A place to read, reflect and experience local creativity
Where Stories and Art Come Together
At the Ellie Smartt Community Library and Joan Arsenault Art Gallery, we share more than a building—we share a purpose. This space invites visitors to slow down, explore ideas, and connect with creativity through books, history, and visual art. Whether you come to browse a good read, view a seasonal exhibit, or attend a community gathering, you’re welcome to stay awhile.
The Ellie Smartt Community Library
The Ellie Smartt Community Library is a unique and independent community library, created and sustained by volunteers and local support. Visitors are invited to browse through donated books, relax with a favorite read, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this shared community space.
Inside the library, you’ll also find:
A growing collection of Oregon history books and works by local authors
A history corner featuring Hudson’s Bay Company–era artifacts
Computers and Wi-Fi access during library hours
Books for sale, with proceeds supporting library programs and supplies
During the summer season, the adjacent Outpost Café offers coffee and refreshments, making the library a perfect place to pause, read, and connect.
The Joan Arsenault Art Gallery
Located within the library, the Joan Arsenault Art Gallery showcases rotating seasonal exhibits featuring regional artists and creative voices. Exhibits can be enjoyed during regular library hours or by request whenever ECEC is open.
Joan Arsenault is a painter, a long-time ECEC volunteer, and a tireless advocate for the arts in Elkton. The gallery honors her commitment to creativity and community by providing a welcoming space for art to be shared, celebrated, and discovered.
Each season brings new work to explore, making every visit a little different from the last.
Art Beyond the Walls
These outdoor pieces invite visitors to experience art as part of the natural environment—a quiet journey of discovery as you walk the grounds.
Creativity at ECEC doesn’t stop indoors. As you explore the gardens and Native Plant Park, you’ll discover permanent art installations woven into the landscape. Highlights include:
Three 24-foot decorative cast iron grills depicting evergreen forests by internationally known artist Jan Zach, commissioned in 1960.
A stone fountain by Lincoln Russell of BR Nursery.
Metal works by artist Phil Beck.
Community Gatherings and Events
The Library and Gallery also serve as gathering spaces for:
Community dinners
Special events
Concerts and performances
Seasonal art shows
This shared space continues ECEC’s tradition of bringing people together through learning, culture, and creativity.
Library Hours and Access:
Tuesdays
Second Saturday of each month
10 am to 2 pm
Return books anytime, using the outdoor book drop.
Get Involved
We love volunteers!
If you’d like to help staff the library, donate gently used fiction, or support the space with a financial contribution, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteers are always happy to assist visitors and help keep this community space thriving.
Please contact the ECEC office at (541) 584-2692 to learn more.
