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This is a long post showing meal resources in Multnomah County (and beyond). We start with school districts and then move to community organizations we know of that are helping the community. Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Para ver esta información en español, haga clic en Recursos de alimentos para familias. To see this information in Spanish, click Recursos de alimentos para familias.

 

Multnomah County School Districts

We have done our best to provide current information. Please confirm meal availability through the links shared below. The SUN Service System also has information on accessing food.

Centennial [updated 9/7/23]

The food pantry at Parklane Elementary, 15811 SE Main St., Portland, is open Fridays from noon to 1:30 p.m. Stop by to access 3-5 days’ worth of FREE, fresh, and healthy food for your family. Please bring your own bags. No identification or income verification materials required. Anyone is welcome to shop!

The food pantry at Patrick Lynch Elementary, 1546 SE 169th Pl., is open to the public on Tuesdays from 4:00 pm. to 5:00 pm.

Food 4 Families will have food distribution every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Centennial High School, 3505 SE 182nd Ave, Gresham, 97030. 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Click here for distribution dates.

David Douglas [updated 11/20/23]

There are food pantries at the following David Douglas schools. Click here for a calendar that shows hours of operation and any closures.

  • Cherry Park Elementary: 1930 SE 104th Ave. Mondays, 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Floyd Light Middle: 10800 SE Washington St. Mondays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Earl Boyles Elementary: 10822 SE Bush St. Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. 
  • Mill Park Elementary: 1900 SE 117th Ave. Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Gilbert Park Elementary: 13132 SE Ramona St. Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Menlo Park Elementary: 12900 NE Glisan St. Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. 
  • David Douglas High, Old Pool Building: 13030 SE Taylor Ct. Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Gresham-Barlow [updated 9/19/23]

Community food box information can be found at The Sunshine Division and Snowcap Community Charities

Parkrose [updated 9/7/23]

There are food pantries at the following schools (click the link for closures):

 

Portland [updated 11/8/23]

During the teachers' strike, there will be grab-and-go meals available at many Portland Public schools.

 

There are food pantries at the following schools. Please click on the link to check for closure information NOTE: these pantries are closed until the teachers' strike ends and school resumes.

 

Reynolds [updated 3/9/23]

    Food pantries are located at the following schools. Click here for more information.
    • Glenfair Elementary: 15300 NE Glisan St. Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
    • Reynolds High: 1698 SW Cherry Park Rd., Troutdale. Last Tuesday of the month, 1:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
    • Alder Elementary: 17200 SE Alder St. Wednesdays 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Reynolds Middle: 1200 NE 201st Ave., Fairview. Fridays 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Wilkes Elementary: 17020 NE Wilkes Rd. 1st Friday of the month, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Davis Elementary: 19501 NE Davis St. 2nd Friday of the month, 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
    • H.B. Lee Middle: 1121 NE 172nd Ave. Call 503-706-2834 for information on accessing the food pantry
    • Walt Morey Middle: 2801 SW Lucas Ave., Troutdale. Call 503-810-9604 or 503-491-1935 for information on accessing the food pantry
     

    Agencies, Community Organizations and Restaurants

    Information may change so please check their websites if a link is provided.

    C3 Pantry (NE): 6120 NE 57th Ave., Portland. Tuesdays, doors open at 11:30am, shopping is 12-1pm.

    Crossroads Food Bank (NE): 2505 NE 102nd Ave., Portland. Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon.

    Mainspring Food Pantry (NE):  3500 NE 82nd Ave.  They suggest following them on social media to see mobile food pantry locations.  Their current free food pantries are located at:
    • Español
    • русский
    • Dawson Park, 1 N Stanton St. Every 1st Tuesday from 10 am to noon
    • Community Transitional School, 6601 NE Killingsworth St. Every 2nd Tuesday from 10 am to noon
    • East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. Every 2nd Wednesday from 9 am to 11 am
    • Victory Outreach, 16022 SE Stark St. Every 3rd Tuesday from 10 am to noon
    • Rockwood Village Apartments, 783 SE 185th Ave. Every 4th Tuesday from 10 am to noon
     
    Meals 4 Kids: serves qualified children and families within the City of Portland. Please visit their website to complete a request form.
     
    Northeast Emergency Food Program (NE): 4800 NE 72nd Ave., Portland. Open Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m; Thursday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Food boxes are prepared in advance for walk or drive up pick up.
     
    Portland Adventist Community Services (NE): 11020 NE Halsey St., Portland. Offering prepacked food boxes for pick up,  Monday – Friday 9 a.m.– 11 a.m. They also provide a mobile food pantry service to some neighborhoods.
     
    One Hope Food Pantry (NE): Located at 5425 NE 27th Ave., Portland 97211. Open for drive-through and pickup Saturdays, 11 a.m. - noon. Food boxes are available each week.
     
    St. Mark's Lutheran Church (SE): 5415 SE Powell Blvd., Portland 97206. Food pantry every Friday, 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
     
    Sunshine Division (SE):  free emergency food boxes to pick up or be delivered. Pickup times are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There are two locations:
    • 12436 SE Stark St.
    • 687 N Thompson St.

    Visit their website to request a food box delivery, or call 503-823-2102

     
    William Temple House (NW): 2023 NW Hoyt St., Portland. Offering a walk-in pantry, Tuesday-Thursday, 11 am-2 pm. A guide to the pantry can be found here.
     
    Lift Urban Portland (SW):  Located at 1838 SW Jefferson St., Portland 97201. Food pantry hours of operation are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A random number lottery takes place 5 minutes before opening to determine your place in line.
     
    Portland Open Bible food pantry (SE):  Located at 3223 SE 92nd Ave., Portland 97266. Pick-up food boxes, information can be found here. Pantry times are Tuesdays 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can also place an order online.
     
    St. Johns Food Share (N): 8100 N Lombard St., Portland 97203. Food pantry open Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to noon.
     
    Urban Gleaners: multiple locations across Multnomah and Washington counties. Click here for a list of locations.
     
     
    Self Enhancement Inc also has a list of community food resources that includes sites in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washingon and Yamhill counties in Oregon and Vancouver, WA area schools. Click the link and scroll down to food resources.
     
