Hidden Treasures: More than Books at your Local Library!
Michele Coppola
50plus Magazine
Sure, your local library is a great place for books, music, movies, kids’ storytimes or learning/using a computer. But did you know it’s also a place where you can learn a language, borrow an air fryer, join in group game nights, find your family roots, or try out a robo-cat?
And that’s just the beginning! Your library card is a veritable treasure map of free items, services and events. Following is a snapshot of some of the bounty offered through local library systems.
SALEM LIBRARY
Marion County readers who like to get social have several book clubs to choose from at Salem-area branches. They even offer “book club kits” that include 10 copies of a book to help start your own group! School-age grandkids will enjoy Tinker Tech Tuesdays, where they’ll have unlimited access to science, tech games and toys, Lego parties, and Read-To-A-Pet events. Classes to learn English, CPR, and various craft skills are regularly available as well. Grandparents and parents of teens will love this: the Salem library regularly hosts “Adulting 101”, a drop-in event where teenagers learn life skills like how to find housing, manage money and job hunting. Details cityofsalem.net/community/library or 503 588 6315.
EUGENE LIBRARY
Parents and grandparents, the three branches offer storytimes for kids of all ages, including some where attendees come in pajamas! Also on tap: family and teen movie and game nights, arts & crafts for kids and adults, “book club in a box,” language classes and memoir-writing workshops. There’s also a large “Library of Things” to borrow. The library participates in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, so your child under five may be eligible to receive free books each month. Details eugene-or.gov/4422/Eugene-Public-Library or 541 682 5450.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY
Tech and computer help and tutoring, especially for job seekers, is a specialty of the 19-branch Multnomah County library system, and help is available at various times in several languages. Other riches include book clubs, language classes, trivia nights, even arts & crafts supplies and instructions to take home. And how about this treasure: your library card gives you access to the Discovery Pass, providing free admission to many local attractions, parks, and events such as the Portland Columbia Symphony, Rose City Rollers, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center Stage and more. Details multcolib.org or 503 988 5123.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Residents of PDX west side are blessed with one of the state’s most active and exciting library systems. In addition to books, movies and music, the 16 branches have a “Library of Things” you can check out that includes over 2000 items, including, to name a few: small kitchen appliances, cake decorating kits, tools, toys, sewing machines, musical instruments, board games and outdoor games like badminton. You can even temporarily adopt a robotic companion cat! Regular library events include movie nights, game nights, arts & crafts, citizenship classes, genealogy help, Nintendo tournaments, memoir writing workshops, repair fairs, and the “Age Café,” where you can join others to discuss issues and share resources surrounding aging and disability. Your WCCLS library card also helps you launch headlong into summer with the Adventure Pass which provides free admission to popular area attractions and parks. Details wccls.org or your local branch.
CLACKAMAS COUNTY
The Gladstone and Oak Grove branches offer something truly unique: a Seed Library! You can “check out” vegetable and flower seeds for planting while they last. LINCC also has a large Library of Things (get that karaoke machine for your next cookout!) and treats cardholders to the Cultural Pass, which provides free admission to area events and attractions, including the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville. Details LINCC.org or your local branch.