Libraries closed for July 4th holiday

All Multnomah County libraries and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day. Library Administration will be closed on Friday, July 3.
Library locations and normal operating hours are available at www.multcolib.org/hours.

Discuss: Libraries closed for July 4th holiday

» June 17, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Libraries closed for Memorial Day

All our libraries and the Title Wave Bookstore are closed Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.

Discuss: Libraries closed for Memorial Day

» May 21, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Get your ballots in the mail!

Multnomah County today advised voters that Friday, May 15, should be considered the last day for voters in Multnomah County to safely mail ballots in time for the May 19 Special Election. Ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 to be counted. Postmarks do not count.

Read more and discuss: Get your ballots in the mail!

» May 14, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Library’s used bookstore closed for construction May 4-30

The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed from Monday, May 4, through Saturday, May 30, during the construction of an access ramp to the store. The Title Wave will reopen on Monday, June 1.

Proceeds from the volunteer-operated Title Wave Used Bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library. The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Library’s used bookstore closed for construction May 4-30

» May 1, 2009 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Our new library director is...

It thrills us to no end that Vailey Oehlke is the new director of the Multnomah County libraries. She is quite the person and helped us throughout the process of siting the new North Portland library. Read more about her after the jump.

Read more and discuss: Our new library director is...

» April 20, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Drop off your ballot at the library

For the May 2009 special election, Oregon voters may drop off their ballots at any Multnomah County library during regular business hours, from Friday, May 1, through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 19. (Library Administration, Library Outreach Services and The Title Wave Used Bookstore do not accept ballots.)

Read more and discuss: Drop off your ballot at the library

» April 16, 2009 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Commissioner McKeel makes her recommendation for a library location

From the Library:
Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel announced her recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for the site of the new Troutdale Library: the Cherry Park Market site (242nd St. and S.W. Cherry Park Rd.). The siting decision will be made by the Board at the regular Board meeting on April 2.

The Cherry Park Market site is a 6,000 sq. ft. existing space in the southeast section of the shopping center adjacent to El Tapatio Restaurant. It is a well-known and popular shopping center, offering library users the opportunity to combine trips. It is professionally managed by Regency Centers.

Read more and discuss: Commissioner McKeel makes her recommendation for a library location

» March 25, 2009 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Midland Library closed for carpet installation April 12-19

Midland Library will be closed from Sunday, April 12, through Sunday, April 19, for carpet installation. The Midland Library book drop will remain open during the closure. Materials may be returned in the book drop or at any other Multnomah County library. The eight days that the library is closed will not count toward the number of days materials will be held on the shelf for patron pickup. In addition, the days the library is closed will not count toward the checkout period for library materials; due dates will be extended accordingly.

The Multnomah County libraries nearest Midland Library are Rockwood Library (17917 S.E. Stark St.) and Holgate Library (7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd.).

Discuss: Midland Library closed for carpet installation April 12-19

» March 24, 2009 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Outer NE

Library’s used bookstore closed for construction March 16-20

The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 during the first phase of construction of an access ramp to the store. The store will reopen for its 21st Anniversary Sale, Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the volunteer-operated Title Wave Used Bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library. The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Library’s used bookstore closed for construction March 16-20

» March 13, 2009 - 0 comments - Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Chess groups at the library

There are a regular chess playing groups at our library. Check them out.

Read more and discuss: Chess groups at the library

» February 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Closing the Achievement Gap

Yesterday in the Faubion K-8 School Library, 40 prominent community leaders gathered to hear about the Black Parent Initiative's newly released report on the Black/White Achievement Gap in Multnomah County Schools. Media stories are here and here, and the report itself is available here.

For me it was great to be part of this event happening in the very same school room where I volunteer with the Chess for Success program. The tables normally occupied by little kids playing chess were instead full of prominent education and community leaders contemplating a problem much more complex and meaningful than the hardest chess problem.

Read more and discuss: Closing the Achievement Gap

» February 26, 2009 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Inner NE, Libraries, News, Warren's Blog

Multnomah Co has five star libraries

From the Library:
PORTLAND, OR — Recently, the national library publication Library Journal unveiled the results of a new assessment tool for public libraries – and Multnomah County Library was the only library in the Pacific Northwest (and one of only a handful of U.S. libraries of its size) to receive five stars—the highest ranking possible.

