LEO
A nonprofit organization founded in 2000, LEO offers services to 53 public libraries in 16 Eastern Oregon counties — an area larger than several New England states combined:
Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler counties
LEO helps remote, rural libraries maintain traditional services and values that are reflective of the communities they serve, while at the same time convening connection with distant partners that help strengthen the library as the heart of the community.
Like libraries and library consortiums elsewhere, LEO seeks to enhance civic engagement, social capital and the personal development of individuals - recognizing the benefit to society of a well-informed citizenry and the worth of each person regardless of socio-economic factors.
LEO is funded through library memberships, grants and direct contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations
- Partnerships
- Community Programs
- Infrastructure
- Collections
- Professional Development
- Advocacy
Learn more about the many things that LEO offers to rural libraries on their website! Many of our online programs are provided through LEO.
The following article was published in the Spring 2008 edition of Oregon Library Association Quarterly.
LEO: Shining Bright on Communities
Like libraries everywhere, Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO) seeks to
enhance civic engagement, social capital and the personal development
of individuals – recognizing the benefits to society of a well-informed
citizenry and the worth of each person regardless of socio-economic
factors.