It’s getting later into the fall season, and in the Pacific Northwest, that means the cold and damp are here to stay. Explore some particularly cozy spots in our libraries to curl up with a good book — whether you want to grab a physical book in the library or enjoy a cozy read on Libby, we’ve got you covered!
Name: The Captain Nook
Where to find: The Captain Nook is in the children’s area at Albina Library, by the Knott St. entrance!
Vibe: The Captain Nook is a space of fun and play for kids who like to go to the library with their family after soccer practice or swim lessons. If you or a kiddo in your life love adventure books, dressing up as a pirate, or watching Bluey (even if it makes grown-ups cry), The Captain Nook might be just right for a great afternoon.
Name: The Conversationalist
Where to find: The Conversationalist is in the teen room at Albina Library.
Vibe: Check out this nook if you’re a teen who likes to walk to the library and explore the manga section, play video games or hang out with homework buds after finishing up with studying.
Name: The Grand Dame
Where to find: The Grand Dame is on the second floor of Albina Library, near the sensory room.
Vibe: The Grand Dame, nestled in a corner between bookshelves and a large set of windows, is a superb spot for the patron who’s well-dressed and well-read. If you’re on the go between volunteering at the library and local nonprofits like SMART Reading or the Urban League, this community-rooted nook might be the ideal place for you to take a breath — and catch up on a chapter or two.
Name: The Precocious Pair
Where to find: The Precocious Pair is in the children’s area at North Portland Library!
Vibe: This bench spans an entire window and has two different corners to get cozy and read in. It’s fantastic for a pair of siblings to share — especially if they happen to go to school nearby. With room for reading about dinosaurs and beyond, drawing, chatting with friends or using a fidget, this nook is where to go for a perfect post-school hangout.
Name: The Community Organizer
Where to find: The Community Organizer is in the Black Cultural Center at North Portland Library!
Vibe: The community-minded will feel right at home in this reading nook. If you thank your bus driver, love to read books about the community, delight in gardening or engage in local activism, this space could be the place for you.
Name: The People Watcher
Where to find: The People Watcher is in Kenton Library by the front doors!
Vibe: Between bookshelves and windows, this corner could be just right for those working on writing their novel at the library — whether they’re spending the entire time focused, or dabbling with watching the world go by. We know those cozy slippers and robe at home are calling your name, but this nook might be just the thing that holds you accountable to hitting that word count goal.
Name: The Mood Manager
Where to find: The Mood Manager is on the second floor of Holgate Library in the teen space!
Vibe: Everyone needs to get away — and this nook offers that chance for teens in the community. Whether you’re curating a playlist, checking out natural lighting for selfies, looking up a bike repair workshop or avoiding texting your folks back, you can while away the day in style in this spot.
Name: The Social Butterfly
Where to find: The Social Butterfly is on the second floor of Holgate Library!
Vibe: Working on compiling your family’s history and want to use library resources? Love making friends with other patrons? Try this nook, found between a bank of windows and rows of bookshelves. It’s the perfect balance between socializing and studying whatever your heart desires.
Name: The Breath of Fresh Air
Where to find: The Breath of Fresh Air is in the reading room at Midland Library!
Vibe: Cozy book nook? Check. Peaceful reading room? Check. Just a few steps away from a wooded park path that’s wonderful for a wander? Check, check, check. This space is great for folks who have full collections of tea blends at home, find themselves inclined to read cozy mysteries, and are all about curating a perfect sweater season.
These cozy spots are, of course, open to all in our community — just like the library itself. And these are only a small selection of comfortable spaces where you can enjoy curling up with a good read. We hope you’ll come on into your local library and find your new favorite reading nook this fall!