According to Director of Libraries Molly Raphael, “We know that in these tough economic times, people need libraries more than ever. While being recognized as one of “America’s star libraries” is wonderful, it’s really only a reflection of how frequently people in our community turn to their library for the information and resources they need."

The LJ Index of Public Library Services ranks libraries based on four per capita output measures: visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use. When compared with other large urban library systems in the U.S., Multnomah County Library was ranked #1 in circulation per capita, an honor the library consistently achieves year after year.

Discuss: Multnomah Co has five star libraries

» February 24, 2009 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Our library director is retiring

Team Cogen is a little sad to announce our library director is retiring. Molly Raphael has been instrumental in helping us accomplish siting of the new Kenton Library. Beyond that, she's done wonderful things for all of our branches and is a genuinely nice person. From Chair Wheeler:

I am writing to inform you that I have accepted the resignation of Molly Raphael, Director of Multnomah County Library. It is with regret that I make this announcement, and I am deeply indebted to Molly for her leadership of one of the premier library systems in the country. Her final day at the county will be May 1. Under Molly’s guidance, and with the unparalleled engagement of staff, community members and volunteers, her accomplishments include:

•Achieved ranking as highest circulating library in the country for 4 years (total circulation), higher than libraries serving communities with much greater populations (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles); current circulation is over 20 million
•Increased diversity in library employment, collections and programming to serve Multnomah County’s ethnic and cultural minorities more effectively
•Expanded literacy programs and services
•Planned for opening two new branch libraries, one in North Portland and one in Troutdale, with anticipated openings in late 2009 or 2010
•Opened all libraries 7 days a week (previously, only 5 of 17 were open all 7 days)
•Worked with the Library Foundation to bring millions of private dollars to Multnomah County Library to enhance programs and services

Discuss: Our library director is retiring

» February 5, 2009 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

What if everybody read the same book?

What if everybody read the same book? We'd talk to each other about issues that matter and we'd celebrate the power of books in creating a stronger community. That's the spirit behind Multnomah County's Everybody Reads program.

This year's book is Stubborn Twig: Three Generations in the LIfe of a Japanese American Family by Lauren Kessler. Visit any branch and get a copy. Check out subsequent events and have fun with your neighbors talking about this wonderful book.

Discuss: What if everybody read the same book?

» January 16, 2009 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Library receives Ready to Read grant

From the library:
Multnomah County Library has received a $114,356 Ready to Read Grant to enrich outreach services to local children. Funds from this state grant support the library’s early literacy programs for children from birth to kindergarten, as well as summer reading programs for babies, children and teens.

The Ready to Read Grant was established by the 1993 Oregon Legislature and is administered by the Oregon State Library.
“The most important mission of our public libraries,” said State Librarian Jim Scheppke, “is to help every Oregon child grow up to be a proficient reader.”

Read more and discuss: Library receives Ready to Read grant

» January 9, 2009 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Libraries closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

All our libraries and the Title Wave book store will be closed on Jan. 19th in honor of the MLK Jr. holiday. Though, you can still return your overdue books!

Discuss: Libraries closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

» January 6, 2009 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Multnomah County Library closed for Thanksgiving

All Multnomah County libraries, Library Administration and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving. In addition, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, all libraries will close at 6 p.m. and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will close at 1 p.m.
Library locations and normal hours of operation are available at www.multcolib.org/hours.

Discuss: Multnomah County Library closed for Thanksgiving

» November 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Get 55 percent off used books, CDs, DVDs at Nov. 28 library sale

Find huge bargains and hidden treasures at the library’s used bookstore!

Come into The Title Wave Used Bookstore during its annual Customer Appreciation Sale and save 55 percent on all used items — books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. The sale happens on Friday, Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read more and discuss: Get 55 percent off used books, CDs, DVDs at Nov. 28 library sale

» November 25, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion

Oregon State lawmakers have just learned that they will have almost 1 billion fewer dollars to spend on schools, human services and public safety. From the Oregonian:

"State economists reported that revenue for the current two-year budget is down by $140 million, prompting Gov. Ted Kulongoski to order state agency heads immediately to slash the remainder of their budgets across the board by 5 percent.

