Parents > Parent¹s Guide to Multnomah County Library

Parent's Guide to Multnomah County Library

kids using computer

All children have two wonderful resources for learning: imagination and curiosity. Parents are always trying to answer their children's endless "How?" and "Why?" questions. Fortunately, libraries and librarians can help parents answer these questions, send kids on wondrous adventures, and provide them with the resources they need to learn and grow.

Welcome to Multnomah County Library! Here are answers to some questions you may have about libraries, along with suggestions for helping children become lifelong learners and library users.

What does Multnomah County Library offer my family?

Multnomah County Library offers much more than books. Visit for learning and free entertainment in books and movies, music and live programs. You will find items for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and teenagers.

Multnomah County libraries have:

areas for children and teens with age-appropriate programs, books and other library materials to take home.
a summer reading game, storytimes, book discussions, workshops and shows for young people. Programs such as these help kids learn to enjoy libraries and use them for information and entertainment.
computers that are reserved for children and loaded with educational games. Filtered Internet searches from library computers in our children's areas provide access to educational links and general information to satisfy a child's curiosity and interest in the world.
award-winning websites just for children and teens. Access activities, booklists and other resources for kids, as well as resources especially for teens. Homework Center offers links to librarian-reviewed websites on K-12 homework-related subjects.
resources for parents. Check out books, magazines, videos and DVDs, programs and web pages especially of interest to parents. Booklists like Babies Love Libraries and Books to Read Aloud introduce items for your family.

How do librarians at Multnomah County Library work with children?

Multnomah County Library staff are always happy to help you locate things to read that match your family's interests, tastes and needs. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Librarians and library assistants are trained to help you locate specific books, books on a particular subject, or books for a particular age group.

In addition to answering your questions in person, librarians also create booklists and websites to guide your search for answers. Library employees lead storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and they develop programs appropriate for the children in their communities. They visit neighborhood schools, and they help educators find materials and resources to enhance their lessons.

How do librarians at Multnomah County Library select books and other materials?

The majority of books and other materials selected have been reviewed and recommended by professional librarians or reviewers. Criteria may include popular demand, literary or artistic merit, and information value. The recommendation of book discussion groups or a library user's request may also generate a purchase. Selection is an inclusive process, where librarians seek materials that will provide a broad range of viewpoints and subject matter.

Multnomah County Library provides books and other materials to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the people of Multnomah County. Multnomah County Library upholds the principles of intellectual freedom and the public's right to know by providing people of all ages with access and guidance to information, books and other materials that reflect many points of view. This means that, while the library has thousands of items families want, like and need, it also has materials that some parents may find offensive or inappropriate for their children.

How can I help my child make the best use of the library?

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what books, other library materials, and level of Internet access are appropriate for their children or teenagers. Your participation in selecting and sharing books with your child is very important.

We encourage parents to help their children and teenagers select library resources in keeping with their family values. Multnomah County Library supports your right to choose books and other library materials for yourself and your family.

Children age 12 and under are offered filtered access to the Internet. Teens age 13-17 have a choice of filtered or unfiltered access. You can make a different filtering choice for your child or teen by coming to the library with your child¹s library card or card number and completing an Internet filtering choice form. We encourage you to spend time with your child online to develop a better understanding of what's on the Internet and how your child is using it.

As the person responsible for your child, it's important for you to know that:

All library materials are available to library users of any age.
The library may contain books and other materials that some parents find inappropriate for their own children and teenagers.
Young people mature at different rates, and readers' tastes, values and philosophies vary. You know your children best and can best decide what library materials are appropriate for them.
The library respects the privacy of all library users, no matter their age. We do not give out information about titles of books checked out, number of books overdue or titles of books overdue, except to those who are able to provide the borrower's library card or library card number.
A library card allows a library user to access computer resources, including the Internet. We encourage parents to discuss with their children and teenagers the types of Internet searches that are in keeping with their family's values. We support your right and responsibility to make Internet filtering choices for your child. To help make an informed decision, read Multnomah County Library's Parent's Guide to Filters & the Internet, available free from any library location or on the library website.

Ten tips for families using the library

Establish a family routine of going to the library on a regular basis. Visiting the library with your children, once a week or once a month, encourages them to use the library both for learning and pleasure and teaches them how to find what they need.
Allow your kids to explore the library. Children and teens are naturally attracted to materials intended for them. They are generally not attracted to materials that are too advanced for their reading or maturity levels. By asking questions and learning to find their own answers, young people learn to think for themselves, to compare and contrast differing opinions, and to analyze what they see and hear.
Ask your librarian for suggestions about materials that are appropriate for your child's age, maturity level, knowledge and interests. Read books and brochures that review materials for children or teens. Review this information yourself to determine if it is what you think your child may like or need. While librarians and resource lists can provide guidance, you know your child and family needs best.
Discuss your family rules regarding library use with your children. If you are concerned they will not respect your wishes, it is your responsibility to visit the library with them or monitor their use of the library's remote services.
You may decide to encourage older children to visit the library alone. When you can't go along, show an interest in what your children bring home from the library. Have a special shelf for library materials and take time to familiarize yourself with their borrowed items. Praise their independence and responsibility for caring for library materials and returning them on time.
If you feel an item is inappropriate for your child, take the opportunity to express your views and provide guidance. When you return the material, simply ask library staff to help you find something else from among the many choices available.
Be aware that many young people seek information from libraries on very serious personal issues they may be embarrassed or afraid to discuss with an adult. A factual library book, unlike hearsay from friends, can ease their fears or even keep them safe from harm. Remember that just because a child is reading or viewing something doesn't mean that he or she is participating in it or approves of it. If you have a concern, take this opportunity to discuss it with your child.
Be a role model for library use. While your child is browsing, look for books, magazines, music and movies for yourself! Nothing teaches children better than seeing you use and enjoy the wide range of materials available.
Get to know your librarians. Their expertise can help you and your children get the most out of the library.
Ask for the item you want. If the library doesn't already own it,library staff may be able to locate similar materials, borrow it from another library, or purchase it.

For more information about how your library can meet your family's needs, talk to your youth librarian.