There are so many options for exposing your kids to good books in Portland. Our local libraries have an incredible selection of storytimes — you can go every day of the week if you like! Many local retail shops and community organizations offer storytimes, too, and unless otherwise noted, they don’t cost a thing. Below is our comprehensive compilation of all things story — enjoy!
Multiple Locations
Multnomah County Library storytimes. Our local library system excels at storytime. Each session typically includes stories, bubbles, songs and some play time. These are separated out roughly by age – but feel free to go to whichever one works for you and your family. In addition, the library has culturally appropriate storytimes for BIPOC families (including storytimes presented in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian), plus a preschool sensory and a rainbow family storytime. If you time it right, you can even head over for a pajama storytime in the evening and outdoor family storytime in the summer.
Different counties and surrounding cities have their own library storytimes, including Washington County, Clackamas County and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries.
Adventures in Spanish — 2024 PDX Parent Readers Favorites winner for Best Foreign Language Class/Camp and Best After-school Class/Camp — offers free, interactive Spanish-language storytimes at libraries and bookstores around the Portland area to help kids learn and practice Spanish. Participating venues include Linda Letra Bilingual Books, Green Bean Books, Musical Monsters and Musikry Labs, plus Lending, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Wilsonville and Cedar Mills libraries.
Barnes and Noble. Several locations throughout the Portland area hold weekly storytimes. For a quick look at the offerings, search by specific location.
Northeast Portland
Green Bean Books, the adorable Portland children’s bookstore on NE Alberta, holds storytime on the covered patio on Tuesdays at 11 am. The Alberta bookstore also has additional storytimes like Spanish-language readings and themed events.
Sunrise Books on NE Fremont in Beaumont is a treasure trove for kids’ books, and they also offer weekly storytimes catered to babies and toddlers, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings respectively.
Southeast Portland
Hammer and Jacks, the beloved children’s store also has an events venue. View the calendar to discover a fun selection of storytimes, including weekly events with Olive and Dingo and Literacy Lady PDX.
At Maggie Mae’s Bookstore in Gresham, kiddos can read to Louie the therapy dog every other Thursday afternoon. While not technically a storytime, kiddos will love practicing their reading skills to this adorable and patient therapy dog.
Downtown
Powells Books. The City of Books wouldn’t be complete without a storytime! Powell’s downtown location has theirs every Saturday at 10:30 am. Check the events calendar to see what’s on the lineup – including special events with visiting authors.
Virtual
The Oregon Symphony (virtual). Can’t get out to your favorite venue? The Oregon Symphony has released four seasons of their popular Symphony Storytime for you to enjoy at your convenience. Each episode includes a narrated story paired with a musical accompaniment.
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