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.

In honor of Juneteenth, join Multnomah Library at University of Oregon for a film 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.

Join us at Capitol Hill for Freedom Fridays this Juneteenth season!

Today, we're adorning ourselves in Freedom and celebrating heritage. In this craft, staff will lead children in making African style necklaces, while learning about the history of Juneteenth.

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.

Have you ever stopped to watch those creatures that scurry around in your yard or fly past you? Those are bugs and insects, nature's tiny superheroes! For every one person on Earth, there are about 200 million bugs! They come in all colors and shapes, with some cool stories to tell.

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.

This Juneteenth, freedom rings in the air! Come join us at Capitol Hill for Freedom Fridays!

Today, we'll do a fun filled craft, making wings to help you soar through the world. In this craft children will decorate wings while learning about the history of Juneteenth.

Join us for a special program commemorating Juneteenth, where we'll explore the history of our heritage through the art of collage. Through the creative process, we'll reflect on the many instances through American history where Black people fought for the rights, justice and freedoms that many Americans enjoy today but that are still often denied to the majority of Black Americans .

Join us for a special Black Family Storytime 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.

Celebrate Juneteenth by watching film at the Rockwood Library! Where the Heart Is and Reviving the Black Head Nod by local photographer, filmmaker, and educator Elijah Hasan. Hasan has emerged as one of the region's most daring and innovative artists. His work knows no boundaries or genres, as he moves between documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking. Join us for this 1 hour screening, and staff-led discussion.

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!

Stones, Bones, and Black-Eyed Peas presents: Juneteenth Food, Texas Style! Join chef and owner of Finer Things Events and Catering, Michelle Guinn, with her daughter, Sable Askew and take a trip back into history. Enjoy a cooking demonstration of Great Uncle Nolan’s all-meat Texas chili, red drink, and homemade vanilla ice cream celebrating freedom and foods cooked and beloved by African American culinary connoisseurs. 

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!

Children of all ages are invited to this series of silly, goofy, wacky Storytimes filled with songs, crafts, and stories! Come with your clothes on backwards or with your best kooky hair, however you want to show up is more than welcome. Weather permitting, Silly Storytime will be held on the lawn outside the Multnomah County Library at University of Oregon pop-up; otherwise they'll be inside.

It's Freedom Friday, and we're celebrating Juneteenth!

Today at Capitol Hill, staff will lead a special arts program to honor the season and teach kids the history of Juneteenth.

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

Please join us for a crafty afternoon to celebrate Juneteenth! There will be button making, a zine station, and a scavenger hunt for all ages!

Children of all ages are invited to this series of silly, goofy, wacky Storytimes filled with songs, crafts, and stories! Come with your clothes on backwards or with your best kooky hair, however you want to show up is more than welcome. Weather permitting, Silly Storytime will be held on the lawn outside the Multnomah County Library at University of Oregon pop-up; otherwise they'll be inside.