Updated by Kate Hagan Gallup
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 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 specific 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 apajama 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 offers free, interactive Spanish-language story and playtime events at libraries and bookstores around the Portland area to help kids learn and practice Spanish. Participating venues include Oak Lodge Library, Green Bean Books, Ledding Library, Cedar Mill Library, and Wilsonville Library.
Barnes and Noble. Several locations throughout the Portland area (including Vancouver and Salem) hold weekly storytimes. For a quick look at the offerings, search by specific location.
Northeast and North 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. Pro tip: If you can’t make it to the store, check out their virtual storytime events online.
Dubbed “Portland’s oldest independent children’s bookstore,” the cozy A Children’s Place Bookstore has a weekly storytime and music session on Fridays at 10:30 am.
Bard Storytime is a weekly event from the team at Wonderwood Springs. Free for all ages, join Gerard “The Bard” Bardler and enjoy the art of Mike Bennett at this event supported by the Twin Rivers Books every Saturday at 11 am.
Southeast Portland
At Maggie Mae’s Bookstore in Gresham, kiddos ages 1-6 can participate in storytime every first and third Saturday. And for older kids, there is middle grade book club.
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 theevents calendar to see what’s on the lineup – including special events with visiting authors.
BOLD Coffee & Books. Coffee for parents and storytime for the kids? Yes, please. BOLD Coffee & Books offers story hours on scheduled Saturdays at 11 am. Each storytime typically lasts for 30 minutes, and features a different story leader and theme. Check the events calendar for specifics.
Vancouver
White Oak Books offers a monthly story time. (Check the events calendar.) This is a free event great for families with children 5 and under. No registration required!
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.