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Our Community

 

Name: Patricia

Occupation:
Retired

Neighborhood libraries:
Belmont

Why the library:
Multnomah County Library has been a big part of my life for over sixty years. As a toddler, I attended story times at this small, neighborhood library. When I became a mother, I continued the tradition by bringing my children here, too. I still walk to Belmont each week to pick out new books. I’m one of those quiet users who likes to discover books by browsing. I enjoy the simplicity of the library. I guess I’ve never really needed to go anywhere else!

 


 

Name: DuJuan

Occupation:
Student

Neighborhood library:
North Portland

Why the library:
I stop by the Teen Lounge at North Portland Library after classes to hang out. I study, surf the internet or just spend time with friends. I've been coming here since I was in elementary school so I know this library pretty well. One of the highlights of 3rd grade was a field trip to the North Portland Library.

 


 

Name: Kaia and Christina

Occupation:
Students

Neighborhood libraries:
Belmont

Why the library:
We love reading, but the library is more than just books. There’s a feeling of community here that you just don’t find at a bookstore. When we need information for a school project, we head to Belmont after school and talk to Jane, the youth librarian, who always helps us find what we need. Having all the answers in one, convenient place is pretty amazing.

 


 

Name: Akiko with daughter Anna

Occupation:
Business owner and mom

Neighborhood library:
St. Johns

Why the library:
Libraries are an essential part of our family's life. Through storytimes and visits to the library, my four-year-old daughter has grown to love books and libraries. Her baby sister is already a regular library visitor as well. I also turned to the library when I started my home-based business—it provided me with all of the resources and information I needed.

 


 

Name: Sara

Occupation:
Teen librarian and 2008 Oregon Book Award winner for the young adult novel, The Rules for Hearts

Neighborhood library:
Albina and North Portland

Why the library:
I'm the child of two librarians. I've had a passion for books and reading my whole life. Now, I've made the library, and teens, my life's work—as a librarian and as a writer for young adults. I'm proud that our library provides great resources, from exciting teen books to online homework help; compelling programs such as teen lounges; and ways for teens to get involved by volunteering. All these opportunities help capture the imagination of teens and keep them reading. I'm lucky. Every day, I get to see the difference our library makes in the lives of young people.

 

Name: Raschied

Occupation:
Computer consultant and student

Neighborhood libraries:
Holgate and Midland

Why the library:
My grandma taught me how to use the Albina library in her neighborhood when I was growing up. Now, I'm doing the same with my three-year-old daughter. I've used the library to teach myself everything from auto repair to how to use computers. I'm getting my degree and have financial aid because of the library.

 


 

Name: Nell

Occupation:
Youth librarian and national committee chair for the Caldecott Medal

Neighborhood library:
Albina

Why the library:
Our library's work with children and families extends far beyond the library's walls—to childcare centers, Head Start classrooms, home visits by community health nurses and to many other community-based organizations. Multnomah County Library is known nationally for its innovative work with children and families. I am proud to be a part of that work. Our library is a magical place where children can take off on new storytime adventures every week and even the tiniest children fall in love with books and reading.

 


 

Name: Mindy

Occupation:
High school student

Neighborhood library:
Midland

Why the library:
My parents want all six of us kids to love the library. We come almost every week. I check out books for school assignments, but I like to read for fun too.

 


 

Name: Betty

Occupation:
Nurse

Neighborhood library:
St. Johns

Why the library:
My favorite outing with my niece and nephew is a trip to the historic St. Johns library. We love to curl up together and read. Lately, I have been learning a lot about sea animals and dinosaurs.