Library Closed Wednesday, May 8

Letters for Community

The Letters for Community program is an all ages, community wide event that seeks hand written letters and wellness cards to support and bring joy to those in West Linn living in isolation, such as residents at Tanner Springs and homebound individuals. Letters for Community provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on kindness, and the impact that simple acts of kindness can have on others. Our intention with Letters for Community is to help build connection in our own community by assisting in diminishing feelings of isolation for those who live alone. It was started in 2021 in response to the pandemic, but given the joy it brings to the community it continues to this day. This program was inspired by the national "Letters Against Isolation” effort (lettersagainstisolation.com).

If you know someone who you think would benefit from these cards, please call 503-656-7853 x 5 or reach out directly to Sara at schesney@westlinnoregon.gov.

Things to know before getting started:

There is not a pen pal project. The recipients will not write back.
Please do NOT include your address, phone number, or anything else that would identify yourself. Also, please do NOT send any gifts. You are welcome to share things about yourself, but you should give nothing more personal than your first name in your creation.
Since the we will not know the recipient of the card, please do NOT include religious comments such as "God Bless."
Original is best! We kindly ask that if you are creating a letter please send the original and not a photocopy.
This is an all ages event. If you are creating letters with your kids, let children know that there are members of our community that live alone and at times feel very isolated.
Since we do not know when a patron will receive this, please avoid mentioning specific holidays.

Creating your letter:

Your goal is to brighten someones day! Brightly decorated letters and cards, drawings, funny anecdotes about your pet, or warm wishes are a great place to get started.
Since we will not know the recipients of the card, you may consider general addresses such as:
- "To a very special person"
- "Hello Neighbor"
Best to avoid internet slang or modern acronyms as the recipients might not understand what you are trying to say.
Stick with uplifting messages
Writing prompts:
- What helps you deal with feelings of isolation?
- How have you been getting through the year?
- What would you like to hear to help and encourage you?
Returning letters:
- Items in envelopes should be returned unsealed, with the flap tucked in. The library will use an envelope sealer to reduce the possible risk of transmitting illness.

Community Station Boxes:

You can pick up blank cards and return your completed letters and cards to any of the Community Station boxes located throughout the city.