Staff picks

Recommendations from Multnomah County Library staff.

From January through March 2025, we'll be reading Solito and exploring themes of migration, El Salvador, coming-of-age, families and found families and culture. Read the book and join us at an event or discussion, beginning January 2025. Literary Arts hosts "An Evening with Javier Zamora" on March 11, 2025.

Escape the 24 hour news cycle with these books about calm, focus and gathering energy.

Whether you just need a general guide to voting or you're looking for a deep dive into the history of how democratic elections are conducted, you'll find the information you need here.

A selection of books about Indigenous childbirth, raising and educating children, motherhood, and parenting found at MCL. Includes non-fiction, memoirs, and a number of children's books relaying parents hopes and dreams for their children.

Nonfiction for middle and high schoolers about the history of voting, political and social movements, and how to get involved.

From local to presidential elections, discover how elections work, who can vote, and the history of voting in the United States of America.

Trees are complex systems, and so much more than a product to be harvested. Check out some of these titles and you'll realize that everyday is Arbor Day.

African Americans have deep historical connections to the West and their stories are often overlooked. Here is a deep dive into these stories and histories. -- Jem J.

Mark Black History Month 2024 by exploring these titles for young readers focused on African Americans in the arts. 

-Alicia T.

Whether you’re connecting with your little one, a younger sibling, or babysitting for a friend’s child, starting a new project together can be just the thing to bridge generations. These titles are an invitation to your inner child to let your imagination run free right alongside your junior companion’s.

Memoirs, novels, documentaries, and dramas capture a range of creative processes.

Whether it's racially coded language like dog-whistles around "the woke agenda" or "the great replacement theory" or overt messaging, it's important to understand how language is used to communicate, manipulate, obfuscate and ultimately, wield power.

Help yourself to this smorgasbord of self help books. These titles explore an array of topics from plant medicine to the importance of prioritizing rest.

Hip-hop turns 50 in August. On Aug. 11, 1973, Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc, played at a New York City block party and was credited with starting the music genre. Explore the history of hip-hop with these titles.

This list celebrates an exhibition from the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University, a My Discovery Pass partner. 

Nonfiction books for preschoolers to middle schoolers about and including LGTBQ+ individuals.

Explore the experiences and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaii'ans and Pacific Islanders in these nonfiction books for grades K-8.

In March, celebrate Women's History Month with these titles representing the many and diverse voices of women.

Cooking is a great way for even young children to practice measuring, counting, and estimating, and these picture books include recipes you can make together. Early math skills are linked with higher reading and test scores later in life, and cooking is an easy way to show kids that math can be fun. Celebrate March Mathness with books, baking and cooking!