Location & Housing
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon
Focus on Book Arts 2026 will once again be held at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. Almost all classrooms have air conditioning—a key concern for Oregon summers.
On-Campus Housing
Housing for most conference attendees will be in Arbor Park Apartments on the north side of campus. The apartment buildings have elevators and laundry facilities on each floor. Each apartment includes four private bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, and a shared kitchen, living room, and hall closet. The kitchen includes a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven, and microwave oven, in case you wish to bring/store food and beverages, or to make your own meals. However, no cooking and eating utensils are supplied; you should plan to bring your own if desired.
For weekend only attendees: Housing will be in Ackerman Hall dorm rooms with shared and private bathrooms in the hallway. Each dorm room is set up as a single room, even though some may have two beds. Each room includes a small refrigerator and microwave oven in case you wish to store some soda or juice, or make tea or instant coffee.
All the campus housing options are non-smoking facilities and are not air-conditioned. Plan to keep the blinds closed during the day to control heat, and open windows at night when it is cooler outside. Bring your own fan or a cooling pack to keep in your freezer.
You can find various housing package pricing here.
Fitness Options
If you would like to keep fit while you’re at FOBA, all attendees are allowed access to the WOU Campus Recreation Center by purchasing individual day passes for $10 per day. These are listed as “Day Use Pass—Community” here: https://wou.edu/campusrec/memberships/. This also grants you access to the pool and the climbing wall (if you are interested). You can navigate to hours and more details from the page above.
There is also the Monmouth Fitness Club located in downtown Monmouth (walking distance from campus). They have the full selection of gym equipment and they offer a discounted rate of $7 per person for groups that come to town. The website is https://www.monmouthfit.com/.
You can also re:book your body, mind, and creative spirit with complimentary morning yoga just for FOBA attendees! Find sanctuary from life’s demands in this gentle, meditative practice designed for all ages and abilities. This beginner-friendly class focuses on breathing techniques, mindful stretching, and stress release—helping you re:connect with yourself before a full day of creative exploration.
Drawing inspiration from Yin Yoga traditions, Carl will guide you through poses held for longer periods, encouraging deep relaxation and the release of tension in both body and mind. Think of it as a quiet moment to re:set—a chance to open space, restore energy, and prepare for the inspiration ahead.
Come as you are, and leave grounded, refreshed, and ready to re:imagine your creative day.
Off-Campus Housing
There are many places to stay in the Salem area, from which you can drive to Monmouth in about one half-hour. Monmouth and Independence also have several places to stay, including:
- The College Inn, 503-838-4438, https://www.hotelcollegeinn.com/
- MaMere’s Guest House, 503-917-8745, https://mameresguesthouse.com/
- The Independence Hotel, 503-837-0200, https://theindependencehotel.com/
Campus Map
To give you a sense of the WOU campus, here are the buildings and areas that will be utilized during FOBA; click on the map to enlarge. For more comprehensive campus maps, visit the WOU website.
About Monmouth
The city of Monmouth was founded in 1856 and is 20 minutes west of Salem, the state capitol. The Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains are an hour’s drive from the city. Monmouth is a charming Willamette Valley town and home to Western Oregon University. The beautiful campus boasts the distinction of having one of the largest Christmas trees in the United States. The University was also established in 1856 and is currently the oldest public university in Oregon and on the West Coast. It has had several names throughout the years.
Less than three miles away is Monmouth’s sister city, Independence. This historic town is situated on the bank of the Willamette River and has wonderful galleries, restaurants, and wine bars. The convenient M.I. Trolley now connects the two cities. Together, Monmouth and Independence are home to a vibrant art scene, centered in the heart of the Willamette Valley’s beautiful rolling hills and wineries.
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University is accessible by car and public transit, and Monmouth is a little over an hour by car from Portland International Airport (PDX). We’re confident that you—and your art and bookmaking supplies—can get to Monmouth without too much hassle. We can’t wait to see you in June 2026!
Western Oregon University, 345 Monmouth Avenue North, Monmouth, OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593