Staff picks

Books to give high schoolers the heebie-jeebies. 

Over 218,000 street trees, 1.2 million park trees, and 2.9 million private property trees -- that's Portland's precious urban forest! Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Become a tree champion with these books for all ages.

Stories about families with two moms (or momma, mama, ma, mommy, mum, or mother) for early elementary ages. 

Stories for early elementary ages featuring families with two dads - or daddy, dadda, pop, papa or father.

Whether you just need a general guide to voting or you're looking for a deep dive into the history of how democratic elections are conducted, you'll find the information you need here.

A selection of books about Indigenous childbirth, raising and educating children, motherhood, and parenting found at MCL. Includes non-fiction, memoirs, and a number of children's books relaying parents hopes and dreams for their children.

These children's books hone in on characters with diverse learning abilities.

Nonfiction for middle and high schoolers about the history of voting, political and social movements, and how to get involved.

From local to presidential elections, discover how elections work, who can vote, and the history of voting in the United States of America.

Children's books with stunning illustrations!

Mid Autumn, also known as Children's Festival in Vietnam, or Moon Festival in China, is the second most festive holiday in both regions. It marks a joyous occasion when the harvest work is finished and there’s time to spend with loved ones. There is storytelling, mooncakes for everyone and colorful lanterns for children. 

Tết Trung Thu là một ngày hội vui nhộn cho các em nhỏ. Các em được nghe kể chuyện cổ tích về Chú Cuội, ăn bánh trung thu và rước lồng đèn.

 农历八月十五日中秋节，一家团圆吃月饼、赏月、提灯笼。

These titles are by Indigenous people who identify as two-spirit or LBGQTIA+.

If you like a fantasy story with a gritty city setting that's populated by supernatural beings. And you like strong characters who may have to fight and have a witty comeback. Then you might like this list.

Hit the road with these books about teens looking for escape, adventure, friends, family and themselves.

Summer lives large in our collective imagination and in the worlds created by writers. These books share a strong sense of place, that place being summertime. While you're thinking summer reading, don't forget to play the adult summer reading game, Read 4 Life.

Rainbow Family Storytimes are offered monthly at various MCL locations, celebrating queer families in identity-supporting ways. Here are some of the favorite books we've shared!

This Juneteenth, read the recommended books below with your little one to learn more about the holiday, guide discussions about slavery and freedom, celebrate change and think about ways to stand up for justice today.

Black Resource Collection is a cultural collection offering a variety of materials that are primarily written by African Diasporic authors. Ranging from the latest fiction titles to out-of-print newspapers, this collection also has materials for all ages that focus on the experience of the African Diaspora. BRC materials can be found at all library locations. This is a list of exciting new and forthcoming titles from the collection's selector.

Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the U.S. Civil War had ended, marking the end of slavery for African Americans in this country. Since then, June 19th or "Juneteenth" has been observed as a holiday, celebrating the end of slavery in America, and its meaning to the cultural resiliency of African Americans over the years. Created by the Black Cultural Library Advocates team, this list of Juneteenth reads was curated to highlight the importance of celebration, community gathering, and honoring history.

Juneteenth is a historical celebration that commemorates liberation in the past, present and future. Created by the Black Cultural Library Advocates team, this list highlights the intersections of advocacy, resilience, and the commitment to community activism and growth.