Events & Classes

Newel Briggs sings old slave songs accompanied by his guitar, mandolin and banjo. Raised by his grandparents, the first people in his family to be born free, Newel’s grandma sang songs such as “Loop de Loo,” “Miss Mary Mac,” “Ham Bone” and “Shortnin’ Bread.” Learn about the history behind the songs and find out which one is about taking a bath on Saturday night!

Children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult) enjoy books, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building language and literacy skills.

Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.
 

¡Vengan a disfrutar y divertirse en este programa interactivo para niños de 0 a 6 años! Ofrecemos actividades que promueven la alfabetización temprana, leyendo libros, cantando, y jugando. Los padres de familia, hermanos mayores de 6 años y cuidadores son bienvenidos. Este programa se presenta en español.

La asistencia es limitada y está disponible por orden de llegada.

Come learn how to make your own beaded bracelet, try free-style painting, and enjoy the experience of henna. Make connections with the community in Capitol Hill! All ages are welcome to this first-come, first-served event.

Participants will learn how to hold, read, and strum along to popular songs from "I Lava You" to "Master of Puppets," while getting the chance to play with other types of ukuleles. Participants will be sent home with material to continue their uke journey! This event is encouraged for all ages.  

Fyre, also known as Giggles, is a two-spirit multidisciplinary artist based in Portland. They mainly focus on music and circus arts. 

We can help you with technology!

Meet one-on-one with a friendly, knowledgeable Tech Helper who will help you find answers to questions about mobile devices, websites, getting started with tech, and more.

Appointments are first come, first served.

Learn how to make seed balls from Zenger Farm staff! Seed balls are a great way to add flowers to areas with no plants. A seed ball is a small ball of clay, dirt, and seeds. Seed balls are an ancient Japanese practice called Tsuchi Dango, meaning ‘Earth Dumpling’. Seed balls were reintroduced in 1938 by a Japanese microbiologist and farmer, Masanbu Fukuoka. 

Acompáñenos a un espectáculo cultural de danza folklórica mexicana. Disfrutarán de varios estilos de baile de diferentes regiones de México acompañados con canto. Todas las edades son bienvenidas.

Join us for a cultural performance representing Mexican folklore dance. You will enjoy several styles of dance from different regions of Mexico accompanied by a singer. All ages are welcome.

Join us this summer for a Black Storytime series celebrating African and African American heritage and culture! Children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members) will have fun with books and stories, songs, a craft, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.

Babies from birth to 12 months (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, action rhymes, and playtime, with bonus socialization for babies and the adults.  

Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

In this week-long camp for beginners, you'll create a custom dragon egg container--or another container of your own design. Learn parametric 3D modeling, t-spline sculpting, and model refinement in Fusion 360 from supportive experts, then bring your creative vision to reality. Objects will be printed after camp concludes and will be available for pickup at the library.

Join Irina Myachkin for a solo guitar performance followed by interactive music fun! We'll learn some Russian songs with instruction in English and Russian for all to enjoy. 

Bird watching is a wonderful way to exercise, explore nature, and make new friends. Kids will learn from a local expert birder and educator about the basics of birding, including how to I.D. local species, how to use binoculars, and how to stay safe when out in nature. You'll have the chance to make your own binoculars and use them in a nearby park to start your own birding adventure!

Celebrate Hawaiian culture through hula! 

Join us for a celebration of Hawaiian culture through hula.  Lisa Chang has danced professionally the past 35 years and is looking forward to sharing her passion with the community.  She will share a variety of dances and will take you throughout the Hawaiian islands.

No registration required. 

Tặng chữ thư pháp nhân.

Dang Hoa will write names or short phrases in beautiful Vietnamese calligraphy for you to keep. 

Under the guidance of artist Liya Kot Kurkov, get acquainted with the rules of drawing and the correct use of pencils, erasers, brushes, and paints as you create a picture on a summer theme. 

ATTENTION: Accompaniment by an adult is required.

Learn about native plants of the Willamette Valley like huckleberry, cedar, sweetgrass and other plants. Stephanie Craig, Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya tribal member, will share how many plants in our backyards are used for food, basketry and medicine by Indigenous peoples.

Newel Briggs and his band perform lively jazz that is good for the soul and will make everyone get off their chairs and start movin’ to the groove.

Join us for a fun and imaginative LEGO building session. We'll provide the building blocks, you bring the creativity! Ideal for grades K-5, but younger and older siblings are welcome.

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities.

Attendance is limited and free tickets are available 15 minutes before storytime.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.