MORE THAN BOOKS AND BUILDINGS
Building a
brighter future
Reading is our first taste of freedom. A lifelong gift that cannot be taken away, it is the first step to becoming a productive, open, and insightful member of our community.
Every child deserves the chance to lead a life full of promise with success within reach. Early exposure to books and reading role models help children fulfill their true potential. Without it, a child can face a daunting road.
The Library Foundation helps librarians bring life-changing books, programs, and learning opportunities into the lives of children, from birth through high school. Last year, gifts to The Library Foundation, large and small, helped Multnomah County Library reach more than 190,000 people in our community.
A LIBRARY FOR THE FUTURE
Transforming our libraries
Multnomah County Library has embarked on a series of game-changing building and renovation projects designed to revitalize older buildings, expand library services and technology, and transform East County by building a modern, expansive flagship library in Gresham. When complete, our library system will have nearly 60% more space and the capacity to reach even more children and adults with expanded programming and services.
The Library Foundation's support will fund creative learning spaces for children and teens, broaden STEAM learning opportunities, and enhance outdoor gathering spaces at new and remodeled buildings.
REACHING ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY
Beyond library walls
Gifts from individuals and families help librarians expand their work and reach across our community, bringing innovative programs to vulnerable children from birth through high school. These programs level the playing field for children facing risk factors for low literacy.
Strategic partnerships with hospitals, Head Starts, free health clinics, hundreds of schools in eight school districts, juvenile detention centers, programs for teen parents, and programs for immigrants and refugees enable librarians to reach families who would benefit most from library services. Library staff and volunteers bring innovative programs, parent education, and books in 20 languages to children and parents dealing with challenging life circumstances.
Last year, the library reached more than 75% of the children in our county with proven literacy programs, made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation. Multnomah County Library's reach, expertise, and strong partnerships create life-changing outcomes for our most vulnerable children.
