Events & Classes

The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members). Have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.

Attendance is limited and free tickets are available 15 minutes before storytime.

Join us this summer for a Black Storytime series celebrating African and African American heritage and culture! Children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members) will have fun with books and stories, songs, a craft, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.

In honor of Juneteenth, come join Multnomah County Library for a screening of Kehinde Wiley's documentary An Economy of Grace! "The artist behind Barack Obama's presidential portrait, Kehinde Wiley is known for his larger-than-life classical paintings of Black men. In "An Economy of Grace," Wiley sets out to create his first portrait series centering Black women." This film is 40 minutes long.

Explore various techniques used by African/Black artists, while incorporating your own style.

Join you friendly Hollywood library staff as they teach you and your family to make a special craft celebrating Juneteenth! Supplies will be provided.

Come learn how to make your own beaded bracelet, try free-style painting, and enjoy the experience of henna. Make connections with the community in Capitol Hill! All ages are welcome to this first-come, first-served event.

Celebrating Juneteenth and Black resilience. The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members). Have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.

Join us for a special Black Family Storytime celebrating Juneteenth, art and culture! Children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult and other family members), will have fun with books and stories, songs, a craft, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment.

Kids Junk Orchestra players make rhythms and music on whatever surface they can think of — drums, bongos, buckets, body percussion, and even pots and pans!

Newel Briggs sings folk songs accompanied by his guitar, mandolin and banjo. Raised by his grandparents, the first people in his family to be born free, Newel’s grandma sang songs such as “Loop de Loo,” “Miss Mary Mac,” “Ham Bone” and “Shortnin’ Bread.” Learn about the history behind the songs and the evolution of African American music through his stories. 

Portland’s favorite clown is back with a storytime that is a culturally creative blend of picture books infused with sounds and activities for all.

Participation is encouraged, and all ages are welcome!

Play and learning go hand in hand. Join other Black families in a fun playtime at the library with books, toys, music, and all the room you need to learn through play in a positive, affirming environment. As Mr. Rogers said, "... for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Explore various techniques used by African/Black artists, while incorporating your own style, led by artist Auzurea Caples.