The news for the upcoming two years is much worse. Revenues are projected to be down by $718 million, compared with the forecast from three months ago. "

Multnomah County's budget analysts are already hard at work determining how this state revenue shortfall will impact the County. To give you some perspective, about 75% of the County's Department of Human Services Budget (Mental Health Services, Aging and Disability Services to name a few) comes from state and federal resources. State funds also flow to our jails and parole and probation services.

As always, we'll keep you up-to-date as information develops. The next big news is expected in December when Governor Kulongoski releases his 2009-2011 budget.

Drop us a line with your ideas for increasing revenue or cutting services.

Discuss: State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion

» November 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Libraries, Marissa's Blog, Public Safety

Multnomah County's Sara Ryan Wins Oregon Book Award!

Sara Ryan, author and Multnomah County Library Teen Services Specialist, has won an Oregon Book Award for the second time - proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Multnomah County employees ROCK!

Here's the announcement from Library Director Molly Raphael:

"Please join me in congratulating and celebrating MCL Teen Services Specialist Sara Ryan's win last night of an Oregon Book Award - the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature. The book is The Rules for Hearts, and this is Sara's second win of an Oregon Book Award. We celebrate the great personal achievement that this is for Sara and are grateful to know that MCL can hold the commitment of such a dedicated and creative employee. We all wonder here how Sara can do so much for teens through our library and still find time to be an award-winning author!"

Feel free to leave a kind shout-out to Sara in the comments!

Discuss: Multnomah County's Sara Ryan Wins Oregon Book Award!

» November 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Libraries, Marissa's Blog, Top Stories

Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

Ask and you shall receive! The Hollywood Library branch - one of the busiest - now has a cell phone recycling box. It's located in the lobby, opposite of the book return. Bring by your phones, chargers, headsets, MP3 players and IPODs to be recycled. The other library branches that have boxes are Gresham, Central, Hillsdale and Midland.

Discuss: Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

» November 10, 2008 - 2 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sustainability, Top Stories

Congratulations to Sara Ryan!

From our library director, Molly Raphael:
Please join me in congratulating and celebrating MCL Teen Services Specialist Sara Ryan's win last night of an Oregon Book Award - the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature. The book is The Rules for Hearts, and this is Sara's second win of an Oregon Book Award. We celebrate the great personal achievement that this is for Sara and are grateful to know that MCL can hold the commitment of such a dedicated and creative employee. We all wonder here how Sara can do so much for teens through our library and still find time to be an award-winning author!

Discuss: Congratulations to Sara Ryan!

» November 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Cell Phone Recycling starts at Multnomah County!

Today, Multnomah County will begin recycling cell phones in the Multnomah Building and 10 other collection centers throughout the county. This follows a resolution introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen and passed unanimously by the Board of County Commissioners earlier this year. The county is partnering with Wireless Alliance – an electronics recycler – to collect and recycle community phones and MP3 players. There is no cost to the county or to residents who bring in their equipment.

The cell phone recycling boxes will be in the following county locations: McCoy Building, North Portland Health Clinic, Elections Building, Yeon Annex, Mid-County Health Clinic, Multnomah County East Building, Multnomah Building, Central Library, Midland Library, Hillsdale Library, and Gresham Library. Residents may bring any type of cell phone, smart phone or mp3 player to be recycled.

Read more and discuss: Cell Phone Recycling starts at Multnomah County!

» October 8, 2008 - 8 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Outer NE

new green roof opens at the Central Library

The Central Library downtown is unveiling it's newest collection: environmentally friendly plants on the new 5th floor green roof. From Maria Rojo de Steffey's office:

On Thursday, September 25, Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey will host a celebration marking the completion of a new eco-roof at the historic Central Library building. The event will take place in view of the eco-roof on the fifth floor of Central Library, 801 SW 10th Avenue, at 2:00 p.m.

“This project reflects Multnomah County’s commitment to healthy communities and a healthy environment,” said Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey who led the project. “Thanks to our partners, this will essentially be a cost-neutral project for the county, which is especially important in our current fiscal climate.”

Read more about the project after the jump.

Read more and discuss: new green roof opens at the Central Library

» September 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

2008 Multnomah County youth champion award winner

Sara Ryan has dedicated her career at Multnomah County to infusing the voices of youth in the delivery of Library services. This is no small feat seeing that Multnomah County Libraries has the highest circulation of any library system in the Country! Sara worked to create voting positions for youth on the Library Advisory Board and helped create systems of support for the Board’s youth members. Sara also piloted teen advisory councils for individual branch libraries and now has a network of teen advisory councils for most neighborhood branches throughout the system.

