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Writers, the Portland, Oregon chapter of Romance Writers of America, educates, supports, and mentors published and unpublished romance writers.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

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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.”

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

• Aprende cómo hacer churros dulces en las bibliotecas de St. Johns, Troutdale y Hillsdale
• Participa en una comedia para niños en la Biblioteca de St. Johns
• Aprende a cocinar arepas venezolanas en las bibliotecas de Gresham y Kenton 
• Escucha música en vivo en la biblioteca de Gresham
• Disfruta paletas mexicanas en las bibliotecas de Rockwood y Kenton
• Participa en la noche de lotería en la Biblioteca de St. Johns

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.”

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.  

Reforzar la educación de los hijos durante el verano puede ser un desafío. Durante el verano los niños pueden llegar a perder hasta dos meses de aprendizaje si no realizan actividades de lectura y matemáticas. He aquí una lista de recursos y actividades para  ayudar a reforzar la educación de una manera divertida durante el verano. 

Recursos gratuitos de la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah

Juego de Lectura de Verano. Los bebés, niños y adolescentes pueden jugar el juego de Lectura de Verano y ganar premios. ¡Incluso hay un juego de lectura para adultos! 

Taller Creativo de Rockwood (para grados de 6.º a 12.º). Los adolescentes pueden pasar el rato, crear proyectos independientes con los materiales de arte, conocer el equipo del Taller Creativo, usar tabletas y computadoras portátiles; ¡y más totalmente gratis!

Programación para todos. No se pierda de lo que está sucediendo en su biblioteca más cercana: Horas de cuentos, actuaciones interactivas, programas de arte y manualidades.

Library Connect. Usa tu número de identificación de estudiante como tarjeta de la biblioteca y descubre a dónde te puede llevar Library Connect. Los estudiantes pueden usar su cuenta para pedir prestados excelentes libros durante el verano y durante todo el año. 

Recomendaciones de lectura personalizada- Usa tu cuenta de Library Connect y conéctate con nuestros bibliotecarios. Pide recomendaciones de libros, da sugerencias y aprende más acerca de lo que la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah tiene para ti.

Fuentes de información confiables. Estas fuentes de información son confiables, precisas y gratuitas. Para empezar a usar los recursos solo necesita el número de su tarjeta de la biblioteca y su contraseña.

Learning Express Library. Prepárense para los exámenes de ciudadanía, GED, admisión para la universidad, preparación para alguna carrera y mucho más.

Recursos gratuitos para seguir reforzando la educación de los estudiantes: 

Khan Academy en español. Es un recurso gratuito y excelente para que sus hijos practiquen y aprendan a su ritmo y usted vea lo que ellos deben aprender en cada grado escolar. Los adultos también pueden crear cuentas y practicar su habilidades matemáticas y de lectura.

Khan Academy. Práctica de matemáticas. Un programa totalmente gratuito. Una vez que entre al sitio, desplácese hacia abajo de la página para ver todos los temas de matemáticas por grado.

Khan Academy. Práctica de lectura e Inglés como materia. De la misma manera, una vez en el sitio, desplácese hacia abajo de la página para ver los temas por grado.

Centro de aprendizaje de matemáticas (Math at Home). Actividades, juegos y páginas de práctica para fomentar el razonamiento matemático. 

Typing.com. Es un recurso gratuito para ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar sus habilidades de mecanografía.

Overdrive Kids. Libros electrónicos para aprender a cocinar, a tejer, doblar aviones de papel, hacer creaciones de Lego y algunos libros de chistes para que amplíe su repertorio.

PBS Aventuras de verano.  Actividades para animar a los niños a probar algo nuevo. Imprima las actividades gratuitamente en su biblioteca más cercana. El sitio de PBS también incluye muchas actividades divertidas para la familia.

Actividades recreativas 

Arte para todos. ¡Muestre su tarjeta Oregon Trail y compre entradas por $5! Incluye el Museo de Ciencias e Industria de Oregón (OMSI). 

My Discovery Pass (pase cultural). Visite museos y organizaciones culturales locales de forma gratuita con My Discovery Pass; solo necesita su tarjeta de la Biblioteca del Condado de Multnomah. 

Almuerzos de verano y otros recursos

Almuerzo gratis y juegos: Actividades y almuerzo para menores de 18 años.

Portland

Gresham 

Programas de SUN

Recursos de alimentos para familias. Tratamos de mantener actualizada esta publicación sobre los recursos alimenticios en el condado de Multnomah y sus alrededores.

Este verano, los invitamos a un viaje de exploración, creación y conexión en el Taller Creativo de la Biblioteca de Rockwood en donde la creatividad no tiene límites. Ya seas un experto o estés comenzando tu camino creativo, hay algo para que todos disfruten. Desde tecnología innovadora hasta artes y manualidades tradicionales, videojuegos y mucho más. ¡Todo gratis!

¿Cómo funciona?

El Taller Creativo es para jóvenes de sexto a doceavo grados. Este verano estará abierto los martes, jueves, viernes y sábados, de 1–4 pm a menos que haya un campamento o taller programado. Les recomendamos que visiten la página de eventos del Taller Creativo antes de su visita. 

Tengan en cuenta que la mayoría de los campamentos o talleres requieren inscripción y tienen una capacidad máxima. Si nos visitan durante el horario de apertura 1–4 pm cuando no hay clases o talleres programados, no necesitan inscribirse con anticipación y tendrán tiempo libre para utilizar cualquier equipo disponible en el Taller Creativo.

Aquí está la lista de nuestros eventos y talleres de este verano: 

• Acolchado en Papel: 12–14 de julio
• Campamento de Electrónica: 7–11 de agosto
• Taller de Drones: 17 y 18 de agosto

La máquina mágica que más utilizan los adolescentes 

Imagina que tienes una máquina mágica que puede crear objetos desde cero. Eso es lo que hace la impresora en tres dimensiones, la Impresora 3D (Ultimaker), pero en lugar de magia, utiliza un tipo especial de plástico llamado ácido poliláctico (PLA por sus siglas en inglés). Nuestro personal puede guiarte en el proceso de impresión 3D, desde la etapa de diseño hasta que estés listo para imprimir. Puedes hacer todo tipo de cosas con una impresora 3D; como figurillas, joyas, herramientas e incluso piezas de repuesto para otras máquinas.

Esperamos verlos este verano, ya sea que deseen hacer algo para ustedes mismos o para un amigo o simplemente quieran un lugar acogedor para pasar el rato y comer algunos bocadillos.

*Adultos: Si están interesados en visitar el Taller Creativo, también tendremos horario abierto para ustedes este verano. Visite la página de eventos del Taller Creativo para mayor información. ¡Recuerden, todo es gratis!