     
     

    Actividades productivas y divertidas para la temporada de frío

    El clima de invierno y las vacaciones pueden ocasionar algo de estrés y cambios en nuestras rutinas, pero también nos brinda oportunidades para concentrarnos en actividades importantes.

    Hay tiempo para conversar en familia. Cuando los niños y jóvenes aprenden y participan activamente en conversaciones de la cultura familiar, es más probable que aumenten su confianza, sean optimistas y refuercen su identidad. 

    Traten de mantener horarios regulares para comer, dormir, jugar y aprender. Los niños y jóvenes con dificultades de procesamiento sensorial se benefician cuando las rutinas siguen siendo las mismas durante las vacaciones escolares y los días festivos.

    Los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria pueden aprovechar este tiempo para realizar las actividades que propone el College Board y ponerse al día sin la presión del tiempo.

    El juego es muy importante; hagan una piñata y creen un libro con fotos y algunas historias de sus tradiciones para revivir los recuerdos en familia.

    He aquí una lista de recursos y actividades que recopilamos para que todos los miembros de su familia se mantengan mental y físicamente activos. 

    Cómo eliminar el estrés durante las festividades 

    Cómo mejorar las festividades para los niños

    Consejos para ayudar a los niños a dar lo mejor de sí mismos y también a divertirse.

    Eliminar el estrés de los días festivos

    Estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria

    Inscríbanse ahora mismo para tomar el SAT digital en la primavera de 2024

    Fechas del examen PSAT 10

    Fechas del examen 8/9

    Cómo hacer una piñata

    Tutorial 

    Cómo hacer un álbum para fotos

    Tutorial

    Canciones infantiles

    Bienvenidas las hojitas

    Canción para abrigarse del invierno

    Din don de don (juego de manos)

     

    Winter weather and family gatherings can bring some stress with them, and shake up our routines that keep things running smoothly the rest of the year. We’ve gathered some tips on keeping everyone mentally and physically well to help your family survive and thrive into the new year.

    Photo of child washing hands

    Young children - adults, too! - tend to amp up their excitement and anticipation as winter celebrations get underway. There are so many things to focus on and plan for, and routines can fall off in all of the hubbub. Dealing with colds and seasonal illnesses also add extra stress and disrupt a family’s normal schedule.

    Keeping some routines can help everyone in the family stay mentally and physically well: a regular bedtime and mealtime, familiar foods, and cozy reading sessions together at the usual time, for instance. Children with sensory processing difficulties or developmental delays especially benefit when some routines remain the same during school breaks and holidays. 

    There’s lots of advice out there about family gatherings and neurodivergent kids, but it basically boils down to these three tips from a mom and autistic self-advocate: prepare your kid for what to expect, communicate directly with extended family, and know your child’s triggers. This is great advice for neurotypical families, too!

    Find more tips to take the stress out of family gatherings in this Child Mind article

    Reading a book is a wonderful way to help children find peace and quiet during this busy season. Keeping a family reading routine can bring calm with it, along with many more benefits. Does your child love to hear a favorite story over and over again? Re-reading favorite books can bring children comfort and confidence because they know what to expect as the story unfolds. Library branches often highlight books about traditions and celebrations each season, and it might be the perfect time to revisit favorites from the past year. 

    Books can also support and motivate children to practice routines like hand washing, teeth brushing or masking. Here are some of our favorite books for young children about building good hygiene routines and staying healthy. Songs and rhymes can support these habits and help transitions flow more smoothly, too. Try some of these songs out with your family:  

    For children with developmental delays that may need more direct teaching and reminders about hygiene, try visual reminders in key spots or set up reminders on their mobile device if they have one. Here’s a sample social story about handwashing that’s available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. Make sure your child enjoys the scent and feel of the soap and hand sanitizer by allowing them to choose their own products, whenever possible.

    Some families celebrate holidays this season, many of them involving gift giving or acknowledging the gifts of the earth and the harvest. Cultivating gratitude can be part of any family tradition. Sing along with Daniel Tiger’s Thank You Song, then have kids think of someone they are thankful for, and share why they feel grateful for that person. 

    Find more ways to help your kids be at their best and have fun in this article about how to take the stress out of family gatherings

    For caregivers, remember to take a deep breath and don’t feel pressure for perfection. Your favorite memories ten years from now will probably not be ones that were painstakingly crafted and choreographed. Your own stress or tension can rub off on your child, too, making it difficult for either of you to enjoy the family fun. Try to focus on one or two things that you want your child to experience, and then let yourself off the hook!

    What is Dyslexia?

    Image of letters including the word dyslexia
    Dyslexia is a neurological difference often characterized by difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. It may run in the families and cannot be “cured.” Individuals with this condition must learn coping strategies.

    Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. With the right instruction, almost all individuals with dyslexia can learn to read.  A multi-sensory, phonics based approach is often the best way to help kids learn to read. The Orton-Gillingham, Barton System and/or Lindamood-Bell programs are well known programs that work.

    This great Ted-Ed talk provides an overview of dyslexia.

    What should I look for?

    Decoding Dyslexia offers these early signs of dyslexia:

    • Late speech (3 years or later)
    • Mixing up sounds in multi-syllable words (e.g. bisghetti, aminal, mazageen)
    • Inability to rhyme by age 4
    • Difficulty with substitutions, omissions and deletions
    • Unusual pencil grip
    • Difficulty remembering rote facts (months of the year, days of the week)
    • Confusion of left vs. right  

    One of the biggest challenges of dyslexia is counteracting shame caused by teasing and misunderstanding. Children are often teased because they can’t read as well as others. Teachers may say things like “she’s a slow reader” in front of the child or parents. Kids know what “slow” means and they often grow up believing they are “stupid” and/or “lazy.”

    Dyslexia Assessment in Multnomah County

    Oregon Senate Bills 612 and 1003 require school districts to universally screen for risk factors of dyslexia in kindergarten. The Oregon Department of Education provides guidance and training for districts and educators. If you or your child aren't in school or you feel the school is missing something, here are a few of the many assessment and intervention providers in the County.

