The Beginnings of LEO

​

LEO emerged following two years of informal meetings among public librarians. The State Library of Oregon provided funding for three years for an in-depth study to explore various governance options for a 10-county library district, as well as funding for a 500-household survey. About the same time that initial State Library funding became available, the working committee organized formally to secure foundation grants for enhanced library services. LEO was recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit in December 2000.

​

After the governance study, LEO staff continued in a volunteer capacity for several months. A strategic vision was developed: “Lighting Up the Libraries.” Lighting Up called for rural public libraries to become revitalized as essential 21st century learning centers and was adopted by former Gov. Kitzhaber as the sixth highest priority sustainability project under the Oregon Solutions program.

​

Subsequently, the Oregon Legislature provided funding for a comprehensive, on site assessment of all LEO libraries. LEO also obtained grants for region wide heritage and technology assessments. Needs identified in the assessments continue to guide LEO’s efforts. Adult programming was cited as one of the highest needs by nearly all libraries.

 

To bring its partners together, in early 2007 LEO developed “A Sense of Place” as an educational platform for program delivery. The themed approach appeals to lifelong learners and diverse interests throughout the region.

​

These library and LEO efforts helped build community at home by presenting offerings that reached across a previously underserved population, strengthened by outside partners who enhance library services and who value the region’s libraries for the important role they play in connecting persons and society. Through the public library, rural residents came together for civic engagement and shared lifelong learning experiences. 

​

LEO’s mission is empowering rural libraries through collaboration. Today, LEO represents over 50 public library locations in 16 counties – Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler – and is reportedly the geographically-largest library consortium in the continental U.S., covering an area of approximately 57,000 square miles, or more than half the land mass of Oregon.