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!
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 special Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian storytimes, plus a preschool sensory and a rainbow family storytime. If you time it right, you can even head over for a pajama or stuffies sleepover storytime in the evening. Check the library’s website for the right event for you.
Different counties and surrounding cities have their own library storytimes, including Washington County, Clackamas County and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries.
Green Bean Books, the adorable Portland children’s bookstore on NE Alberta, holds a storytime every Tuesday on their outdoor covered deck. They also offer a variety of special storytimes with authors and illustrators. Check out their website for upcoming events.
Sunrise Books on NE Fremont in Beaumont is a treasure trove for kids’ books, and they also offer two weekly storytimes catered to babies and toddlers. Check their website to view the calendar and catch special events.
Hammer and Jacks was voted best toy store in the 2023 PDX Parent Reader Favorites for good reason. In addition to its retail space, the SE Foster 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.
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.
Barnes and Noble. Several locations throughout the Portland area hold weekly storytimes at 10 or 11 a.m. For a quick look at the offerings, check out this link, or search by specific location.
Olive and Dingo are a beloved local clown duo who sing, tell stories and make balloon creations. They have two weekly storytime shows bound to get little ones excited — every Tuesday at Uplifted Boutique’s theater and every Friday at Hammer and Jacks. The cost is $5 per child, adults free.
Portland Early Learning Project 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, Sunrise Books, Lake Oswego Library, Ledding Library and Gladstone Library. Check their website for event details.
Therapeutic Storytime with Parkwood Clinic. To complement the speech and language therapy Parkwood provides, the clinic offers two free therapeutic storytime sessions to build language skills. Head to their Bridgeport clinic every Friday or Annie Bloom Books on the first Tuesday of every month for books, songs and music for all ages.
The Oregon Symphony (virtual). Can’t get out to your favorite venue? The Oregon Symphony has released three seasons of their popular Symphony Storytime for you to enjoy at your convenience. Each episode includes a narrated story paired with a musical accompaniment. Watch the whole series here.
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