    The Blosser Center - Accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, the Blosser Center provides assessment, tutoring and teacher training.

    Language Skills Therapy - Provides assessment and tutoring

    New Leaves Clinic - Provides assessment and treatment in Hillsboro, Oregon

    PDX Reading Specialist, LLC​ - Provides assessment, tutoring, advocacy and professional development

    How the library can help

    There are three valid types of reading: with your eyes (print & video), with your ears (audiobooks), and with your fingers (Braille).  

    Audiobooks

    The library has thousands of audiobooks on CD and in downloadable formats for people who read with their ears. Library information staff can help you find and use audiobooks, which are typically easier for someone with dyslexia.

    DVD/Blu-ray and streaming

    The library has thousands of DVDs, Blu-ray and downloadable films for people who read with eyes and ears. Library information staff can help you find and use these media.

    E-books

    E-books are available to borrow through OverDrive to read on your desktop or with the Libby app. Accessibility options include using screen readers, changing text size, turning on dyslexic font, reading in sepia or night mode, and more. When searching for a subject, you can also look for the format "OverDrive Read-along" which provides narration that plays along while you read. The OverDrive help page explains how to find these read-along books, and library staff can help as well.

    Additional resources

    Bookshare e-books have functions for people with print disabilities, including low vision, dyslexia and the inability to hold a physical book. Adults with a library card can get free access through the library. Students can get access through their school.

    Decoding Dyslexia Oregon's parent resource list has many suggestions of books, websites and videos where you can learn more about dyslexia.

    FACT Oregon provides parent training in English and Spanish to help families navigate the special education system.

    The International Dyslexia Association has a list of local support groups for students and adults with dyslexia.

    The Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library is free for any Oregonian with a print-disability including dyslexia or dysphasia.

    We’ve been working on a new website for the library coming in December.

    Library priorities emphasize centering equity and creating equal access for communities. The new website reflects these values. This new library website will be easier to use for people of all backgrounds, including those who do not speak English or have limited proficiency. 

    Content on the website will have increased relevance for people of color and communities subjected to marginalization. 

    One of the main goals of this new website is to improve readability in English and the other available languages. The 2021 American Community Survey found that nearly 20% of Multnomah County’s residents five years old and up speak a language other than English at home. 

    To make new changes and updates to the website, the library team held over 40+ staff focus groups. Language teams, Black Cultural Library Advocates and the Indigenous Team were all included. Teen focus groups gave input. Online surveys in all of the library’s service languages were filled out by patrons all over the county.

    This new website will provide new and improved content for job seekers and small businesses, adult literacy learners, immigrants and new citizens. The website will also be more accessible with a navigation menu that links directly to what you are looking for.

    There will be more images reflecting the community’s diversity and icons that can help people with low English literacy. A continuous review will allow the library to keep improving it. 

    The website’s design was deliberate and thoughtful at every step of the design process, prioritizing the needs of the patrons who need the library most. 

    The granddaughter of the Chief of Celilo Falls, Linda Meanus is a beloved Native American Elder from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, an author and educator.

    Linda Meanus as an adult smiling

    Part of her story was first told in 1956 by Martha McKeown in a book titled Linda’s Indian Home. The book called attention to the Columbia River tribes, their ways of living and how the new dams destroyed fishing.

    Fish are sacred to the tribes. So daily fishing activities embodied tradition, culture and a way of life that were deeply impacted by the construction of the Dalles Dam. The water itself is also significant because it represents the connection between people, water and earth.

    When Linda’s Indian Home was published, Ms. Meanus was a little girl, traveling to different schools and libraries, sharing the book and story, and signing her name. In 1956, she is pictured during a visit at Multnomah County Library’s Central Library location.

    Linda Meanus as a child sitting on a woman's lap at Central Library with adults and children around her

    Now, Ms. Meanus has written her own book: My Name is Lamoosh, chronicles her life as she grew up with her grandmother, Flora Thompson, and her grandfather Chief Tommy Thompson. She talks about life before the creation of The Dalles Dam, which flooded Celilo Falls. The book highlights Indigenous ways of the Columbia River and provides a first-hand account of Native American history in the Pacific Northwest. 

    As Ms. Meanus describes in her book, “If you have ever heard Multnomah Falls, it was ten times louder than that. It was an echo that you could feel in your heart.” 

    Celilo Falls was a place where salmon flowed plentifully and tribes from different parts of the Northwest came together. 

    “I was six years old when my grandma came after me to show me what the Corps of Engineers were going to do on March 10, 1957,” says Ms. Meanus. “I thought it was important to write this book and share my story. There are a lot of Native American stories, and since this is from a historical site, I thought it was important to do that. And it makes me feel good that I can contribute to the community a real life story."

    The library is welcoming back Ms. Meanus with an author talk at Mamook Tokatee, NAYA housing complex on November 9. During this visit, she will discuss her new book, My Name is Lamoosh.

    “Ms. Meanus is a revered and respected Elder” says Eva Red Bird, Indigenous outreach program coordinator. “She is a strong advocate for sobriety and helping Natives get clean and sober. She still goes out to powwows and dances and continues to practice tribal traditions. It’s really an honor to have her visit us.”

    Stay up to date on events happening to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, or participate from home by checking out one of the always available books on the Libby app.

    A new temporary library location is open! Multnomah County Library at University of Oregon serves North and Northeast Portland communities. Visit the new temporary location at 2800 NE Liberty St., Portland, Oregon 97211, on the first floor of the UO Library and Learning Center, open Monday to Saturday, 1 to 6 pm.

    A shelf inside the new temporary location with resources

    North and Northeast Regional Manager, Serenity McWilliams says, “We are so excited to open this mini library and provide resources and services to the community in this beautiful space!”

    You can connect with Black Cultural Library Advocates and Spanish Bilingual staff members to find culturally specific and relevant recommendations for you. You will find computers, wi-fi, printing, scanning, faxing, and be able to pick up your holds and return books. Browse a collection that includes books in Spanish for adults and youth, fiction and nonfiction books from the Black Resource Collection, DVDs and the Lucky Day collection.