Read more and discuss: 2008 Multnomah County youth champion award winner

» September 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Wi-Fi available at all libraries!

Best news of the day: All of our 16 library branches have Wi-Fi!

Discuss: Wi-Fi available at all libraries!

» July 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Save 55 percent on used material at The Title Wave Used Bookstore

From the Library:
Find incredible discounts on used bestsellers, children’s books, videos, music scores and more at The Title Wave Used Bookstore’s annual Ginormous Sale, Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. All used material will be 55 percent off!
The Title Wave is Multnomah County Library’s volunteer-operated used bookstore, offering shoppers a selection of more than 20,000 used library materials, including books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, videos, records, cassettes and magazines at bargain prices.
The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.multcolib.org/titlewave or call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Save 55 percent on used material at The Title Wave Used Bookstore

» July 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Libraries closed for July 4th holiday

All Multnomah County libraries, Library Administration and The Title Wave Used Bookstore will be closed on Friday, July 4, for Independence Day. The Title Wave Used Bookstore will also be closed on Saturday, July 5. Library locations and normal operating hours are available at www.multcolib.org/hours.

Discuss: Libraries closed for July 4th holiday

» July 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Video: Jeff recommends library site

Jeff visited the Kenton Neighborhood Association's meeting last week to share some news about the proposed Kenton branch library. Check it out!

Discuss: Video: Jeff recommends library site

» June 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Videos

Video: Meet the North Portland librarians

Librarians aren't what they used to be, especially when talking about our staff at the current North Portland libraries. In this video, you'll meet Patricia Welch from the North Portland branch and Nancy Arvesen from the St. Johns branch. There will be no "shushing" here!

We love both these wonderful women and they make fun to work in this district. Special thanks to Nancy who came to all of our public meetings on the siting of the new branch for North Portland and has been supportive of our office throughout.
PS: We are still ironing out our editing skills! Please be patient with us as we learn.

Discuss: Video: Meet the North Portland librarians

» June 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Videos

Attention young writers from 12 to 18

Young writers are invited to share their creativity and win prizes
Multnomah County Library hosts Summer Teen Writing Contest

PORTLAND, OR — Beginning June 13, all Multnomah County teens aged 12 -18 are invited to participate in a writing contest made possible by The Library Foundation, with gift cards from Powell’s Books as prizes.

Judges include the members of Hollywood Library Teen Council, a volunteer group that advises the library on teen issues, and celebrated local young adult novelist Blake Nelson, author of Girl, The New Rules of High School and Paranoid Park.

$75 gift cards will be awarded to the following winners in four categories: best prose entry, grades 6 – 8; best poetry entry, grades 6 – 8; best prose entry, grades 9 – 12 and best poetry entry, grades 9 – 12. Runners up in each of these categories will receive a $25 gift card.

Read more and discuss: Attention young writers from 12 to 18

» June 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

Pictures from the library meeting

Last night's library meeting discussing the possible locations for a new Kenton branch was lively! We had close to 80 neighbors tell us how they felt about the locations and folks got some answers they needed from the developers. We took some photos that you can check out here.

If you have any comments on the two sites, click here to leave your opinions.

Thanks for joining us!

Discuss: Pictures from the library meeting

» May 30, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland

Tomorrow is the meeting where Jeff will hear your preferences between our last two sites for a new library in North Portland. If you can't make it, we still want to hear your opinions. Watch the short video about the locations. Google maps will allow you to see actual images of the locations, just click "street view:"
8226 N Denver 2133 N Argyle

Tomorrow's meeting starts at 7pm at the Masonic Temple, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please let us know which site you prefer!

Read more and discuss: Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland

» May 28, 2008 - 24 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Videos

The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time

Jeff, the libraries and facilities have narrowed the search for a library site in North Portland from three locations to two - the Tri-Met site and the N. Denver site. Both choices are equally wonderful and have positives that would make each a great library. Because these sites are so great, we'd like the community to weigh in one more time to help Jeff make that final choice.

We'll have a public meeting Thursday, May 29th, 7 to 9pm at the Masonic Lodge, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please join us!

If you can't make it, we'll post a video on this site on May 29th that talks about the two choices. You can make your voice heard in the "comments" section.

