About
Learn more about our mission and the people behind it.
The Reading Nest began with a simple truth: every person deserves a chance to fall in love with reading, no matter where they live or their financial situation.
In rural Polk County, many families face long drives or barriers to literary access. Founder Mackenzie Newland, a lifelong book lover and nonprofit leader, saw the need for something different in our community, something that is mobile, friendly, and a little bit magical. So on May 5, 2025, The Reading Nest was officially born: a rolling book haven designed to bring stories directly to the rural communities who need them most.
Our Mission
The Reading Nest exists to bridge the literacy gap in rural Polk County and greater Oregon by delivering inclusive, accessible books and educational resources directly to underserved communities. We are committed to nurturing a love of reading while promoting environmental and operational sustainability, ensuring our impact lasts for generations to come.
Our Vision
To create a thriving, literacy-rich rural Oregon where mobile book services inspire generations of readers and empower communities to grow together.
Our Impact
Books
In just over one year, we have given out over 3,200 books.
Events
We have participated in over 30 community events from FamJam to popups at Jefferson Lodge Memory Care Community.
“My Grandson, who proclaims to hate to read and has struggled with it, got a book from you. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and actually read it. (...) I want to thank you so much for all you do for so many and let you know that he has quite enjoyed the book and we are now looking for more. You and your team are such a blessing to our future!”
Our Goals
We've got lots of things planed for the future, but here are a few of the things we're currently working on...
- Continue to improve our bookmobile with upgrades like a moonroof, awning, and continued bus maintenance.
- Expand mobile routes throughout Polk and Marion Counties.
- Add bilingual, Braille, and sensory-friendly collections.
- Build lasting partnerships with schools, local nonprofits, and small businesses.
- Develop a volunteer “Nest Crew” to lead storytimes and literacy programs.
Inclusion
Every reader deserves to see themselves reflected in a story.
Accessibility
We bring books to the people with no barriers and no cost.
Community
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
Sustainability
We honor our environment through reuse, sharing, and mindful stewardship.
Joy
Reading should be fun, imaginative, and a little whimsical.
Behind the Name
When you think of a nest, you think of warmth, safety, and growth. You think of a place where something wonderful takes flight. That is exactly what The Reading Nest is designed to be: a cozy, welcoming space where stories hatch into imagination, and readers of all ages find belonging.
Our mascot, a bright Western Tanager, represents our Oregon roots and reminds us that learning is something nurtured through care, curiosity, and community.
Why Polk County?
Polk County is home.
Our founder grew up here, attended school here, and knows firsthand how vibrant and creative our rural towns are — and how often resources overlook them. There are towns and sub-communities in Polk County, like many rural communities, that do not have easy access to a public library or literacy programs. The Reading Nest exists to help close that gap, one storytime and one free book at a time.
Why a Book Bus/traveling book giveaways?
Because magic should be on wheels.
A mobile book bus lets us reach everyone in our community, from small towns and farms to parks and festivals, without waiting for families to come to us. Each stop becomes a mini celebration of stories and connection. We give away free books to keep and build relationships along the way.
We are currently working towards purchasing our bookmobile. In the meantime, we are doing pop-ups across the community in partnership with organizations and programs.
The Driving Forces
Top 3 Books on Mackenzie's TBR List
- Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
- By The Book by Jasmine Guillory
Mackenzie Newland
Founder & Executive Director
Mackenzie grew up in Polk County and stayed close to home, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Western Oregon University. Her career has been rooted in nonprofit leadership and community resource connection, and one thing has always stood out to her: access to books can change lives.
That’s why she founded The Reading Nest! Mackenzie wanted to bridge the literacy gap in rural Oregon by bringing inclusive, accessible books and resources directly to the community that shaped her story.
For Mackenzie, books have always been more than paper and ink, they have been lifelines. Growing up, she found comfort and belonging tucked away between their pages. Stories taught her empathy and reminded her that no one is ever truly alone. That feeling of being seen and inspired is what she wants every child and person to experience.
Through The Reading Nest, Mackenzie hopes to spark that same magic across rural communities. Because The Reading Nest is not just about reading; it is about giving back to her home community. By putting books in people’s hands by creating a free book service that makes reading possible for everyone, no matter their age, ability, or zip code, The Reading Nest changes lives — and that was Mackenzie’s goal.
Fun fact: Mackenzie's Favoirte book in middle school was Twilight.
Amber Holland
Board President
Amber Holland moved to MI town in 2016 to attend Western Oregon University. In 2020, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Amber then graduated from Willamette University Law School in 2025. She is now a practicing attorney in Polk County. In her spare time, Amber enjoys women’s sports, photography, reading and spending time with her nieces and nephew.
Amber joined The Reading Nest because “I wholeheartedly believed in the mission. I remember being a young kid circling all the books I wanted to get at the scholastic book fair, only my family couldn’t afford it. Books were often a place to escape, and I loved exploring magical worlds. I want every person to have free and accessible access to books. Every person deserves the chance to build their own home library.”
Erica Tackman
Board Secretary
Erica lived in Independence while attending college at OSU and made some of her favorite memories while there. She is so excited that she now has the chance to get back and give back to the community.
Erica was a passionate reader when she was young, and has recently been able to reignite that passion as an adult. She joined The Reading Nest to help bring that same passion to as many people as possible through access to books for everyone!
Erica believes “that every person deserves to see themselves in a book, to learn something new from a book, and to be delighted by the joy of reading.”
Andreas Peven
Board Treasurer
Andreas grew up in beautiful Ashland, Oregon, and came to Polk county to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University. He fell in love with the area and now he works for a wonderful law firm in Salem. He is thrilled to bring his experience and passion for community service to this amazing organization.
Andreas believes that “The Reading Nest is doing such meaningful work by creating a welcoming space where readers of all ages and backgrounds can cultivate or even discover the joy of being lost in a great work of literature. I’m honored to support that mission and help ensure we continue growing in ways that make reading more accessible and exciting for the families we serve. Here’s to building a stronger, brighter future for all readers together!”
Natalie Hudson
Board Member, Volunteer Coordinator
Natalie Hudson came to Oregon for law school and graduated Willamette College of Law in May of 2025. She decided to join The Reading Nest after being inspired by watching the incredible team of women who started this project and just knew she wanted to be a part of it. She’s excited to launch our volunteer program and work closely with the volunteers and help bridge the literacy gap. Natalie said “having the first opportunity to see the book mobile used at the Falls City event was so heartwarming. To know that we helped carve out a little place for people to browse and discuss books together is something I will always cherish.”
Madeline Dorher
Board Member
Madeline Dohrer is a general board member for The Reading Nest. She grew up in Utah, where her love of reading turned into a love of many other interests: botany, music, art history, political science, and anthropology (just to name a few). She decided to make the PNW her home nearly a decade ago, and is overjoyed to be able to do something for the community she calls hers. In her free time, Madeline loves to play TTRPGs, garden, and of course, read like a maniac!
She joined The Reading Nest because “I grew up so lucky having teachers, libraries, nonprofits, and community resources that helped me have access to the books we couldn't afford. I want to pass that gift on to others.”