    “The first two weeks have been busy, and the holds shelves are filling up fast. In fact, I picked up a hold there this week,” says Serenity. “I am very grateful for this creative collaboration.”

    MCL at UO will be a temporary location through summer 2024. Visit and find services and resources for you!

    Support your community by signing up to volunteer at the library.

    Spanish-speaking volunteers are always needed to tutor adults completing their GED program. Helping other adults further their education makes an immediate impact both for individuals and the community as a whole.

    Woman with a computer at a GED class in Kenton Library

    One Spanish-speaking volunteer, David, has been volunteering at the library for two years. His partner, Luz, started volunteering six months ago.

    David said, “We arrived in the United States about three and a half years ago, during Covid quarantine. Luz began receiving help with her English language skills through the library. We wanted to return the assistance and support our community.”

    Luz and David tutor adults who are working to complete their GED in Spanish. The time commitment is one weekly session of about 1.5 – 2 hours. Volunteers must sign on for a minimum of 3 months. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED or the equivalent.

    Luz has a background in science education, and David has an accounting background. “I’ve always loved school. So both of us love the constant learning experience and what better way of learning and remembering knowledge or research if not by helping others,” says David.

    It’s easy to sign up to be a library volunteer. Complete an application form for Rockwood library or a virtual opportunity that offers flexible scheduling. 

    “It’s a great way to feel connected to your community and give help to those who have the curiosity of learning,” says David. 

    Call 503.577.9984 or email Adult Literacy mcl.adult.literacy@multco.us to get started.

    Six stacked books being held by a person

    Book bans are not new to public libraries, but challenges to censor books are rapidly rising across the country and around Oregon. This trend is troubling to public libraries like Multnomah County Library, which are deeply committed to your right to access information from all viewpoints and diverse authors. 

    The American Library Association compiles data on book challenges that comes from reports from libraries or is covered by the media. A disproportionate number of challenged books are written by authors of color or include themes that represent the intersectionality of race, gender and sexuality. 

    This month, the library is highlighting both Banned Books Week (October 1-7) and Latinx Heritage Month (through October 15). Join us in recognizing the contributions of Latinx writers by reading these banned books or attending the library’s special Banned Books Week event, “why your voice matters — even, and especially as censorship increases,” on October 5.

    “What I love about the library is our ability to center equity, representation, intersectionality and diversity in our language and culture groups through our work with displays, community outreach, serving patrons throughout the day, connecting them with our resources, and even in simple conversations with families,” says Isabel Villarreal Stewart, a staff member who is part of the Black Cultural Library Advocates team (BCLA).

    Library staff with lived experience from communities of color and culture are creating more space and visibility to recognize and discuss the complexity of intersectional identities, through events, book displays and resources that connect with their communities. 

    “When we hear intersectionality, we think about all the ways our identities can intersect and interact with each other, and how that shapes our experiences. I am a proud member of BCLA, just as I am proud of my queerness and my Latin identity. I hope to represent that intersectionality in all the work I do!” says Isabel. 

    Library staff bring their whole selves to serving the community, providing cultural affinity and alliance. They help patrons find what they need, including their next favorite book. Contact us in person, by phone or online to let us help you explore new perspectives.

    Read these banned books by Latinx authors

    Are you a writer looking for inspiration, support and community? Portland is a writing city, with many organizations focused on the craft. Here's a brief and by no means comprehensive list of some of those organizations. 

    Writing groups, workshops, and classes

    Literary Arts offers an ongoing BIPOC Reading Series, intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color. You can come to listen or sign up to share in an open mic. Anyone is welcome to attend, but only those who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are invited to read.

    The Attic Institute presents workshops, classes, and individual consultation about writing projects.

    The Multnomah Arts Center offers some wonderful literary arts classes.

    Portland State University has a few different academic programs in creative writing.

    VoiceCatcher is a nonprofit connecting and empowering women writers in Portland.

    Write Around Portland offers free creative writing workshops, hosts a bimonthy BIPOC writing circle, and creates publication and reading opportunities for workshop participants.

    For a variety of author readings and all things literary, check out Literary Portland. They maintain lists of author readings, book and discussion groups, writing organizations and more. They are also the people behind Old Pal, a journal devoted to literature and art.

    Check out Meetup for a variety of creative writing groups in and around Portland.

    Membership organizations

    The Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) offers resources and workshops related to printing and book-making. They also have certificate programs in creative nonfiction/fiction, poetry, and comics/graphic novels.

    Oregon Poetry Association, Oregon’s oldest and largest literary organization, offers community, contests, and conferences.

    Oregon Writers Colony offers community, conferences and workshops, and the use of a beach house writing retreat!

    Rose City Romance Writers, the Portland, Oregon chapter of Romance Writers of America, educates, supports, and mentors published and unpublished romance writers.

    Willamette Writers hosts regular meetings for the exchange of ideas related to writing and craft.

    Reading series

    Literary Arts’ programs include Portland Arts and Lectures, Writers in the Schools, the Oregon Book Awards and Fellowships, and Delve Readers Seminars.

    There are many different reading series in Portland! You could head out to hear writers read their work at Burnt Tongue, Unchaste Readers, you could catch a reading when the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (FWWA) Pacific Northwest Reading Series has a Portland event...  or you could see one of the many readings at Powell's Books

    Local Publishers

    The Northwest is home to a vibrant publishing world. Here are just a few:

    • IPRC -  provides affordable access to space, tools, and resources for creating independently published media and artwork, and to build community and identity through the creation of written and visual art.
    • Ooligan Press -  is a student-run trade press dedicated to cultivating the next generation of publishing professionals. Ooligan works with the library to publish selections from The Library Writers Project. Visit the Library Writers Project page to learn more about submitting your self-published work to the library's digital collection.
    • Microcosm Publishing - Microcosm specializes in nonfiction DIY (Do-It-Yourself) books, zines, and decks that focus on the reader and teach self-empowerment.
    • Forest Avenue Press - publishes literary fiction on a joyride and the occasional memoir. Our titles are infused with a fresh, complex, sometimes nutty, and often-wondrous approach to storytelling.
    • Sasquatch Books - publishes books by the most gifted writers, artists, chefs, naturalists, and thought leaders in the Pacific Northwest and on the West Coast.

