Southfork Grange Little Libraries
All About the Project
In September 2025 we hosted classes and for community members to build their own little library! The project included three class sessions held at Southfork Grange. Each session had 8–12 participants, ranging from teens to adults (roughly ages 14–70). Most libraries were built in small groups of 2–3 people. Joe Pierri led the classes, teaching basic carpentry and tool safety skills that can be easily transferred to home repairs, farm projects, or other community builds. About half of participants had little or no prior experience with building. Enthusiasm was high throughout. Participants took real pride in seeing their libraries come together.
The idea for this project spurred from the excess books that the grange inherited when the county library closed. Grange members wanted them to be more accessible and get into the hands of people who live here. We applied for funding through the Rural Life Initiative grant through the National Grange. They were able to support our grange and cover the cost of the materials.
Library Locations
2 of our locations are food libraries!
Lostine Presbyterian Church - Food, Hygiene Items, as well as books
Courthouse Food Little Library - Food + Hygiene Items
Construction
A huge thank you to:
The dedicated community volunteers who built these libraries with such care, our funding partner, the Rural Life Initiative through The National Grange, County Commissioner Lisa Collier for championing the courthouse placement, and to everyone who helps keep our food libraries stocked.
