Early Learning Action Team (ELAT)
Early Childhood staff
- Angela Stinson, Early Childhood/Intergenerational Program Specialist (parent outreach, e.g WIC, jails, shelters), Youth Learning, 503.988.5543
- Carla Davis, BCC Youth Librarian (Every Child a Reader), Youth Learning, 503.988.5206
- Delia Palomeque Morales, Bilingual Spanish Program Specialist (Listos), Youth Development, 503.988.4503
- Lauren Reese, Clerk, Youth Learning, 503.988.4192
- Lucy Iraola, Bilingual Spanish Early Childhood Librarian (Every Child a Reader), Youth Learning, 503.988.4482
- Martha Lillie, Library Outreach Specialist (Childcare Book Delivery Service; Reach Out and Read; New Parent Literacy Kits), Youth Learning, 503.988.5542
- Natasha Forrester Campbell, Early Childhood Services Librarian, Youth Development, 971.278.6811
Services, programs and other resources
For Childcares
Child Care Book Delivery
We deliver quality children’s picture books to family childcare homes and social service agencies serving children birth-5 years old. To ensure that children in family child care homes are surrounded by great books, we loan tubs of picture books to full-day family child care homes, and other sites that work with young children. Quarterly, we visit each site to exchange the tub with a new set of books. We no longer serve large child care centers, but are adding service to the small, high-needs providers through a books by mail pilot. Contact Martha Lillie and Lauren Reese at 503.988.5542 or library.bookdelivery@multcolib.org
Early literacy classes for child care & education providers
Classes designed to help providers plan fun early literacy activities daily for their children. Topics include language development, brain development, and working with children learning English as a second language. Classes taught at the library can be found searching our website for "Every Child programs for educators" or search for them in Event Finder using keywords "Early Words". For offsite classes and more information contact Natasha Forrester Campbell at 971.278.4506.
Every Child A Reader (ECAR)
A program designed to encourage parents to read to their children at home. Working with community partners, we provide bags of books for their families to share at home together. We provide information about the importance of five simple practices - reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing every day. This program is funded by The Library Foundation and available to eligible partners by invitation only. Contact Lucy Iraola at lucyi@multco.us or Carla Davis at carlad@multco.us.
Other childcare resources
For Families
Early literacy support for parents
We partner with community organizations to offer early literacy classes for parents of young children. Classes are offered in a variety of settings including teen parent programs, correctional facilities, shelters, and WIC. Parents learn fun, easy ways to support their child's language development, in a safe and supportive environment. Contact Early Childhood and Family Support Specialist Angela Stinson at angelas@multco.us
New Parent Literacy kits (aka first baby gift)
New parents receive two gifts! In addition to their brand new baby, new parents receive a gift from the library. The gift invites parents to bring their babies to the library and includes information on early brain development, an application for baby's first library card, a new board book, and a coupon for another free book at any Multnomah County library. Parents may receive this after giving birth, adopting or fostering an infant. If a new parent didn't receive a packet and lives in Multnomah County, call or email Martha Lille (503.988.5542 or library. bookdelivery@multco.us) with their contact information.
Reach Out and Read
When children from birth to age 5 go to county and school-based health clinics for routine health visits and immunizations, they receive a free book from the library and their parents receive a "prescription" to read books together several times a day. For more information, visit the national Reach Out and Read website, or contact Martha Lillie at 503.988.5542 or library.bookdelivery@multco.us
Other Resources
Storytime bags
Zoom Bags (English) for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are available for checkout at six libraries: Central, Gresham, Midland, Hollywood, Hillsdale, and Holgate, or can be placed on hold for pick-up at any library location. The bags help providers, educators, and parents create an entire learning experience around a central theme. The preschool and toddler theme bags include several picture books and an activity sheet with more ideas to extend the theme. Baby bags are based on baby's age, not themes, and include books for parents, too.
Leyendo Aprendo, Spanish language theme bags, for families are available at Kenton, Midland, Rockwood, St. Johns, and Troutdale libraries.
Contact Kate Carter at katec@multco.us with questions.
Every Child: Read, Talk, Sing, Write, Play : rhyme books and parent flyers in five languages, and early literacy posters in English and Spanish, with art by Mike Austin
Order using the Every Child materials form. Also available on the same form
- New parent books -- board books for parents who turn in voucher from the New Parent Literacy packet
- New parent literacy kits-- can be given to new parents at the branch or during outreach visits. Each packet contains a My Library board book, library card registration, early literacy tip sheet, and a voucher for a free board book.
- My Library Books -- created by The Library Foundation and designed to introduce children to the library. Board books for children 0-2 and paperbacks for children 3-5. Great for outreach visits and handing out at storytimes.
Early Childhood Programs -- spreadsheet with childcares, preschools and head starts