    To connect to more publishers and keep up with Northwest book news, especially indy stores and authors, check out the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association.

    Other stuff

    Although closures may impact availability, Multnomah County’s Central Library offers the Sterling Room for Writers, where writers can find a quiet work space in close proximity to all the resources the library has to offer. Interested writers must submit an application and be approved to gain access to the room. Please note that Central Library is currently closed for remodelling and will likely reopen in late 2024.

    Las conferencias con los maestros pueden provocar ansiedad, pero estar bien preparado nos ayuda a estar tranquilos. He aquí una lista de ideas de cómo prepararse.

    Antes de la reunión

    • Si no puede asistir a la junta el día establecido, informe al maestro y solicite una nueva fecha.
    • Solicite un intérprete si lo considera necesario; no permita que su estudiante traduzca durante la reunión.
    • Hable con su estudiante acerca de cómo se siente en la escuela y juntos elaboren metas para ese año escolar.
    • Revise los trabajos, los exámenes y la boleta de calificaciones de su estudiante y haga una lista de las áreas fuertes y de las áreas en donde su estudiante necesita más ayuda.
    • Esté preparado para hacer preguntas (vea ejemplos abajo) sobre las formas en que usted y el maestro pueden ayudar a su estudiante con algunos de sus desafíos.
    • Si es posible, envíe una nota a los maestros con anticipación con las dudas que tenga para que ellos se preparen y le tengan respuestas.

     

    Durante la reunión

    • Agradezca al maestro por su tiempo.
    • Pregunte acerca del desempeño académico de su estudiante; solicite evaluaciones y muestras del trabajo de su estudiante. 
    • Pida al maestro ideas de cómo ayudar a su estudiante en casa.
    • Preste atención a los comentarios de los maestros y tome nota de lo que se dice y planifica.
    • Pida aclaración de todo lo que no le quede claro y discuta respetuosamente las diferencias de opinión.
    • Centre su atención en lo académico; si su estudiante se involucra en comportamientos que están afectando su aprendizaje, pida otra reunión con su maestro para hablar al respecto.
    • Pida al maestro que se comunique con usted en cuanto ocurran situaciones que afecten el desempeño escolar de su estudiante; no tienen qué esperar hasta la siguiente conferencia de padres y maestros.

     

    Después de la reunión

    • Después de la reunión
    • Reflexione acerca de los temas que se revisaron y los que necesitan seguimiento.
    • Continúe hablando con su estudiante y trabajen juntos en un plan de acción. 
    • Manténgase en contacto con el maestro y establezcan una fecha para reunirse si es necesario.
    • Haga un esfuerzo por aprender más acerca del sistema educativo, el currículo escolar y los exámenes que su estudiante debe tomar; ¡la biblioteca puede ayudarle!

     

    Preguntas posibles para plantear durante las conferencias de padres y maestros

    1. ¿Cómo le va a mi estudiante en su clase?
    2. ¿Está mi estudiante leyendo al nivel del grado en que se encuentra? ¿Qué tal en matemáticas, ciencias y escritura? 
    3. ¿Está mi estudiante en alguna clase, programa o grupo especial? ¿Por qué?
    4. ¿Qué programas están disponibles en el distrito escolar para mi estudiante en caso que necesite ayuda extra?
    5. ¿Qué nos recomienda si mi estudiante necesita ayuda con la tarea en casa?
    6. ¿Qué es lo más importante que mi estudiante debe comprender y aprender para el fin del curso?
    7. ¿Cómo mide o califica el progreso académico?
    8. ¿Ha fallado mi estudiante en entregar tarea? ¿Qué recomienda para que se ponga al día?
    9. ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar a mi estudiante y apoyar el trabajo de usted?
    10.  ¿Cómo puedo comunicarme con usted?

    English | Español

    Celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Latina del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre en la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah. 

    El Mes de la Herencia Hispana y Latina es un tiempo para festejar las contribuciones de la comunidad hispana y latina en los Estados Unidos. 

    La comunidad hispana y latina incluye a gente con raíces españolas, de países sudamericanos, el Caribe, Centroamérica y México. Por causa de la colonización, la esclavitud y la migración, hay latinos en todas partes del mundo y con identidades diversas como afro-latina, indígena, asiática y más. La diversidad de la comunidad no se limita a solo un país o idioma; más bien la cultura latina e hispana es tan rica, que podemos disfrutar de la diversidad que existe en una cultura creada con tantas.

    La celebración empezó en 1968, cuando el Congreso de los Estados Unidos proclamó una semana en otoño como la Semana Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. En 1988 la celebración se extendió a un mes completo.

    Las fechas se escogieron para conmemorar varios eventos importantes, incluyendo el Día de la Independencia de México, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica y Chile.

    La biblioteca celebra nuestra comunidad hispana y latina todo el año y durante este mes tendremos eventos que se enfocan en la música y la comida.

    Juan García, bibliotecario para jóvenes en la Biblioteca de Rockwood, dice: “Me mudé de México a los Estados Unidos cuando tenía siete años y durante mucho tiempo me resultó difícil encontrar mi lugar en este país. La asimilación jugó un papel importante en mi educación, quería encajar y no me di cuenta de que estaba alejándome de mi cultura. Esta es una lucha que muchos inmigrantes tienen. Me hace muy feliz trabajar en un lugar como la biblioteca pública que no sólo reconoce nuestra cultura sino que crea espacios para celebrarla. Este Mes de la Herencia Latina estoy entusiasmado con todos los eventos que organizan mi biblioteca y las demás bibliotecas.”

    Un niño enfrente de una mesa con juegos.

    ¡Visita la biblioteca para participar en actividades para toda la familia!

    También habrá actividades artísticas y recomendaciones de libros en las bibliotecas. 

    Aprende sobre el equipo de la biblioteca que habla español  y mantente al tanto en la página web.

    The start of a new school year can be a stressful time as families transition to a new schedule and students adjust to new teachers and classmates. Here are some resources to assist you.