UPDATE:
N. Denver location

Tri-Met Site - 2133 N Argyle

Discuss: The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time

» May 12, 2008 - 7 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

New North Portland library update in The Sentinel

Here is a small blurb on the new North Portland library, that we'll unofficially refer to as the "Kenton Library."

We are getting closer and closer to a decision...we're excited!

Discuss: New North Portland library update in The Sentinel

» April 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, News, North Portland

All libraries are back open today!

The library staff is back from a great staff retreat they had on April 3rd. It was wonderful for them to know they were missed! We are proud are libraries are so wonderful and encourage you to share that with the staff today.

Discuss: All libraries are back open today!

» April 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

All library branches CLOSED TODAY, April 3rd

Multnomah County residents love their libraries so we wanted to let you know, all branches are closed tomorrow. Read the following from library staff:

All Multnomah County Library locations, including Library Administration and The Title Wave Used Bookstore, will be closed on Thursday, April 3, while staff attend Staff Day training at PSU. All locations will open for normal hours on Friday, April 4. The last library staff day was held in September, 2005, so we are looking forward to having this training opportunity. We have publicized the closure through the library's various communications channels and with the news media.

Maybe in the meantime we can switch books with our neighbors. One book I just passed along is Boomsday by Christopher Buckley. Read any good ones lately?

Discuss: All library branches CLOSED TODAY, April 3rd

» April 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

North Portland Library Update

Here is the library update as of March 17, 2008:

The three potential library developers in North Portland have had a chance to see our County architects’ ideas for a new North Portland library. Their proposals for the space are due to the County tomorrow, March 18th, at 1pm. These proposals are called “lease term solicitations,” which are basically tell us the charge to lease the space for the library. To get an update on the sites and who the developers are, click here to see the PDF.

After we receive the proposals, our Facilities and Library team will study them. This is estimated to take about 3 to 4 weeks. Then, that team along with Commissioner Cogen will meet to discuss the choices. Then, those choices will be brought to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners for final vote. I’ve estimated another month in addition to the 3 to 4 week review process before a final developer is selected.

Comments and questions will be accepted here at our website or emailed to Karol Collymore. Thanks!

Discuss: North Portland Library Update

» March 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers

Join your Kenton neighbors tonight at their neighborhood meeting. Kenton has invited the three potential developers of the new North Portland library to discuss the project starting at 6:30pm. As of this morning, two of the three have accepted the invitation.

The presentation starts before the meeting at 6:30 pm
The meeting starts at 7:00 pm
Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon St.

Discuss: Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers

» March 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry in Portland March 11th

From the Library:

Though her writing has encompassed topics as diverse as the Holocaust and the Triangle Fire, dystopian societies, Maine in the 1970s and second grade classrooms, author Lois Lowry’s books have consistently dealt with a central theme: the importance of human connections.

The community will have an opportunity to hear from the Newbery Award-winning author when she presents Multnomah County Library’s 2008 Children’s Author Lecture on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1126 S.W. Park Ave. in Portland. A book sale and author signing will follow the talk. This is the eleventh year of the Children’s Author Lecture and Lowry was the inaugural speaker in 1998.

Read more and discuss: Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry in Portland March 11th

» February 20, 2008 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Libraries closed for Presidents Day

Libraries are closed for Presidents Day, Monday Feb. 18th. You can still return those books in the slot outside!

Discuss: Libraries closed for Presidents Day

» February 15, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

African American Read In

From the Library:
Come hear local celebrities and community leaders read from works by their favorite African American writers. There will be fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Join everyone on Sunday February 3rd from 2pm to 4pm at the North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St.

Discuss: African American Read In

» February 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Library book sale tomorrow, Jan. 26

The Title Wave book sale is tomorrow! Starting at 10am, come fit all the books you can in a bag and you'll get a special deal. The bookstore is located at: 216 N.E. Knott, Portland, OR 97212. See you there!

Discuss: Library book sale tomorrow, Jan. 26

» January 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Best book sale ever - Jan 26th

Shop during The Title Wave Used Bookstore’s Bag of Books Sale on Saturday, Jan. 26 for incredible savings — fill an entire bag with used library books and audiobooks for only $10! (The bag is provided; books must fit in the bag completely. Limit 10 bags per customer.)
The sale begins at 10 a.m. and ends when the store closes at 4 p.m., or once all the books are gone.

