Build a brighter future by supporting our library

We have one of the most remarkable libraries in the nation, circulating more books than any U.S. library except New York Public Library. Our library helps thousands of children succeed in school with reading programs during the school year and in the summer. Thousands of seniors and others who are homebound rely on the library's book delivery and outreach programs to stay connected and vital.

The foundation partners with the library on a range of programs for children, families and adults. These innovative programs have won local and national awards for their innovative and cost efficient approach to addressing our community’s needs.

Raising A Reader  For our youngest at-risk children, Raising A Reader continues to achieve life-changing, measurable outcomes. We have worked to build the program from the ground up in 2004. It’s now the largest early literacy effort in Oregon, reaching more than 36,000 children and adults each year.

Books 2 U  Staff and volunteers go directly into the lowest performing 3rd – 6th grade classrooms, delivering books and providing inspiring reading role models. Foundation investments have more than doubled the program’s reach, from 10,000 students in 2004 to more than 25,000 last year.

Summer Reading  This year, 94,000 children will enter school with stronger skills thanks to Summer Reading. Participation is up from just over 5,000 in 1997, when the foundation first started supporting the program.

Author lectures for children and teens  Each year, with our help, the library is able to bring world-class authors to meet young people in our community, particularly children who would not have the opportunity to meet a famous author any other way.

Everybody Reads 2012  The library’s Everybody Reads 2012 selection is The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow, the dramatic story of a young girl’s struggle with identity, exploring how we view race, class and beauty. Students across the community will have the chance to hear Heidi speak and get a copy of her book.

Economic Hard Times  Last year, foundation support made it possible for our library to expand computer access and launch innovative financial literacy programs for seniors and young parents who are most at risk. We continue to work with the library to identify how private support can help the library address the needs of those struggling in this economy.

Library Campaign  The foundation has committed to spending the next two years as the leading financial supporter and advocate for stable library funding.

Our community's need for our library has never been greater and our library's need for strong community support has never been more important. Help keep our library vibrant and our voice for the library strong:

• Become a library advocate. Spread the word about our library by telling three people you know how much you appreciate Multnomah County Library.
• Show your library pride. Have your photo taken with your library card and show it off.
• Stay informed about funding for our library. Sign up for occasional updates for library advocates from The Library Foundation by emailing us.
• Volunteer through The Library Foundation on the library's next funding campaign. For more information, contact Kristin Wallace at 503.223.4009. 
• Give a gift. Thanks to the generous support of individuals, businesses and foundations, The Library Foundation helped the library reach more than 165,000 people and purchase more than 65,000 books and materials last year.