    Image of student running down a school hallway
    Educational Support

    Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Students & Families

    Find resources on everything from school busing to graduation requirements.

    Parent/teacher conferences

    Prepare ahead of time for parent/teacher conferences to feel more comfortable and confident. 

    Tutoring

    This list of free tutoring opportunities includes the library’s K-12 Virtual Tutoring service, providing 30-minute sessions with adult tutors weekly on Tuesdays.

    Who’s Who in Your Child’s School

    This article from Reading Rockets introduces you to the various teachers, administrative staff and organizations you might encounter in your child’s school.

     

    Food

    Meal resources for families

    This post lists meal resources in Multnomah County (and beyond).

     

    Health

    Back-to-school anxiety

    Going back to school has always made kids - and their caregivers! - anxious. Here are some ideas to help smooth the transition. 

    Multnomah County Student Health Centers 

    Student health centers are like having a doctor’s office at school. They offer comprehensive primary and mental health care services to all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18. There are no out-of-pocket costs. 

    The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Mental Health and Well-being

    The ODE is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Oregon students and their families. 

    StopBullying.gov

    Help kids understand what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely, including how they can get help. 

    Talking with teens about mental health

    Caregivers should listen to teenagers and reach out if they see concerning signs. Here are some resources to help.

     

    Technology

    Affordable Connectivity Program

    Provided by the FCC, this program helps households afford the broadband they need for school or work by providing a monthly discount.

    Library computers and internet access

    The library offers free access to computers, chromebooks, printers and scanners within our library buildings. Please contact Tech Help for more information or call us at 503.988.5123.

     

    This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

    Multnomah County Library is proud to participate in Banned Books Week (October 1- 7). Library staff in every state are facing a disturbing increase in challenges and book bans. The American Library Association documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022 alone, which is the highest number in the more than 20 years that statistics have been recorded. The titles being challenged and banned were predominantly by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

    Image of Censored stamp

    Banned Books Week draws attention to the very real harm and dangers of such censorship by celebrating intellectual freedom. While adults have been given plenty of air time on this important topic, librarians decided to speak with those most impacted: the youth. To support and amplify the voices of these young readers, the library included some direct quotes from teens and tweens we surveyed across the county.

    We asked youth if they had ever read a book that was banned or challenged, what they thought of it, and why they thought someone would ban or challenge it. We also wanted to know if there was anything they wished people trying to ban books knew, what they would say to them, and who should be in charge of picking books for their school and public libraries.

     

    “I’ve read many banned books. For example Stamped by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi. I believe people challenged it because of its content on racism. And the history they wrote about it. I found it very interesting and a very important novel. We learn about history so we make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

    Halle, Woodstock library

     

    “I have read multiple banned or challenged books. Most of their content includes diversity, learning of other’s experiences, LGBTQ+ groups, “offensive” language or other experiences people refuse to accept or discuss. I think reading about these expands knowledge and is beneficial.”

    Gresham library youth

     

    “Many more diverse authors have been able to share their perspective in published books and as readers grow, misinformation about “explicit” pieces of literature (misunderstanding too often born about bigotry) also increase. I completed a project on banned books and found that PEN America reported 41% of banned books are LGBTQIA+ and 40% have characters of color. These bans reflect bias.”

    Ahnalya, Gresham library youth

     

    “I think books are being banned/challenged because people are afraid of what they don’t understand, so they try to get rid of it altogether.”

    Woodstock library youth

     

    “Many of these books talk about important issues today. I think the idea that the public learning how to fight back scares many of the people banning books. They need to realize that learning to fight back is good and can help us move forward from our current non-inclusive views.”

    Scout, Gresham library youth

     

    “We need to let children choose what they read, just like how children should choose what they like, wear, etc. because it’s THEIR experience. Reading should be about diversity and inclusion because we’re in a place in society where people are safer and more comfortable with coming out as their true, authentic selves and we can’t allow children to think that racism, sexism, etc. is okay from them not learning about it early on or being introduced to these topics. These books aren’t designed to sexualize children or encourage “inappropriate” behaviors as many are saying, but they are exposing children/young adults to important social justice topics to further deepen their social skills, development, awareness and overall empathy in the real world.”

    Mason, Northwest library youth

     

    The library applauds these young readers for speaking up and out about banned books and their impact on their growth and education. When the library says “All are welcome here,”  that means striving to include all communities, especially those who have experienced marginalization and systemic oppression. Everyone should have the chance to see themselves represented on library shelves and to have the opportunity to grow and expand their experience in a safe and inclusive environment for all. 

    “Let Freedom Read” is the theme of this year’s Banned Books Week, October 1-7. Join the library—and county youth—in uplifting, celebrating, and exploring these indispensable titles!

    Multnomah County Library is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 24, 2-4 pm at Gresham Library

    This year's celebration includes performances by Portland Art & Cultural Center's Chinese children dance team and Van Lang Vietnamese School's Vietnamese dance team. Families can come and enjoy mooncakes, participate in a lantern-making craft activity, and listen to Chinese and Vietnamese storytimes. 

    The Mid-Autumn Festival is a holiday celebrated in China, Vietnam and other Asian countries. It is a time for friends and families to come together. It occurs on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar — meaning the festival falls between mid-September and early October.

    Multnomah County Library has several branches that have Chinese and Vietnamese-speaking staff members. Many said that their favorite part of the Mid-Autumn Festival was eating the mooncakes, which are small pastries stuffed with different fillings and typically eaten during the festival.

    "A fun part is getting with family, cutting the mooncakes and eating them. There are lots of different flavors, lotus seed, red bean paste and a combination, like pineapple mooncakes," says Toan Lam-Sullivan, Chinese bilingual librarian and member of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival planning team.

    Since the moon is the fullest and brightest during the Mid-Autumn Festival, many people also enjoy viewing it with their friends and family.

    The Mid-Autumn Festival has many folktales about what you can see on the moon’s surface while looking up at it. In Chinese culture, there is the story of Chang’e (嫦娥) and how she flew to the moon. And in Vietnamese culture there is the story of Cuội and the magic tree he planted. 

