About the Foundation                                                  
The Library Foundation was established in 1995 by far-sighted citizens who understood that a great public library would not be possible through public funding alone. Since then, The Library Foundation has raised more than $30 million, working with Multnomah County Library to make a difference in:

Creating Lifelong Readers

Last year, over half of the county's elementary students participated in Summer Reading. With 57,000 participants, it is the largest reading and literacy program in Oregon.

Sustaining Young Families

Over 300,000 people participated in family and youth programs this past year.

Supporting Our Schools

With Books 2 U, an innovative in-classroom program, booktalkers made reading come to life for more than 20,000 at-risk children last year.

Expanding Young Minds

In partnership with childcare centers, community centers and home health nurses, Raising a Reader promotes reading aloud in the home, reaching over 16,000 children under the age of five this year.

Building Vibrant Collections

The foundation supports the growth of the library's acclaimed Children's Collection, as well as the acquisition of books that encourage adults to read.