Summer Reading

When The Library Foundation began funding this program in 1996, 5,600 children participated. Today with our donors' generous support, the program reaches more than 10 times that number, both in and outside of Library branches, in English, Spanish, and Russian. Ours is the most active Summer Reading program for a library our size in the nation, reaching 57,000 young people last summer, including over half of the elementary school students in our county.

Raising A Reader

Raising a Reader creates readers for life by engaging parents as their child's first, best, and most permanent teacher. This multilingual program uses bright red bookbags and children's books to excite children and educate parents about early brain development and early literacy. Annual evaluations have proven that the program changes the way at-risk families read together. The program is made possible by The Library Foundation, reaching 30,000 people per year.

Books 2 U

Books 2 U excites children about reading, working in classrooms across six public school districts where children are considered at risk. “Booktalkers” visit public school classrooms where they bring books alive with highly animated tales that entice children to read for fun. Booktalkers leave books in each classroom for children to select, take home and read independently–an experience that is proven by national literacy researchers to make a positive difference in children's fluency and reading skill.

Children’s Author & Illustrator Visits

Children’s Author and Illustrator visits bring acclaimed authors and artists from around the world into our libraries, our schools and our community. By interacting with children and teens, the library is able to create breakthrough experiences for young people who may be reluctant readers and inspire adults and children to discuss reading together. The Library Foundation makes it possible for children who live in poverty, and those at greatest risk for low literacy, to have access to books and world-class authors and have transportation and the encouragement to attend special events at no cost.

Everybody Reads

What if everybody read the same book? We'd talk to each other about issues that matter. Together we'd celebrate the power of books and create a stronger community. Every winter, the Everybody Reads program at Multnomah County Library gets the entire community excited about reading a single book. The program revitalizes the role of literature in our lives, with book discussion groups, performances, and dozens of events throughout the community and at every Library branch.

Every Family Reads

Every Family Reads is a new program that motivates families to read and experience books together. Made possible by the Foundation in spring of 2007, the Library will encourage families to participate by reading the work of a single children's author for two months each spring. At the same time, families pledge to create a weekly reading routine at home, and they can enhance the experience with dozens of free events at every Library branch.

Teen Read Month & The Teen Author Lecture

Teen Read Month is a county-wide celebration of teens, reading, and libraries. It engages teen readers, parents, librarians, educators, booksellers, and other concerned adults. Held during October of each year, Teen Read Month events are created to encourage teens and the adults in their lives to make time to read just for the fun of it, use their local library branches, and participate in reading-related events such as book discussions and performances

The Teen Author Lecture is the premier event of Teen Read Month. The Library brings in a compelling, widely acclaimed author to speak and inspire teens to read, write, and stay in school. Last year, award-winning African-American author Jacqueline Woodson spoke to nearly 600 teens and adults in two events at Parkrose High School.