‘Gresham Reads’ returns to spread joy of literature among kids

Published 5:00 am Thursday, October 9, 2025

A popular reading program has been relaunched across the city of Gresham with a simple goal: get books into children’s hands.

Mayor Shane Bemis and his wife, Alix Bemis, launched the original Gresham Reads in 2017 to encourage local kids to discover the joy of reading.

Now, eight years later, the Gresham Youth Advisory Council has relaunched the program. The high schoolers have gathered book donations and held a workshop to build Little Free Libraries, which are being placed across the city.

The initial program had the books available at local restaurants. This new program has largely moved them into parks, prioritizing spaces that are furthest from existing Multnomah County libraries. The goal is to increase accessibility for all residents.

“At its core, YAC is very community-oriented,” said Xavier Juarez, YAC chair and a senior at Reynolds High. “We’re meeting people where they’re at, going to communities that are in need, and bringing solutions that will make an impact.”

Little Free Libraries

There are three free libraries for families and kids to visit across the city. They are at:

Hall Park, 2727 N.E. 23rd St.
Kirk Park, 1087 N.E. 188th Ave.
Dutch Bros (business bookshelf), 1239 N.E. Kane Dr.

More locations will be added as the program regains its footing.

“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.”

Supporting partners of the program include Multnomah County Library, Pages Past Perimeters, and Rockwood Common.

How it works

Take: Find a story you love in one of the city-sponsored little free libraries.

Share: Return that book or pass it along to a friend once you are finished.

Give: Donate books in good condition to better stock those little libraries. Book donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Gresham City Hall, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway.

For more information, visit GreshamOregon.gov/Gresham-Reads