What does freedom look like in a small coastal town? How has the definition of “community” changed over the decades in Brookings-Harbor? The Chetco Library is inviting residents to answer these questions and more as part of a new landmark project, “Beyond 250: Living History in Brookings-Harbor.”

Beginning March 2026, the library is embarking on a mission to record and archive the lived experiences of local residents, seeking to connect national ideals of independence and belonging to the local stories that define our region.

Every resident has a unique perspective on how this community has shaped them and how they’ve shaped the community. By recording our community’s stories now, the library aims to creatine a digital time capsule that will allow future generations to understand who we were and what we valued as we looked toward the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond.

How to Participate:

The library is looking for both interviewees (storytellers) and volunteers (interviewers and editors).

• Storytellers: Anyone who lives or has lived in the Brookings-Harbor area is encouraged to share their story. Interviews take approximately 45–60 minutes and are conducted in a professional, comfortable setting at the library’s Tidepool room.

• Volunteers: Students and adults interested in local history, journalism, or audio/video production are encouraged to sign up. Training and equipment will be provided.

Where the Stories Go: Recorded interviews will be professionally archived in a publicly accessible digital collection. Excerpts from the project may also be developed into community podcasts, historical exhibits, or used in future documentaries.

Sign Up Today: Members of the public interested in being interviewed or volunteering can visit the Chetco Community Public Library to pick up a registration form or sign up online at the links below.