Portland District Library News

Ikebana

Delve into ikebana, the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, at the library this summer.  On July 18 at 10:00am, Liz Larwa and Terre Voegeli will be here to give some background on ikebana and lead you in creating your own arrangement.  Space is limited, so register now for a chance to become in tune with nature.  Ages 18 and up.

Lighter Than Air Mosaics

Mosaics are beautiful, but in the dog days of summer, who wants to lug around all that tile and rock and grout?  On August 18, pick up a Take-and-Make bag with all the supplies to make a beautiful mosaic out of colorful scrap paper.  Beautify your home and reduce waste with one art project!  Registration is required, ages 18 and up.

Children’s and Teen

LITTLES

MEOW! WOOF! MOO! Whiskers, wiggles, and animal sounds await at Tiny Tots. This summer’s baby-toddler storytime series is all about pets! 0-2 year olds and their caregivers will learn about furry friends and practice empathy skills as we care for little stuffed kittens. Join Miss Anna at the library every other Friday at 10:00 a.m. starting July 3. Want to try storytime at home? Grab one of our monthly caregiver packets and follow along to our videos! Registration begins Monday, June 15.

This summer, Book Cubs (ages 3-5) and their caregivers will go on a prehistoric adventure with Miss Jamie to discover the amazing world of dinosaurs. As junior paleontologists, we will explore many kinds of dinosaurs, their life cycles, and fossils. Stomp into the Storytime Room at 10:00 a.m. every other Wednesday from June 24 through August 19. Can't make it in person? Don't RAWRY about it, we've got you covered! Registration and Take-And-Make bags will be available beginning Monday, June 15.

Dive into a splash-filled storytime in the Children's Sensory Garden. Books & Blankets on Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m. is all about water play! Families will enjoy lively read-alouds followed by hands-on exploration in water sensory bins. Little ones aged 8 & under can scoop, pour, and splash while building their early literacy skills in a refreshing, story-filled adventure. Registration is required.

Explore dinosaur skeletons and fossils during this dino-riffic project for artists ages 5 & under! Pasta-saurus Time has your little one creating pasta portraits of everyone’s favorite dino, the T. rex. We’ll also explore fossils by creating our own Triceratops accordion books! Registration for Take-and-Make bags begins on Friday, July 24.

MIDDLES

Create your own light-up dino terrarium with Dinos After Dark! Design a habitat, add your dinos, and don’t forget your mini string lights to finish it off. Set it on a nightstand or hang it up to add some flair to your room! Middles, ages 6-12, can register for Take-and-Make bags starting Friday, July 10.

Calling all doodlers, storytellers, and creative chaos-makers! Scribble Press is the perfect place to mix art, writing, and personality. Each session you’ll explore new fun ways to make your own books, comics, and other paper creations. Ages 8–12 welcome! The last meeting of the summer will be Thursday, August 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Just bring your imagination!

In July we will travel back to the Stone Age and discover how early humans made one of the world’s oldest foods—bread! During Virtual STEM Club: Not Your Mama’s Bread, patrons ages 6-12 will grind grains, mix simple ingredients, and create their own prehistoric-style bread using supplies similar to those available during caveman times. Grab a Take-and-Make bag beginning Wednesday, July 15 and learn about ancient survival skills, early cooking methods, and the science behind baking in this fun and tasty hands-on history adventure.

Level up with Critical Hit Club! Challenge friends, discover new games, and hang out with fellow gamers aged 10–18. Whether you love board games, video games, or just trying something new, there’s a spot for you. Sign up at the Youth Desk and hop into this real life multiplayer lobby on Tuesday, July 28 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Bonus loot drop: free pizza!

TEENS

Teens-stop by TAB All Day! Drop in the Quiet Study room on Thursday, July 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Meet with Jamie to learn all about the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and share your ideas for making the library even better for teens. Whether you have suggestions for programs, collections, spaces, or events, we want to hear from YOU! Snacks are provided. Pop in anytime during the event. Bring a friend and help shape your library!

This summer Page Turners, PDL's teen (13-18) book club, is taking on "In the Blood" by April Henry: a suspense-filled thriller full of secrets, danger, and shocking twists.

This story follows Tess who was adopted as a newborn. After turning eighteen, she takes a DNA test hoping to find some answers. She discovers that her biological mother was raised in a religious cult and that her father is linked to the serial killer police call the Portland Phantom. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes.

Join us for snacks, discussion, theories, and lots of "I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING" moments as we ride this roller coaster of suspense together. Sign up at the Youth Desk, grab your free copy of the book, and prepare yourself for a chilling read!

Meetings are scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the library!

ALL AGES

Wednesday Watch is the place to be this summer! Cool off at the library while enjoying a family-friendly movie – snack on popcorn and other yummy treats – Wednesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. We’ll be showing “Bad Guys 2” on June 17, “Zootopia 2” on July 15, and “Hoppers” on August 12. No registration needed, simply drop in to enjoy the show!

Get ready for our greatest summer outing yet! Adventures on the Book Bike is coming to a park or neighborhood near you. We’ll be out on the town five days this summer: June 24, July 10, July 21, August 6, and August 18. See us? Say hi and you’ll get a free book (brand new!) to keep – we’ve got something for everyone in our stash. In the days before each outing, we’ll provide clues at the library and on Facebook letting you know how to find us. Part of the adventure for you is figuring out exactly when and where we’ll show up next!