Closed September 17 for a Citywide Employee Event

Little Ones (Ages 0-5)

We support the development of early literacy skills for our youngest readers and their parents/caregivers. Our early childhood area and programming are designed to encourage the five early literacy practices of reading, talking, playing, singing and writing.

Visit us to enjoy our large selection of board books and picture books, or to play in our early childhood area complete with trains, blocks and a pretend market. Browse our collection of parenting books nearby or connect with other families in the community.

Explore our book recommendations for kids ages 0+ with our booklists. Discover upcoming events and useful information in our Preschool Newsletter.

Storytime

Fall Storytime Schedule:

Thursdays | 9/4 - 12/18 | 10-10:30am & 10:45-11:15am | The Hollow

+ Sundays 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, & 12/14 | 10:45-11:15am | The Hollow

Join us for stories, songs, and sign language that build early literacy skills. No registration required, but capacity is limited to the first 50 attendees. Intended for ages 0-5.

Would you like to know what to expect? Preview storytime with our Storytime Visual Story.

Prefer online? Go to our YouTube channel for stories, songs, and activities that promote early literacy skills.

Spanish Storytime

Wednesdays 9/3, 9/10, 9/24, 10/1 | The Hollow | 11 - 11:30 am

Join us for Spanish Storytime series of classes, presented by Adventures in Spanish! Our story times are a fun, engaging way to strengthen your child's Spanish skills! Whether you are just starting or continuing your language journey, come join us for a story and song filled time!

No registration required, but capacity is limited.

Book Buddies

2:00-2:30 pm | The Hollow

Practice reading with a book buddy! Young readers will be paired with a buddy to enjoy a story.

Sensory Processing: What Is It, and Why Is It Important?

Sunday September 28 | Community Room | 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Occupational Therapist Becky Bowen will discuss what sensory processing is, and how we can better recognize and support our children's sensory needs. Followed by a Q & A.

Registration recommended but not required: register here.

This program is funded in partnership with the State of Oregon's Ready to Read Grant.

About Becky

Heart Strings Mandarin

Tuesdays 10/7 - 10/28 | 11am | The Hollow

HEART STRINGS MANDARIN is an Early Childhood Mandarin Music and Movement Program for Children, curated by a bilingual language and music educator, with training in music therapy and qualifications as a mental health therapist. Join us for a series of thirty-minute programs specially designed for young learners. We will sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories. We welcome all levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers. Recommended for children five and under accompanied by their caregivers. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis; no registration required.

心弦中文是一个为儿童设计的幼儿中文音乐与律动课程。老师拥有音乐治疗的背景及心理治疗的资格。我们同时提供线上和实体课程。心弦中文的中文歌曲也在音乐平台上串流播放。

Book Babies

Book Babies is currently on break and will resume Wednesday, October 22.

Wednesdays | 11-11:30 am | The Hollow

Join us for a special storytime designed for babies and their caregivers! This interactive program promotes early literacy skills through sharing books, songs, sign language, and rhymes.

No registration required.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is the largest children’s literacy program in the world and provides a free book mailed to a child’s home monthly from birth up to age 5.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a self-paced early literacy program that encourages caregivers to read 1000 books with their child before they enter school. Reading to children builds vocabulary and language skills, and prepares them to enter kindergarten with many other needed skills for success. Any child age 6 or younger who has not yet entered kindergarten can register.

How do I participate?

Margaux Meganck, author/illustrator of People Are Wild at the StoryWalk with library staff

StoryWalk® at Fields Bridge Park!

The Library has teamed up with our Parks & Recreation Department to combine two of our favorite things: reading books and exploring the great outdoors! Together we invite you to the StoryWalk® at Fields Bridge Park.

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow