Cook Memorial Library Offers Wide Family and Community Programs Across Union County

Cook Memorial Library at 2006 Fourth St., La Grande functions as Union County’s primary public library and a central hub for family and community programming across the county. The library maintains a steady calendar of kids’ storytimes, community book groups, cultural events and community game nights, while hosting seasonal offerings such as the StoryWalk at Riverside Park and other StoryWalk locations that bring books into public green spaces.

Programming extends beyond regular events to partnerships with regional organizations that expand educational reach. Fishtrap partnerships, including Fishtrap Reads and guest-author visits, bring visiting writers and literary programming to local audiences. Collaborations with GO STEM and the Grande Ronde Model Watershed produce targeted seasonal programming in science, environmental stewardship and hands-on skills. The library also schedules occasional workshops such as Repair Café sessions and gardening or skills classes that provide practical instruction to residents.

As a public institution, Cook Memorial provides core services that underpin community access to information and meeting space: public computers, meeting room reservations, book lending and children’s programming. Those offerings support residents who lack reliable internet or personal devices, and they create neutral spaces where community groups can meet and organize. These functions carry implications for civic engagement; ready access to information and convening space helps residents participate in local decision-making and stay informed about county issues.

Institutionally, the library’s ability to sustain broad programming depends on municipal support, regional partnerships and volunteer capacity. Partnerships with organizations such as Fishtrap, GO STEM and Grande Ronde Model Watershed allow Cook Memorial to stretch resources and offer specialized programming without relying solely on local budgets. For policymakers and budget planners, maintaining and expanding these partnerships can be a cost-effective way to deliver services that strengthen literacy, lifelong learning and civic resilience across Union County.

For families and community organizers, Cook Memorial’s year-round schedule and meeting facilities offer practical opportunities for engagement, learning and local culture. The StoryWalk installations and guest-author visits create accessible cultural touchpoints beyond the library walls, while Repair Café and skills workshops help residents build capacity and save household resources.

Residents seeking current schedules, event details or information on services should contact Cook Memorial Library directly or consult the City of La Grande / Cook Memorial Library webpages. Continued public support and active community participation will determine how the library turns the page on future programming and local civic life.