Engaging Public Libraries Across Oregon

In 2008, the Northwest Photography Archive received support from the Collins Foundation to provide free copies of Wild Beauty: Photographs of the Columbia River Gorge, 1867–1957 to Oregon’s public libraries. During the summer and fall of 2009, with the help of then Oregon State Librarian Jim Scheppke and Oregon Center for the Book coordinator Katie Anderson, we distributed a total of 213 books, one to every library and branch in the state.

We at the Northwest Photography Archive take great pride in this effort to provide free copies of Wild Beauty to our public libraries. Expanding public access to the photographs featured in our book series is at the heart of our mission, so making our books available to the widest possible audience in this way is extremely rewarding. This library-distribution project has also helped us to create meaningful and lasting relationships with librarians and library users throughout the state. With the publication of Enduring Spirit, we are seeking funding to expand this effort to Washington and Idaho.