Read more and discuss: Best book sale ever - Jan 26th

» January 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Cool stuff at the Albina Library

It's holiday time and the crafty in all of us comes out and rears it's lovely head. What to try something fun? Visit the Albina branch this Saturday at 2pm and get crafty!

Read more and discuss: Cool stuff at the Albina Library

» December 5, 2007 - 0 comments - Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Cool new option from our libraries

With just a few clicks of the mouse, Multnomah County Library cardholders can check out movies and television shows online, download them onto a personal computer, and watch them without ever leaving the comforts of home.

Read more and discuss: Cool new option from our libraries

» November 26, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Get 55 percent off during the Title Wave’s day-after-Thanksgiving sale

From the libraries:
PORTLAND, OR — Come into The Title Wave Used Bookstore during its annual Customer Appreciation Sale on the day after Thanksgiving and save 55 percent on most purchases — used books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, and continues until 4 p.m.

During those hours, some lucky customers will find the treasures hidden throughout the store: gift certificates, gifts and coupons for even bigger discounts (limit one treasure per customer).
Proceeds from the volunteer-operated bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library.

The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Title Wave or call 503.988.5021.

Discuss: Get 55 percent off during the Title Wave’s day-after-Thanksgiving sale

» November 21, 2007 - 0 comments - Events, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries

Kenton Firehouse is Wonderful!

Jeff's office gives a big thank you to the Historic Kenton Firehouse committee for donating space for our library siting meeting this week. Its a great building and the staff and volunteers are top notch. We look forward to using it again. Keep in mind that is available for meeting space and private events! Thanks Kenton Firehouse!

Discuss: Kenton Firehouse is Wonderful!

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Libraries, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts

New library update: one location out of the running

Our library siting search for locations has just gone from 4 locations to 3. The Hope Meadows location in the Portsmouth neighborhood has taken their hat out of the ring. We are down to three spaces, all in Kenton. We'll keep you updated as we move to the negotiation stage. Paul Bunyan branch anyone? I kid, really. I'm just kidding!

Discuss: New library update: one location out of the running

» November 16, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Final North Portland library siting meeting tomorrow!

The last meeting for the public to offer input on a new library for North Portland is November 13 at the Kenton Firehouse. Please join Jeff and Molly next week or share your opinion here on our blog. View library sites here: Download file

Discuss: Final North Portland library siting meeting tomorrow!

» November 12, 2007 - 3 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Reminder: Final North Portland library siting meeting November 13th

The last meeting for the public to offer input on a new library for North Portland is November 13 at the Kenton Firehouse. Please join Jeff and Molly next week or share your opinion here on our blog. There will be a Spanish translator available for our friends who would appreciate that service. View library sites here: Download file

Discuss: Reminder: Final North Portland library siting meeting November 13th

» November 5, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Library siting meeting coming up!

November 13th is the date for the next meeting to discuss the siting for a new North Portland library. The mailing that will go out has a typo on the part in Spanish. Que Lastima! The printing says, "Martes, 18 de noviembre." It should read, "Martes, 13 de noviembre."

Look for this postcard in the mail and as usual, you may comment on the new library here on our website. Thank you y gracias!

Discuss: Library siting meeting coming up!

» October 24, 2007 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

Acclaimed storytellers entertain all ages at November festival

From the libraries: PORTLAND, OR — Storytelling is a powerful medium that has been used through the ages to pass down culture, history and values. Its rich vocabulary and lyrical language foster literacy, understanding and learning for all ages.
Experience the skill of professional storytellers and share your own story at Multnomah County Library’s Tapestry of Tales Storytelling Festival, Nov. 13-17.

Read more and discuss: Acclaimed storytellers entertain all ages at November festival

» October 22, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Book Sale at Title Wave!

The County libraries are so cool:
Get 55 percent off during the Title Wave’s day-after-Thanksgiving sale!
Find a hidden treasure and save even more!

PORTLAND, OR — Come into The Title Wave Used Bookstore during its annual Customer Appreciation Sale on the day after Thanksgiving and save 55 percent on most purchases — used books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and more. The sale begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, and continues until 4 p.m.
During those hours, some lucky customers will find the treasures hidden throughout the store: gift certificates, gifts and coupons for even bigger discounts (limit one treasure per customer).
Proceeds from the volunteer-operated bookstore benefit Multnomah County Library.
The Title Wave is located at 216 N.E. Knott St., Portland. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.multcolib.org/titlewave or call 503.988.5021.

