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In March 2020, Multnomah County Library could never have known that what we hoped would be a brief closure to help stop the spread of COVID-19 would become a wave of starts and stops in our planning and drastically alter library operations for more than a year. 

Although we’ve been working hard to serve you virtually, at our holds pickup, and meet you out in the community, I am excited to begin more fully reopening and welcome you back to your neighborhood libraries. Several libraries in Multnomah County are open now and more are on the way! 

We are encouraged by Multnomah County’s increasing vaccination rates and Governor Brown’s announcement that she will be lifting COVID-19 restrictions statewide as of June 30 or when the state reaches a 70% vaccination rate, whichever comes first. And while we still have some work to do to bring us back to “normal,” I’m pleased to share that 75% of our libraries will open their doors by the end of July 2021:

• Capitol Hill
• Fairview-Columbia
• Gregory Heights
• Gresham
• Hillsdale
• Holgate
• Kenton
• Midland
• North Portland
• Northwest
• Rockwood
• Sellwood-Moreland
• St. Johns
• Troutdale
• Woodstock

Due to active facilities projects, these libraries are offering holds pickup only. We expect them to open for in-building services by the end of August:

• Albina
• Belmont
• Central
• Hollywood

There has been no more difficult way to confirm that our library facilities are undersized than to face a pandemic that requires us to quickly alter spaces for occupancy, physical distancing and materials movement. The much-adored towering stacks of shelves that you can browse for hours, and the fixed computer stations and tables providing our community technology access, became operational challenges. Thanks to voters in Multnomah County, many libraries will see significant expansions and improvements to spaces in the coming years.

As library teams worked behind the scenes with Multnomah County partners to figure out ways for the community to safely use and navigate our small buildings, library staff provided services in new and innovative ways — from online tech help and tutoring to curbside holds pickup at all 19 locations. Their creativity and dedication has created new pathways for library service that will endure long after the pandemic subsides. 

While some things in our buildings won’t be the same as before, our exceptional staff are ready to help you with whatever you need. Thank you for your support, excitement and patronage of Multnomah County Library. We miss you, and we look forward to serving you soon. 

Vailey Oehlke
Director of Libraries
 

Préstamos federales para estudiantes. El préstamo federal para estudiantes está solo a nombre del estudiante. Estos préstamos tienen límites de endeudamiento, tasas de interés y tarifas de originación generalmente razonables. Para una licenciatura de cuatro años, la cantidad máxima que el estudiante puede pedir prestada es de $27,000. Para calificar para el préstamo federal para estudiantes, todo lo que es estudiante debe hacer es completar la FAFSA.

El reembolso de estos préstamos comienza seis meses después de la graduación de la universidad.

Préstamos PLUS para padres. Es un préstamo federal que como el nombre lo dice, está a nombre del padre. Tal vez usted vio en el paquete de ayuda financiera para su estudiante una concesión de préstamo para completar el pago del costo de la universidad. Este dinero puede ser usado para cubrir los gastos que no cubren con la ayuda financiera para el estudiante.

Es importante ser extremadamente cuidadoso cuando se les ofrece un préstamo PLUS para padres, ya que puede tener un impacto duradero en sus metas financieras personales. Algunas diferencias clave con el préstamo federal para estudiantes, el préstamo PLUS para padres incluye límites de endeudamiento generalmente más altos y tasa de interés y tarifas de originación (procesamiento del préstamo) notablemente más altas. Estos préstamos empiezan a generar interés tan pronto como se distribuyen.

Los padres deben reembolsar el préstamo PLUS, aun si su hijo no termina la universidad, no encuentra trabajo, o no están satisfechos con la educación que pagó con el préstamo.

De acuerdo con la Oficina de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes, el estatus de ciudadanía de los padres no afecta el derecho del estudiante para recibir ayuda federal para asistir a la universidad. Si sus padres no tienen un número de Seguro Social (SSN, por sus siglas en inglés), debe introducir ceros en la parte del formulario FAFSA que pida esa información sobre ellos. NO introduzca un número de identificación de contribuyente en el campo del SSN. Para más información, vea la página Los alumnos dependientes deben declarar información sobre sus padres, como también su propia información, en el formulario Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA®).'

Para mayor información sobre este tema y cómo ayudar a su estudiante con la transición a la universidad, contactenos aprendiendo@multcolib.org

Escrito por Delia P.

Last month we told you about resources for families this summer. And now we’d like to highlight a few of our favorite outdoor activities that we think you may enjoy:

1. Gateway Discovery Park: Art and cultural activities will be hosted all summer long at this East Portland park.
2. Gresham Japanese Garden: A beautiful Japanese garden to visit, plus they are holding many events this summer. 
3. Interactive Fountains and Splash Pads: Portland Parks and Recreation hopes to have it’s fountains and splash pads open this summer and it’s a great way to beat the heat!
4. Local guidebooks: Check out a guidebook on exploring the area with kids. 
5. Harper’s Playground: Find inclusive playgrounds for all abilities around Portland and beyond. 
6. Mike Bennett's A to Zoo: Wonderful outdoor art displays that bring fun and education to the whole family. Currently they can be found in NE Portland.
7. Mural map: Three maps of Portland’s Street art: a walking map of the Alberta Arts District; a biking map of the Central Eastside Industrial District; and an all-city highlights map. 
8. U-pick farms: U-Pick farms in Portland and Multnomah County, sorted by county.
9. Walking with Ramona: Do you love Ramona Quimby? Well you can walk in her shoes with this walking map of Ramona’s neighborhood.
10. Walks around Portland: Portland Bureau Of Transportation’s has many suggested walks, including one that goes to the North Portland Library. And there are also ones for bikes!

