The Library Foundation and Multnomah County Library work together to determine where private funds can be leveraged to have the greatest impact. We also work to raise visibility for the library's importance in our community, bolstering public support for a strong, lasting library system. Last year, our support allowed the library to reach more than 145,000 of our county's most vulnerable children
and adults. We focus on initiatives that reach those in our community who face serious literacy risks, such as poverty or language barriers. Our work demonstrates what a small, determined nonprofit can achieve in partnership with a strong library. Simply stated, it is a stronger, better-educated, more vibrant community. This vision defines what we do, guides our principal efforts, and solidifies our commitment to:
Support Literacy
We expand the library’s work with the hardest-to-reach and most-at-risk in our community, taking books and effective programs directly into the lives of thousands of children, parents, grandparents, childcare providers and educators. Promote Arts and Culture
The library is a hub of arts and culture—showcasing regional talent, exhibiting book arts, offering classes and programs in partnership with local arts organizations and schools. By offering events and educational opportunities for free, the library makes a profound impact on our community’s cultural vibrancy. Build Collections
Everyone should have access to books. Donations to the foundation help purchase books for a wide range of literacy programs that reach deep into our community. Last year, the foundation helped to purchase nearly 90,000 books for children and adults. Fund Buildings
The Library Foundation's first project raised private support for the renovation and preservation of our beautiful Central Library, completed in 1997. Since that time, we've helped finance branch renovations in several neighborhoods, most recently St.
