships within the community.

The library’s outreach efforts also benefit seniors. Monthly pop-up libraries are held at Providence Down Manor and Providence Dethman House, offering books, resources, and materials directly to residents. Contact the library for more details about these services. These visits provide seniors with access to library materials without the need to travel.

The Hood River Library’s bookmobile is vital for serving residents who cannot easily access the main library branches. This mobile library travels throughout Hood River County, bringing books, audiobooks, DVDs, and magazines to underserved areas. Patrons can place holds on items and pick them up when the bookmobile visits their area. Equipped with WiFi access and portable seating, the bookmobile also serves as a space for community programs, classes, and study sessions. Its mobility ensures that library services reach even the county's most remote areas.

Storytime sessions for children are held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. These librarian-led events help children develop social skills, explore the library, and make new friends. The interactive sessions make learning enjoyable and engaging for young attendees.

Through a partnership with Libraries of Eastern Oregon, the Discover and Go! program offers free tickets to local cultural attractions, promoting educational and cultural experiences across the region. This initiative makes arts and culture accessible to everyone in the community.

The library hosts a monthly book club for adults, providing an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions. Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. Participants enjoy exploring diverse genres and sharing their perspectives on featured books.

Writers of all levels can join the library’s writing group every Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Columbia Room. Participants can collaborate on creative prompts and share their work. This group fosters a supportive environment for honing writing skills and exchanging ideas.

Teenagers can enjoy casual play sessions of Magic the Gathering every Friday at 4 p.m. These events, led by a teacher, provide a fun and inclusive environment for game enthusiasts. The sessions also encourage strategic thinking and social interaction among participants.

The library offers various resources for Spanish-speaking patrons, including storytime sessions in Spanish and classes to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test. Additional services are available to ensure all community members feel welcome. These efforts reflect the library’s commitment to serving a diverse population.

The Hood River Library is open during the following hours:

• Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Visit the library at:

For more information, call 541-386-2535 or email [email protected]. The friendly staff is always ready to assist with any questions or needs.

Julie Gilbert’s passion for her work shines through in every interaction. As a real estate professional licensed in both Oregon and Washington, she combines dedication, honesty, and a straightforward approach to make every real estate experience seamless. Living in the Gorge gives her unique insights into the local area, benefiting both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re exploring properties or finalizing a sale, Julie provides the guidance and expertise needed for success. Her extensive knowledge of the Hood River, OR, real estate market ensures clients receive personalized and informed support.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Hood River, OR, real estate market, contact Julie Gilbert today.