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

New federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program offers low-income consumers discounts for high speed internet or laptops and other devices. If you live in Multnomah County, you could get:

• Up to $50 per month for internet service
• $100 to buy a new laptop, desktop computer or tablet through a participating provider

Find out if you qualify

You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. 
 

Qualifying income levels:

For each additional person, add $6,129.

You may also qualify if you or a member of your family:

• Gets free or reduced-price school breakfast/lunch.
• Lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Received a federal Pell grant for 2021.
• Meets other criteria.

See if you qualify.

Apply

Apply online, pick up a paper application at any Multnomah County library, or visit or call a participating provider:

• AT&T: 800-331-0500
• Comcast Xfinity: 800-934-6489
• Comcast Internet Essentials: 855-846-8376
• Human-I-T: 888-391-7249  
• T-Mobile: 800-866-2453
• Verizon: 800-922-0204 
• Ziply Fiber: 866-699-4759 

Get help

If you need help, visit your library or call:

• Multnomah County Library: 503-988-5123
• Emergency Broadband Support Center: 833-511-0311
• Community Information Center: call 211 
• Portland Customer Service Program: call 311
   

When families register by June 1, teachers and schools can do more welcoming and communication before school starts, easing the transition for incoming kindergarteners.

If you live in Multnomah County, you can identify your school or district by texting "MYSCHOOL" or "MIESCUELA" to 898211.

Here are some Register for Kindergarten resources at the major school districts in Multnomah County.  Several of them have welcome videos, including in multiple languages. 

• Centennial School District: Registration / Registration Information
• David Douglas School District: Kindergarten Registration
• Gresham Barlow:  Parent Resources / Kindergarten
• Parkrose School District: Registration
• Reynolds School District: Kindergarten Registration

The following information is specific to the Portland Public School (PPS) District.

Kindergarten videos: Hear from families and school staff about how to register and get ready for school! Videos are posted on the Kindergarten tab of the Early Learners website and are available in English, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese.

Register for School by June 1: There are so many benefits to registering early such as families hearing from school staff about events, summer transition programs, and information about the start to school. Please register online or call the school for a registration packet. 

Early Kindergarten Transition Program Applications: Apply now to be eligible for this inclusive, family-centered bridge program, for children entering Kindergarten or first grade at an EKT school in the Fall. EKT schools include: Boise-Eliot/Humboldt, Cesar Chavez, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Faubion, Harrison Park, James John, Kelly, Lee, Lent, Rigler, Rosa Parks, Scott, Sitton, Vestal, and Woodmere. Applications and flyers are posted on the EKT website or call the school for paper applications. 

Pre-K Applications: PPS is currently accepting Pre-Kindergarten applications for the 2021/22 school year. Online applications are available and paper applications can be requested by emailing prekprograms@pps.net or leaving a message at (971) 501-0111. 

Ramp up to Kindergarten: This fall, every family will receive a relationship-based conversation with their Kindergarten teacher prior to the start of school. In addition, every child will receive a small group “warm-up” orientation to classroom and building routines prior to the official first day of Kindergarten. School staff will be communicating their specific schedules with incoming families. Finally, teachers will delay student assessments so families and school staff can focus on building relationships for a welcoming start to the school year. 

Finally, the PPS Early Learners Website includes an FAQ document that answers parent questions about Kindergarten. FAQs are available in English, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese.

And you can find general contact info for all the school districts on the Multnomah Education Service District website.

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

MHCC Head Start and Early Head Start have over 900 openings for the 21/22 School Year!

They provide FREE services to pregnant women and families of children ages birth to 5 who reside in East Multnomah County, outside of Portland Public Schools.

Programs include:

Home Based Program:

• For pregnant parents and children 0-5 years old
• Provides weekly home visits with a childcare provider
• Focuses on connecting with little ones and parenting skills

Preschool classes:

• For Children 2-5 years old
• Ranges from 3.5 – 7 hours per day, 2-5 days a week
• Learn-by-playing approach builds social and emotional development

Full-Day Childcare*:

• For children 6 months - 5 years old
• Ranges from 8.5 -10 hours per day
• Offers year-round coverage

Here are flyers in English, Spanish, Arabic, Somali and Russian. 

Families who are eligible:

• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income, or
• Are homeless, or
• Have an income below the federal poverty guideline, or
• Have a child in foster care

*Additional Eligibility Requirements for Full-Day Childcare:

• Family must be working and receiving childcare subsidy, or
• Be an MHCC Student taking 9 credits or more

Ready To Apply? Call the main office at: 503-491-6111 or click here.