    Many of the cultures celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival also associate rabbits with the moon. That’s why you can see so much rabbit imagery during this celebration.

    The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the ways the library fosters connections between members of the Chinese and Vietnamese communities to celebrate their cultural heritage. 

    Woman smiling and holding a kids picture book

    Sally Li posing with 嫦娥奔月 by Yiyi Zhu (朱懿懿), a book about the tale of Chang’e (嫦娥)

    "Even though on the festival day we still need to go to work or school, I think it's important for the library to open the space for the community so they can be together to celebrate, and also so we can share the culture with the kids," says Sally Li, Chinese bilingual library assistant and a member of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival planning team.

    To participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival, take a look at the Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival booklist to read folktales about the moon and stories about the celebration. Woodstock Library will also host a smaller celebration on September 17 from 2-4 pm (registration is required) and will include a rabbit lantern craft activity, a guest presenter and Chinese storytime.

    The library offers volunteer opportunities for teens, adults and seniors. Patrons can also get involved in volunteer-led library programs.

    The library's largest teen volunteer effort is the Summer Reading program, for which teens help kids and families pick up their gameboard and learn about prizes. However, there are other year round opportunities for teens as well. In the teen and tween councils, teens can work on service projects for the library, like creating book displays and connecting with patrons. 

    our kids ranging in age from children to teens behind a table with a sign that says Summer Reading.

    Adults can volunteer in many ways: 

    • Tutor a child needing extra help on a specific subject. Volunteer tutors meet with students for 30-minute increments each week for an eight-week term. 
    • Read to the Dogs program. Adults with certified therapy dogs can meet with young readers to help develop confidence in their reading skills. 
    • Tutor other adults who are preparing to take their GED exam in reading, math and other skills.
    • Volunteer for talk time conversations to help adults who are practicing English or other languages.

    Grace Hashiguchi recently volunteered at the library through the summer tutoring program. Grace met with the same students virtually every week during this six-week program. She primarily focused on general literacy for elementary students. 

    “I’d brainstorm with the kids to find topics or series they were interested in, find relevant e-books and share my screen. Then I’d either have them read to me or we would alternate pages. We'd also discuss new vocab words or play spelling games and try to make that experience engaging,” says Grace.

    Grace has a public relations and writing background and wanted to find a way to use her skills to serve the community. “My favorite part is finding common ground with students. Through active listening and compassion, you can form a connection in two short months just by showing interest in their lives and learning goals. Seeing glimpses of empowerment, when a student feels capable — even if just for a sentence, or while learning a new game together — it’s just such an exciting feeling.”

    Alan Platt, another volunteer with the summer tutoring program, was previously a home teacher in California. He says, “I feel volunteering is a basic civic duty. Help in whatever way you can. If tutoring appeals to you, great. But duty aside, and regardless of how you volunteer, you get satisfaction from helping others, and often come away ‘enriched’ yourself in some fashion. In my case, teaching always leads to my own deeper understanding of the material we are studying. This is probably why I love teaching Social Studies and History so much!”

    Stay connected with the library and find volunteer opportunities that work for you!

    English | Español

    This Latinx Heritage Month, come to the library! Attend multilingual events, explore the cultural diversity within the Latino community, and find new and exciting books. 

    The United States first observed Latinx Heritage Month in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, the date was extended to a month-long period from September 15 - October 15. It was enacted as Public Law 100-402.

    At Multnomah County Library, the month-long cultural festivities are referred to as Latinx Heritage Month, to include the diversity in race, gender, language and countries that make up the Latino community. 

    “I personally identify more with Latinx,” says Maria Tobón López, library assistant at St. Johns Library. “I understand all of our experiences are different. It’s important to recognize that some of us don't fall under the perfect sphere of Hispanic and we have a lot of Indigenous communities that aren’t represented with it. What I like more about Latinx, is being representative and being able to observe all of our identities.”  

    Librarian in front of book shelves with books in Spanish smiling at camera

    St. Johns Library will change its displays to reflect the events it’s hosting- including comedy for kids, Loteria night, and a churro cooking class. 

    On the Noche de Loteria (Loteria night) Maria says, “It is very near and dear to my heart. I see it as an event where the community can come together, all different ages and walks of life to play a simple game. I’ve witnessed it before where people may not know how to play the game, but you see these little relationships come out, and I can’t wait to share this with St. Johns. I know there is a large Latino and Spanish-speaking community that will be excited to do this.”

    Library events will center on music and food! With events like Venezuelan arepa making and Paraguayan music, the Latino community can come together to share in culture and joy.

    Juan Garcia, teen librarian at Rockwood Library, says, “I moved to the United States from Mexico when I was 7, and for a long time it was hard for me to find my place in this country. Assimilation played a big part in my upbringing, I wanted to fit in and didn’t realize I was pushing my culture away. This is a struggle many other immigrants have. It makes me so happy to work at a place like the public library that not only acknowledges our culture but creates spaces to celebrate it. This Latinx Heritage month, I am excited about all of the events my library and neighboring libraries are hosting.”

    If you’re unable to attend an event but want to stay connected:

    Over three million children in the United States experience a disability and almost all of them attend school. Today, laws ensure that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.  

    Look out: acronyms ahead! You may need a special education glossary like this one from Understood.org, which is a fantastic resource for parents looking to understand the special education system.

    Photo of child playing

    Birth to Kindergarten

    Some disabilities are apparent from birth, and some come to light in the first years of growth and development. In Multnomah County, the Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) provides early intervention services for children with disabilities between birth and kindergarten.  

    If you have a concern about how your child sees, hears, walks, talks, plays, or learns between birth and kindergarten, you can ask for a developmental evaluation. Screen your child’s development using this online tool from the Oregon Screening Project at the University of Oregon. Call 503-261-5535 to get in touch with MECP for early intervention services. They will do several observations and interviews to assess your child.

    The results of the MECP evaluation may diagnose your child with a disability and qualify them for early intervention special education services. This could include services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, parent education, and special education preschool. You’ll meet with a team to develop an Individual and Family Support Plan (IFSP) that outlines which services your child and family will receive, how much, when, and where. MECP services are free and are part of public school.

