Library News

March is Reading Month 

Celebrate March is Reading Month with us! We have a special challenge for all of our patrons this year: library bingo! Pick up a board from the library starting March 1, complete as many squares as you can during the month, and return it to the library by 8:00 p.m. on April 1. For each bingo (five squares in a row) you earn, you’ll be entered to win a Barnes & Noble gift card! We will have a winner for each of our age categories: Littles, Middles, Teens, and Adults! On top of bingo, everybody in the family can guess how many bookworm candies are in our jar for a chance to win this sweet treat!

Tassel Time Wreath

Yarn isn’t just for knitting anymore! We can show you a craft that uses yarn and wooden embroidery hoops to make a fun and funky tassel wreath. Register anytime, and pick up your take-and-make bag on March 20th. There are only 12 spots available for ages 16+. 

For the Love of Food

Our ongoing adult food appreciation program returns this spring for more food enjoyment.  In March we will share dishes made with citrus.  Bring your kitchen creations March 27 at 6:00 p.m.  Don't forget a copy of your recipe!

Leaf and Blossom

Do you want to submit a piece to Portland Creates but you aren’t sure what to make?  Then this take-and-make bag is for you.  Beginning April 1, pick up everything you need to create your own watercolor painting of springtime trees.  Will your trees contain an effusion of pink blossoms, or will you feature newly unfurled green leaves?  The choice is yours!  Ages 15 and up.

Portland Creates

Have fun creating an original masterpiece, and have it displayed at the Portland District Library! Artists ages 6 and older can submit artwork of all types--paintings, drawings, sculptures, photos, and more. The submission period runs April 1 through April 20, and the artwork will be on display May 1 - 25. Be sure to come in to vote for your favorites! Stop by the library to pick up the rules and submission forms, and join us for this year’s fun.

Children’s and Teen

Tiny Tots 

Miss Theresa is counting the days until the next sensory storytime for Tiny Tots (ages 2 & under). It's all about numbers! On the count of 3, we will read a story and sing songs. In-person storytime at the library will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, and May 31. Virtual options are also available, with new sensory items for all to take home; register beginning March 11. Tiny Tots are #1! Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Book Cubs

Book Cubs and Caregivers, jump into spring with Miss Jamie to explore everything from rainbows to gardens to butterflies and bees. This quarter we will begin offering a hybrid of in-person and virtual storytimes. Pop into the library on Wednesday April 10, April 24, May 8, and May 22 at 10:00 a.m. Registration for virtual storytime will begin Monday, March 11. New Take-And-Make bags available every other week from March - May. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person storytime.

Virtual STEM Club: Lava Lamps 

Lava lamps are always "in", and for this month’s project, we are going to make our own using oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets. Registration for Virtual STEM Club: Lava Lamps Take-and-Make bags begins Wednesday, March 20. This program is recommended for ages 6-12, requires parental supervision, and is limited to 35 patrons.

Barks For Books 

Thanks to our new partners at Love On A Leash, Barks for Books is back this spring! Our furry friend Reagan will be at the library on Saturday, April 6 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 18 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Readers, ages 6-12, can sign up for a 15-minute time slot to practice their reading aloud; this improves communication skills while also building self-confidence. Added bonus: every patron that reads to Reagan gets to pick a bookmark or sticker to take home, AND they are also entered to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card (we draw a winner every quarter)!

Teen Advisory Board Meeting March 

Teens, warmer weather is right around the corner and we need your help to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. T.A.B., Portland District Library's Teen Advisory Board, is meeting Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. to do just that by redecorating the Teen Room! Already a member? Great! Come on in and lend a hand. Not a member? No problem! Simply make your way down to the Youth Desk to sign up. All teens, ages 13-18, welcome. Need another reason to join? Snacks will be provided.