Black History Month: Hip-Hop Soulsation
Join Hip-Hop Soulsation Academy as they bring an upbeat edgy interactive performance and brief dance class that all ages can enjoy! Participation is encouraged!
Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation.
Black History Month: Hip-Hop, Beyond Beats and Rhymes
Join us for a Kanopy film screening! HIP HOP: BEYOND BEATS AND RHYMES provides a riveting examination of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in hip-hop culture. Director Byron Hurt, former star college quarterback, long-time hip-hop fan, and gender violence prevention educator, conceived the documentary as a "loving critique" of a number of disturbing trends in the world of rap music. He pays tribute to hip-hop while challenging the rap music industry to take responsibility for glamorising destructive, deeply conservative stereotypes of manhood.
First come, first served.
Black History Month: Clownin' Around with Nikki Brown Clown
Portland’s favorite clown is back with a storytime that is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with sounds and activities for all. Participation is encouraged, and all ages are welcome!
Black health and wellness
Here is a list of local mental health resources and organizations working to destigmatize Black mental health and provide support to the Black community here in Multnomah County. At the library, we are proud to center resources that help communities thrive and succeed.
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
PORTLAND, Ore. — November 6, 2023 — Multnomah County Library invites the community to join in celebrating and honoring Native American Heritage Month.
Oxford African American Studies Center
Images, maps, primary sources and articles by top scholars in the field.
Albina Library history
Located in North Portland in a historically Black neighborhood, Albina Library has been a beloved part of the community.
Black community resources
Black Cultural Library Advocates (BCLA) members focus on strengthening the connection between the Black community and Multnomah County Library. BCLA members connect people to services they need through the county or with outside organizations.
North Portland Library history
North Portland Library began as the North Albina Reading Room in 1909. The Jacobethan-style library was built in 1913 and renovated in 1999. The original architect was Joseph Jacobberger and Alfred H. Smith Architects.
Juneteenth: Freedom African Necklace
Join us at Capitol Hill for Freedom Fridays this Juneteenth season!
Today, we're adorning ourselves in Freedom and celebrating heritage. In this craft, staff will lead children in making African style necklaces, while learning about the history of Juneteenth.
Our Story: Portland Through an African American Lens
Kamishibai: Japanese Music & Storytelling
The TAKOHACHI Duo Project revives an ancient art form by offering original Kamishibai "Arigato Octopus Band" performances accompanied by live music featuring instruments such as shinobue bamboo flute and tsugaru shamisen. Come enjoy the storytelling and learn Japanese folk dances. Fun for the whole family!
Multnomah County Library history
Thanks to the support of Multnomah County voters in 2020, Multnomah County Library is making history with major transformations. Learn more about the library’s building projects and explore the library’s history in more detail through the Oregon Encyclopedia’s entry for the Library Association of Portland.
Central Library history
Portland’s historic Central Library in downtown first opened in September 1913. The original architects were Doyle, Patterson & Beach. Notable features throughout the library include; the bronze tree in the Children’s Library by Dana Lynn Louis and Barbara Eisworth, the black granite grand staircase and the massive light fixture in the second floor by Larry Kirkland, and the John Wilson room.
Local & family history
Dig into the past with resources at the library. Librarians can get you started as you research the history of your family, house or local community.
Every Child a Reader monthly newsletter
Early literacy tips and book highlights for you and your families
Belmont Library history
Belmont Library has served its Southeast Portland neighborhood since 1924, when community leaders raised funds by public subscription. This was the first time in Portland that a community had built its own neighborhood library and presented it to the association debt-free. The original architect was Jamieson Parker Architects.
Suggest a purchase for the Black Resources Collection
Multnomah County Library is community built; it’s your library. What do you want to see in the collection? You can make recommendations of materials the library can purchase to include in the Black Resources Collection and the Black Pacific Northwest Collection.
Juneteenth: Food and History - Texas Style
Stones, Bones, and Black-Eyed Peas presents: Juneteenth Food, Texas Style! Join chef and owner of Finer Things Events and Catering, Michelle Guinn, with her daughter, Sable Askew and take a trip back into history. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of Great Uncle Nolan’s all-meat Texas chili, red drink, and homemade vanilla ice cream celebrating freedom and foods cooked and beloved by African American culinary connoisseurs.
This event is first-come, first serve!
Northwest Library history
Northwest Library opened in 2001 in a 5,000 square foot space in a historic Northwest Portland building that was previously home to a pharmacy, a potter's workshop, a winery and café. Thanks to the 2020 voter approved library bond, the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Program purchased a new, permanent site in Northwest Portland for a larger Northwest Library. The library will relocate once renovations are complete.
Troutdale Library history
The 6,000 square foot Troutdale Library building is located in the Cherry Park Market Center. The library opened in 2010 and was constructed with Forest Stewardship Council-certified Douglas fir ceiling and wall panels. It has eco-friendly paint, carpet and furniture, and other sustainable features.
Research your family history
Research your family history with these popular resources.