Many of us are drawn to our public library simply for the pleasure of perusing the stacks for that next novel in which to lose ourselves, to pick up that eagerly awaited book on hold, or to engage our children in the joy of reading.
Yet public libraries have long been about much more than books. With everything from family storytimes, GED and homework help, to tax assistance, job coaching, and language and computer classes, libraries have become an essential resource for everyone in our community, regardless of location, race, or socioeconomic status.
What’s more, Multnomah County Library (MCL), which currently includes the downtown Central Library and 18 other branch, or neighborhood, libraries located regionally throughout the county, is also one of the largest arts educators…