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» October 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Events, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories

New library meeting TONIGHT!

Tonight's the second of three public library meetings to discuss a new library for North Portland. The other two - North Portland and St. Johns - will not be closing, we adding a new one. View the options for siting Download file">here. Let us know what you think!

Discuss: New library meeting TONIGHT!

» October 11, 2007 - 1 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Drop off your ballot at the libraries

For the November 2007 Special Election, all Multnomah County libraries will serve as ballot drop-off sites from Friday, Oct. 19 through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6. (Library Administration, Library Outreach Services and The Title Wave Used Bookstore do not accept ballots.)
Ballot boxes will be stationed at the Central Library Welcome Desk and at or near the circulation desks of all other neighborhood libraries. Voters may also deposit their ballots 24 hours a day, until 8 p.m. on Election Day, into Central Library’s outdoor book drop, located on S.W. 11th Ave., as well as into the outdoor ballot drop boxes located in the parking lots of Gresham and Midland libraries.
Library addresses and hours of operation are available here.

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» October 9, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

Library meeting coming this Thursday in North Portland

This Thursday, October 11th will be another meeting to discuss possible sites for a new library for North Portland. The meeting is at 512 N Killingsworth at the Killingsworth library branch, upstairs. There will be four locations under discussion; three in Kenton and one in Portsmouth.

We want to be clear: we are not closing any of the other two branches currently in North Portland. We will keep the official North Portland library on Killingsworth and the St. Johns library. If you cannot make the meeting, please feel free to comment on our blog. Comments that have been emailed to Jeff or me have been kept and will be considered, thank you for those.

There will be a THIRD meeting on November 13th at the Historic Kenton Firehouse.
The locations to be discussed are here:Download file

Discuss: Library meeting coming this Thursday in North Portland

» October 9, 2007 - 4 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Upcoming meetings for the new library in North Portland

For immediate release

Contact:Karol Collymore, Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s Office (503.988.6786)
June Mikkelsen, Library Renovation Manager (503.988.3644)

Public meetings scheduled for discussion of new North Portland library in October and November

Portland, OR — Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and Director of Libraries Molly Raphael will host two upcoming public meetings to discuss potential sites for a new library in North Portland.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, October 11, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the North Portland Library, located at 512 N. Killingsworth St. This meeting will be moderated by Mike Verbout.

•Tuesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Historic Kenton Firehouse, located at 8105 N. Brandon St. Spanish language interpretation will be available at this meeting.

Read more and discuss: Upcoming meetings for the new library in North Portland

» October 2, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Library meeting update, more dates

There were about 30 people at the meeting about siting a new library for North Portland last Thursday night. It was a lively presentation, emceed by Mike Verbout. I'll provide the notes we took after the jump. We were lucky to have the property developers attend the meeting. Each developer gave enthusiastic support for their sites and talked about the positive aspects.

There will be two more meetings coming up around this siting. The next one will be Thursday, October 11th at the North Portland Library at 6pm. The final meeting will be Tuesday, November 13th at the Historic Kenton Firehouse at 6pm as well. Please join us for these meetings!

Read more and discuss: Library meeting update, more dates

» September 24, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

Possible sites for a new library in North Portland

As you've no doubt heard, a new library is coming to North Portland. To clarify, there are no plans at all to close the "Killingsworth" library - formally known as the North Portland library - or the St. Johns library. Our goal is to place a new library in the center of both existing libraries to provide more access to everyone.

If you clink on the "download file" link below, you will see what will be presented at the public library meetings. There are options for new library sites as well as explanations. TONIGHT, 9/20/07, there will be a public meeting at the University Park Community Center starting at 6pm. Jeff will be there, along with our library executive director, Molly Raphael. Please join us and feel free to share your thoughts on the sites on our website.

Download file

Discuss: Possible sites for a new library in North Portland

» September 19, 2007 - 9 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, News, North Portland, Top Stories

Free CFL light bulbs available at the Children's Book Fair

Jeff's staff will be at the North Portland Library's annual book fair, "Children's Book Fair: Do the Right Thing and READ!" giving away CFL light bulbs to our neighbors. We'll be there from 11am to 2pm. Bring your family, check out some great books and grab a few bulbs!

