A key part of our Library’s mission is to reach under-served children and families in our community. Donations to the Library Foundation provide more hours every month for this vital work beyond what the library’s budget funds.
Wilsonville’s Outreach Librarian provides treasured services to children and their families. She acquaints them with programs inside and outside our library. The Foundation helps ensure that more children will be better prepared for school and learn about all their library has to offer.
The Library’s work helps strengthen our community’s families in a number of ways:
-
At Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
Librarians build family literacy skills with moms and their children through songs, stories, and family activities. On their release, moms receive sturdy book bags, participation certificates, and more books to build their own libraries.
The Foundation funds two monthly book clubs for Adults in Custody. Club membership is limited and there is always a waiting list for these coveted spots. Two volunteers facilitate the book clubs. They create book lists with input from the club members. The library reviews the list and orders the books.
-
At Childcares and Preschools
Librarians provide local centers with books and library resources. They also teach classes for child care providers to strengthen their skills in early literacy and increase awareness of library services for families.
-
In English Conversation Groups and Classes, and Dual Language Community Resources
The Library provides bilingual presentations and organizes library programs for families to share their heritage and diverse experiences.
-
FIND BOOKS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Our Outreach staff stock bookshelves for families using services at Wilsonville Community Sharing, Heart of the City, and at low-income apartment complexes.
In 2021 the Foundation begins fundraising to expand the number of Little Free Libraries in Wilsonville. This program promotes neighborhood free book exchanges for all ages. More info about this great program here.
– Patrick Duke, Wilsonville Public Library Director