    School Age

    Children with disabilities in grades K-12 have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. Both outline what services and accommodations a child needs to be successful at school. 

    A child will qualify for an IEP if they have one of 13 disabilities defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IEPs have a more formal, standardized format and process for describing a child’s present levels of development, their annual goals, accommodations and modifications, service levels, and classroom placement.  

    A child qualifies for a 504 Plan if they have any disability that interferes with their ability to learn or navigate their school day. There is no standard format, but the plan usually lists the services, accommodations, and supports the school will provide and the names of the people who will provide them.  

    Learn more about the differences between an IEP and 504 Plan and what you can expect from each.  

    If your child has an IFSP, you and your team will write an IEP or 504 Plan when they go to kindergarten.  

    Some disabilities may not become apparent until a child enters school: ADHD or dyslexia, for example. Parents or educators who notice a child struggling in school can request an educational evaluation. That evaluation may lead to a diagnosis and an IEP or 504 plan. Getting an evaluation and effective IEP after starting school may require persistence. 

    When an IEP is in place, the child’s entire educational team meets annually to write the IEP for the coming year. As a parent, you are an important part of that team. The IEP includes a section for parent input where you can write about your child’s strengths, interests, and challenges to help the school know your child. Your child is assessed every three years to determine that they still qualify for special education services.

    Graduation and beyond

    During the IEP meeting of your child’s sophomore year of high school, you’ll begin talking about diploma options and plans for after high school. 

    Getting help

    You don’t have to navigate this system alone! Families and Communities Together (FACT Oregon) is a statewide group offering broad support for families experiencing disability. They offer help through parent education, connection to community, and a support line connecting you with other parents to help answer questions. The IEP Toolkit and The IEP: What You Need to Know online training are two of their most popular resources.

    Special education services can be complicated and confusing, and you might feel you need a second education about special education.  The many resources and support options help you understand and advocate for your child throughout their school life.

    This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

    Drawing of two figures and a large head with puzzle pieces

    It is important for caregivers to listen to teenagers and reach out if they see concerning signs. Here are some resources to help:

    Mental Health America (MHA): Talking To Adolescents And Teens

    MHA is a community-based nonprofit “dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.” They have a series for caregivers of teens that starts with noticing symptoms, starting a conversation, and figuring out what to do and where to go. And they have a “Parent Test” you can take to help determine if your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

    Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

    This training is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers and more how to help a teen who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Many staff at the library have taken this course, and you can take it for free through Get Trained To Help. Beyond the course, the Mental Health First Aid folx have lots of good information on their website including 5 Tips for Talking to Your Teenager About Mental Health and 5 Signs Your Teen May Be Asking for Help

    Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers

    From the Child Mind Institute, this article lists signs of depression to look out for in your child and ways to help them feel comfortable sharing their feelings. The article is available in Spanish as well. 

    YouthLine

    A teen-to-teen youth crisis and support service provided by Lines for Life. YouthLine operates a national helpline that provides support and referrals via call, text, and chat. It is answered by teen volunteers daily from 4 pm-10 pm PST (and by adults at all other times, 24-hours a day!). 

    Cascadia Health 

    Cascadia is the largest “community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization in the state of Oregon” and they operate a Crisis Line in Multnomah County 24/7 (503-988-4888). Check out their Crisis Intervention page for more information. 

    Multnomah County EASA (Early Assessment and Support Alliance) program   

    EASA is a program that was created to help young people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Research shows that getting help as early as possible makes treatment easier and recovery quicker.

    We <3 LGBTQ+ Kids & Teens!

    This blog post highlights organizations and resources that can provide support for LGBTQ+ youth.

    And of course we have books! Please see our book lists below. 

    This article was written for our Family Newsletter, available in English and Spanish. Please sign up here and you can email us at learning@multcolib.org with any questions.

    Multnomah County Library branches celebrated pride this year with book displays, in-person activities, outreach events, and the special return of its popular Drag Queen Storytime events. 

    Drag Queen Storytime is an event catered to kids ages 2-6 where a drag performer reads children's books and leads the kids in learning activities and sing-alongs. Similar events have been organized at libraries, bookstores and community centers nationwide. 

    Famous Portland drag queen performers Poison Waters and Nicole Onoscopi read children’s books and delighted kids and families with learning activities and sing-alongs. Both performers have years of experience doing community outreach in Portland. Poison Waters was also one of the first drag queens to participate in Drag Queen Storytime at the library over eight years ago.

    Reflecting on when the library first invited Poison Waters, she says, ”I've been a [Multnomah County Library] card holder my whole adult life and so I thought, ’well, this is the time to do it.’ I was so happy and you know, I would have the infrastructure and the support of the whole library system behind me. I knew it was going to be a success.”

    Drag queen Poison Waters sitting on a chair smiling at the camera with four books in her hands.

    The books read by drag queens during Drag Queen Storytime touch on themes of gender identity, acceptance and diversity, including titles such as It‘s Ok To Be Different by Todd Parr, Annie‘s Plaid Shirt by Stacy B. Davids, and The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler.

    “It's been really fantastic that so many of the books are recognizable to the kids. They already know them from school or church, or they have them in their own house,” said Poison Waters.

    Although the activities are catered to kids, people of all ages attended the storytimes. Families listened to the stories, participated in arts and crafts and sang along to nursery rhymes like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

    Despite the challenges libraries faced when attempting to host drag queen storytimes throughout the country, Multnomah County Library successfully hosted this year‘s storytimes without major disruptions. 

    “Drag Storytime is an extremely family friendly event,” shared Maz S., a library patron. “I want my child to be exposed to an array of gender expressions in order to grow into a healthy sense of self. Drag Queens model self confidence, kindness, courage, creativity, and beauty in a way which is very theatrical and clever. They open up a world where children are free to love the uniqueness in themselves and others.” 

    Drag Queen Storytime and the other various Pride events encourage attendees to bring their full selves and experience joy. 

    The library remains committed to ensuring its spaces are welcoming for all community members, including LGBTQ+ individuals and families.  

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