Great information about CFL's from Energystar:

Read more and discuss: Free CFL light bulbs available at the Children's Book Fair

» September 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Sustainability, Top Stories

Access an entire reference library on your desktop!

From the library:
Search hundreds of reference works from the library’s website

For 24/7 access from home or work to the very best informational resources available, check out the library’s newest collection of e-books: the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Offering over 1,400 of the most acclaimed reference books in print, this online collection makes it easy to consult many of the high-quality sources that previously were available only in print at Central Library.

Among the many searchable titles are the most recent editions of:

• College Blue Book
• Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
• Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History
• American Men and Women of Science
• Gale E-Commerce Sourcebook
• Literary Themes for Students

The Gale Virtual Reference Library provides authoritative information from digitized encyclopedias, almanacs and specialized reference sources. Visitors can search the entire collection by keyword or browse each volume using an interactive table of contents. Search results can even be translated into seven languages, including Spanish, Russian and Chinese.

To access the Gale Virtual Reference Library, visit the library’s Research website at www.multcolib.org/ref. All you need is a library card and a topic you’d like to learn more about.

Discuss: Access an entire reference library on your desktop!

» September 4, 2007 - 0 comments - Libraries, Top Stories

Library circulation leads the nation

Our library director Molly Raphael sent this along and we wanted to share it with you!
Multnomah County Library leads the nation in the following categories:

• Highest circulation of any U.S. library serving less than two million
• Highest circulation per capita among libraries serving a population of 250,000 and greater
• Highest circulation turnover rate (total circulation divided by holdings) among libraries serving a population of 500,000 and greater

Read more and discuss: Library circulation leads the nation

» August 28, 2007 - 0 comments - Libraries, Sidebar Alerts

The Road to Libraries are Paved With...Meetings!

There will be a new library coming to North Portland and residents are excited. We are referring to this project as the "New NOPO Library" to be as hip and/or as irritating as possible.

The first public meeting to get opinions and comments from our NOPO neighbors is September 20th at the University Park Community Center from 6pm to 8pm. It will be moderated by North Portland mainstay Mike Verbout, retired principal of James John Elementary.

You can also start talking about it now! What does your perfect library look like? What would it offer for the community? Where in North Portland would you site it?

We look forward to your comments!

Discuss: The Road to Libraries are Paved With...Meetings!

» August 23, 2007 - 4 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland

The work continues toward a new North Portland library

Many North Portland neighbors are looking forward to a new North Portland library. Currently, the 5th "quadrant" has are two great branches - St. Johns and North Portland - and needs another branch in the middle of these two locations. The levy passed in 2006 alloted funds for this new location and we are working hard to ensure this project happens in a timely manner.

Read more and discuss: The work continues toward a new North Portland library

» August 1, 2007 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories

The Libraries' Book Clubs

Last night I attended the St Johns Library book club and it was great. We read The Tortilla Curtain by TC Boyles. It's a fast paced book about illegal immigration in Southern California. The group is lead by the fantastic librarian, Nancy Arvesen. Our next book is Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.

Our libraries have great programs like this that bring residents together to have thoughtful chats and learn new things. I encourage you to check out the clubs at our libraries. Visit their website.

Discuss: The Libraries' Book Clubs

» July 12, 2007 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Events, Libraries, Neighborhoods

Portland Tribune writes about our new library

Neighborhood Briefs
The Portland Tribune, Jul 3, 2007

NORTH

Library sites scouted
Multnomah County still is collecting potential locations for a new North Portland library branch, which will be funded by the levy voters approved last November.

The county wants to enter a long-term lease at an office, retail, service or flex-space with between 5,000 and 7,500 square feet of contiguous space on a single-level ground floor. The space must be midway between the North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St., and St. Johns Library, 7510 N. Charleston Ave.

County Commissioner Jeff Cogen said community members have chimed in with suggestions; now, county leaders are sifting through the sites that could work and will bring them to neighbors for input in the fall.

The goal is to have the site ready by January 2009, when the money becomes available. Some of the potential sites so far include the old Ball School, where a senior housing project may have ground-floor retail space available; a space in downtown Kenton; and a TriMet development off North Interstate Avenue.

Discuss: Portland Tribune writes about our new library

» July 3, 2007 - 2 comments - Libraries, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts