Change starts with connection: Hunter Lee on community, accessibility, and third places

Photo credit: Bob Kerns Photography

We spoke to a few incredible activists in the community about their work and what they’d recommend reading at this moment in time. Don’t miss these powerful picks.

For Hunter Lee, community starts with a key concept: people deserve to be understood.

Libraries have been a big part of Lee’s life. Growing up without consistent internet access, she relied on library computers to connect with the wider world. The library was more than a place to read — it was her safe space. 

"I was a kid who moved around a lot," she says. "The library was my place where I could retreat to. It was also where I learned how to communicate better with other people."

When her family moved to East County, Lee found a community of kids like her at Gresham Library. They’d gather around library computers, play games, and use their library cards to watch culturally important videos and films.

Today, Lee sees libraries as an accessible third place, where people can simply exist, attend clubs, socialize, or find a job. 

"The algorithms of social media intentionally section us off from each other," she says. “Even if we don't come from the same place or background, we have a common shared purpose when we're at the library."

Whether she's recommending a book, participating in planning conversations, or chatting with neighbors, Lee believes meaningful change starts with connection.

"I care a lot that people are understood and that people can connect with one another," she says. "I want everyone in my community to thrive."

That belief guided Lee when she participated in community feedback sessions for the new East County Library. Drawing on her experiences, she shared ideas with the design team about accessibility, sensory needs, and creating spaces that welcome everyone.

"I wanted to help ensure that people who don't always see their perspectives valued have the opportunity to be heard," she says.

At the time she participated in community feedback sessions for East County Library, Lee was coming to terms with her own neurodivergence. She spoke with the design team about navigating the world as a neurodivergent adult, and how it’s a different experience than that of a neurodivergent child. 

An important piece of feedback Lee gave was the importance of offering sensory spaces customized to adult’s needs. “Kids deserve space where they can be kids,” she says. “But adults might need more of a subdued environment."

Thrillingly, the final design for East County Library includes two sensory spaces: one for kids on the first floor, and one for adults on the second floor.

Recommendations from Hunter Lee

Understanding others is reflected in Lee’s reading recommendations.

One favorite is The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera, a science fiction novel that follows a young girl whose visual disability becomes a source of strength. Lee appreciates how the story challenges ideas about who belongs and whose contributions are valued. 

She also recommends Lois Lowry's The Giver series, which explores themes of memory, empathy, and the importance of preserving human connection.

"It really puts into perspective how important it is that people have human emotions and human reactions to things," Lee says. "It gives us an understanding and context into where we've come from and how we move forward."

While large demonstrations and public advocacy have their place, Lee believes activism can begin with small everyday actions.

"Not everybody has the energy or ability” to attend a protest or a town hall meeting, Lee shares. "Small acts of kindness are the first baby step we can take toward bigger activism we see that’s more nationally focused.” That can range from helping with groceries to letting someone go first at a stop sign. 

“If you want to see people be more kind and courteous to each other, that starts with you,” she says.

For Lee, activism is about creating opportunities for people to meet, share experiences, and support one another. It’s a reason she encourages people to spend time in libraries and other community spaces.

"You're allowed to be nervous," she says. "Even just being in a space where other people are can benefit you."

If readers are looking for ways to become more involved in their communities, Lee recommends starting close to home. Explore library events. Join a hobby group. Attend a book club. Pick up a flyer for a local organization. Say hello to someone new.

"Anywhere from a knitting club to finding a job, libraries are a great place to find resources and connect with people," she says.

When she's spending time in East County, Lee enjoys visiting the quiet Fairview Library and exploring downtown Gresham. Beyond East County Library, she recommends the Gresham Japanese Garden as a peaceful place to sit, read, and reflect.

She hopes people take full advantage of everything their library card offers — from books to streaming services to free community programs.

“There’s a lot you can get with a library card,” she says. "A whole world opens up to you.”

For Lee, libraries are places where stories, ideas, and people come together. In a time when genuine connection can feel increasingly rare, these spaces matter more than ever.

We’re so grateful to Lee for taking the time to sit down for a conversation, as well as her invaluable community feedback for East County Library. This space wouldn’t have been possible without the work of incredible community members like Hunter Lee.

These recommendations from Lee are a fantastic place to get started. Itching for more? Check out the full series!