The Library Foundation

On day 3 of electronics camp, students are itching to get their hands on the soldering irons. But for Rockwood librarian Gretchen, safety comes first. She has campers hold up their unplugged irons and repeat after her: “Hot things are hot, and I’m going to be careful, and I’m going to follow instructions.” Electronics instructor Tobin goes one step further. “Please do NOT dip your irons in water.” It’s twelve-year-old Shairin’s second experience with a library science camp. Earlier in the summer, she attended video camp with her siblings, where she learned about lighting, exposure, transitions, and stop motion. Today, she works with printed circuit boards and assembles soldering kits that light up, vibrate, and change color. Shairin enjoys art and science, and when she grows up, she’d like to be a doctor or nurse. “I want to help people, and save people.” You can read more of Shairin’s story, and Multnomah County Library’s STEAM programs, in our latest newsletter, titled, "What does ‘singe’ mean? And other questions from STEAM camp." https://lnkd.in/g5q_CQ5w

Come and tour Central Library! Originally opened in 1913, this beautiful library now boasts modern enhancements for you to enjoy. Stop in for a free, 45-minute walking tour. No registration required. We hope to see you there! Central Library Multnomah County Library 801 SW 10th Avenue Portland, Oregon 2024 Tours Saturdays at 11am November 30 December 7 December 14 December 21 December 28

Early library cards from the Library Association of Portland, now Multnomah County Library. ?

A safe space for teens to gather, study, and connect at Midland Library (now open!). Some highlights: ?Computers with creative learning software for making music and art. ?Books. Lots and lots of shiny, new books. ?Games, AV equipment, and comfortable furniture make it an inviting place to plug in (or unplug).? ?Coming in December-events like teen anime club, teen council, graphic novel club, and more. Keep an eye on the library event page for the latest details. The teen space at Midland Library/Multnomah County Library is made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation. Thank you!?

Some fun pics from the Grand Opening celebration at Midland Library! It’s a beautiful space. Be sure to check out the outdoor play area, the teen room, the creative learning lab, and the early learning playspace, all supported by gifts to The Library Foundation. Thank you!

A sneak peek of the brand-new children’s space at Midland Library, proudly supported by The Library Foundation. Midland opens Saturday, October 26, a completely renovated library that is modern, inviting, and built to reflect the community. Be sure to stop by on October 26 & 27 for two fun-filled celebration days. There will be music, dancing, comedy, and crafts. We’ll be there. We hope you will too! https://lnkd.in/gaxtRBQU

Be sure to stop by the Collins Gallery at Central Library for this exhibit on beautifully made handmade books. Items from specialty presses are on view, as well as materials demonstrating paper making techniques from around the world. Pictured here: ~Tibetan Manuscript — featuring Buddhist text on palm leaves. ~“A Good Day to Paddle” by Margaret Prentice – woodblock print on abaca paper with pigmented cotton pulps. ~“Trouble Light” by Jim Lee — nursery rhymes and striking images made using linoleum block printing. The items in the exhibition were given to the Multnomah County Library's John Wilson Special Collections by University of Oregon Professor-Emeritus Margaret Prentice. The exhibit is free and runs through November 15, 2024. We hope to see you there! The John Wilson Special Collections is supported by gifts to The Library Foundation.

This week, we had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for Belmont Library, which will reopen in Spring 2026 as an expanded, updated space. (We are excited!) Belmont will more than double in size to 15,000 square feet, keeping the original 1924 brick building. Gifts to The Library Foundation will support: ?A new early learning playspace for the little ones ?Space for teens to call their own, with plenty of room for technology, homework, and creative expression ?A flexible STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) learning lab for children and teens Shown in photo: Katie O'Dell, Library Capital Bond Deputy Director; Love Centerwall, The Library Foundation Executive Director; Annie Lewis, Library Director. During construction, a temporary location at 3557 Hawthorne Blvd will serve the community by offering limited services (including holds pick up, Lucky Day items, 24/7 book returns, and free mobile, wireless printing). You can stay up-to-date on all library capital bond projects at multcolib.org/planning.

This whimsical, sculpted tree can be found at Central Library’s Beverly Cleary Room in Portland, Oregon. There are botanical images throughout, as well as musical instruments, letters, storybook characters, and animals (look at that bear!). Some fun facts: *The art is clustered at different levels so children of all heights have something fascinating to explore. *The tree was created by artists Dana Lynn Louis and Barbara Eiswerth. A likeness of Dana’s dog, Henry, sits at the foot of the tree. Dana signed the baseball near him. *The artists molded the roots and trunk in clay. The branches were molds of real branches. All were cast in bronze at a foundry in Walla Walla, Washington. *The tree is 14 feet tall and weighs 2,700 pounds. It was brought into the library in pieces and welded together there. *The tree is meant to be touched (but not climbed). The more it is touched, the shinier it becomes.

Congratulations to Multnomah County Library’s next Director of Libraries, Annie Lewis! “I am honored to be selected by Chair Vega Pederson to lead Multnomah County Library — an institution our community has loved and supported for generations,” said Lewis. “Right now, the library is moving into a bright new future with modern and expanded spaces, thanks to the investment of voters and the hard work of library staff. My overarching goal as director will be to ensure that this library is evolving in ways that best serve our diverse community, while supporting the library staff who make our library the community treasure it has always been.” Annie Lewis has held a number of positions at MCL, including bilingual/Spanish youth librarian, early childhood services manager, and Gresham Library supervisor. She has served as interim library director since June 2024, after the retirement of Vailey Oehlke.