Library News

Snow Buddy

Get crafty and cozy! Design a tiny snowman out of clay and place it in a jar for a fun, wintry keepsake that's sure to melt hearts. Ages 18 & up. Registration is required. Bags can be picked up beginning January 15.

Tangled Hearts

This project will really tug on your heartstrings! Use nails and string to design your own heart-shaped masterpiece - perfect for decoration or as a handmade gift. This program is for ages 18+. Please register in advance. Take-and-make bags will be ready for pickup starting January 30.

Paint with Tape on Canvas 

Use tape to design bold, geometric art on canvas. No experience needed, all supplies provided. February 10 at 6:30 p.m. Ages 16+, registration is required. 

Children’s and Teen

LITTLES

Messy Makers is back for two more adventures at the library this winter! Curious explorers, ages 5 & under, along with their caregivers are invited to dig, squish, swirl, and splatter their way through sensory stations blanketing our Storytime Room. Dress for a mess on Mondays January 19 and February 23 starting at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required!

Zip your zippers and button your buttons at storytime this winter with Miss Anna! Tiny Tots (ages 2 & under) and their caregivers will be practicing life skills and learning all about getting dressed with silly songs and clothing-themed sensory activities. Storytime at the library will be every other Friday at 10:00 a.m. starting January 9. Want to try storytime from your own home? Grab one of our monthly Caregiver Packets and follow along to our videos! Registration begins Monday, December 15.

Join Miss Jamie this winter for Big Feelings, Big Fun!, Book Cubs (3-5) storytime about exploring emotions through stories, songs, and play! We’ll giggle, wiggle, and discover that every one of our feelings—big or small—are all ok! Come on down to the Storytime Room at 10:00 a.m. every other Wednesday beginning January 14 through February 25. Don't be sad if you can't attend in person, be happy and join us virtually! Registration and Take-And-Make bags will be available at the Youth Desk beginning Monday, December 15.

Bring the snowy magic inside with Snow Shaker! Littles, ages 5 & under, will color, glue, and put all the parts together to build a paper plate snow globe. Take-and-Make bag registration will start on Wednesday, January 21.

MIDDLES

Cards, consoles, and chaos! Jump into Critical Hit Club to challenge friends, conquer games, and level up your skills—fun is guaranteed! This club is perfect for gamers aged 10 and up and brings together board game strategists, video game champions, and everyone in between. Sign up at the Youth Desk to join the next club hangout on Monday, February 2 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Pizza dinner will be provided!

How far do you think you can get a straw rocket to fly? Our experiment launches Wednesday, January 21 when Virtual STEM Club: Blast Off! Rocket Launcher Take-and-Make bags become available. Using straws, construction paper, and other supplies patrons 6-12 will build a rocket and launcher, and see how great a distance the rockets will fly!

Middles patrons (ages 6-12) can get creative and go round-and-round crafting a colorful mobile made from paper circles and string! Pick up a Circle-tastic Mobiles Take-and-Make bag at the Youth Desk beginning Friday, February 13 and start crafting your own hanging masterpiece.  

TEENS

Get ready for cozy kitchen vibes—without turning on the oven! In Scent from the Oven, January's in-person Teen Art Hour, teens will create baked-good–inspired candles that smell like warm cookies, fresh pastries, and sugary treats. Mix, pour, and customize your own dessert-themed candle for the ultimate cozy glow. Register now for this program that will take place on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Space is limited to 10 teens (13-18), so save your spot and get ready to craft something deliciously delightful!

Tear it, scribble it, paste it, and self-publish it. Ink it Up is a zine-making workshop for creatives aged 13-18. Whether you love writing, drawing, or collaging, this is your chance to craft your own books from start to finish. Together we’ll learn about DIY zine culture, walk through book making techniques, and fill the pages however we like. The Ink it Up workshop will be Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sign up at the Youth Desk to reserve your spot. 

ALL AGES:

Make your winter season a little brighter with Portland District Library’s Winter Reading Program starting Saturday, December 20! We invite everyone in the family – Littles, Middles, Teens, & Adults – to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the comfort of a good book during the colder months. Participation is easy: decide between using our virtual reading tracker Beanstack or pick up a traditional paper tracker at the library. Read what you want, when you want, just make sure to log your minutes! Finish a level – get entered to win a grand prize, finish the program – win a completion prize! Program will run until Saturday, January 31.