Free resources from Multnomah County Central Library
Oh, what treasures await you through these doors at the Multnomah County Central Library. | Photo by PDXtoday
When we say public libraries are magic, we’re not just speaking to bookworms. ✨
Outside of printed knowledge, fantastical escapes, and harrowing journeys, Multnomah County Central Library has also amassed a huge catalog of other offerings.
Check out these library resources for cardholders — and some for those without one. Pro tip: library cards are free.
On-site delights
In addition to being insanely Instagrammable, the library offers amenities to those who step through its doors.
Get fresh air at the Central Library Eco-Roof — constructed with plants + sustainable green roof technology
Explore educational and artistic exhibitions in the Collins Gallery on the third floor
Snow Day | Friday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Ace Hotel, 403 SW 10th Ave., Portland | Free | Trek through a colorful winter wonderland and browse wrapping paper, gift bags, tree ornaments, yard decor, and tons of never-before-seen Mike Bennett merch.
Peacock Lane | Friday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 6-11 p.m. | Southeast Peacock Lane, Portland | Free | This beloved neighborhood tradition began in 1932 and returns brighter than ever with a free cocoa booth and pedestrian-only dates.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Stumptown SantaCon | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 4-10 p.m. | Locations vary, Ankeny Alley, Portland | $25 | Festive costumes are required at this themed fundraising festival featuring block party DJs, dancing, and 2,500+ Santas partying in the street.
Christmas Ships Parade | Saturday, Dec. 17-Wednesday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Willamette + Columbia rivers, Portland | Free | This local holiday tradition celebrates its 68th year with colorful flotillas of ships decked out in whimsical lights.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Gresham Giant Menorah Lighting | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 401 NE Second St., Gresham | Free | Celebrate with Chanukah music, hot beverages, donuts, chocolate coins, raffles, and more — don’t forget to bring a canned food item to help build a “canorah” for local food pantries.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Portland Street Response workers reportedly responded to 717% more calls in the six months following PSR’s citywide expansion in April than they did during the same period in 2021. PSU researchers say the uptick highlights a clear need for the alternative emergency response program but also exposes staffing struggles. (Portland Mercury)
Commissioner Carmen Rubio has tasked Lewis and Clark College with collecting public feedback on what to do with five monuments — some of which represent former US presidents — impacted by the 2020 protests. Public discussions will be held sometime in the spring. (Portland Mercury)
Number
375. That’s how many local families received boxes of donated food this week, thanks to Jesuit High School’s 54th annual holiday food drive. Students helped collect, sort, pack, and distributetens of thousands of pounds of donated items, prioritizing marginalized communities and sharing any leftovers with local food pantries. 🥫 (Portland Tribune)
Film
It’s all water under the bridge. The lights of the Morrison Bridge will be blue tonight and tomorrow nightto promote the premiere of “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The long-anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s wildly successful 2009 science fiction film opens today, Dec. 16. 💧 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Development
A slew of developments proposed this year could lead to big changes for the Portland area starting in 2023. Portland Business Journal has a recap of major metro projects, from the Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts on Southwest Broadway to a smart home community in Woodstock. 🏗️ (Portland Business Journal)
Biz
The construction of a nuclear reactor in Wyoming that could help power Portland-basedPacifiCorphas been paused. Bill Gates-backed TerraPower cited supply issues with the fuel (sourced from Russia) the plant would run on but said it expects work on the project to begin next year. 💡 (Portland Business Journal)
Seasonal
City Editor Cambrie here. If you brought home a real Christmas tree like I did this year, there are a few things you’ll want to do to keep it fir-esh through the holidays. Check out our quick tannenbaum care tips — there’s a little more to it than just watering. 🎄
Shop
It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*
Outdoors
Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life?Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new membersthrough Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *
Featured Deal
Eco-friendly clothing brand Nau is offeringfree shipping on orders over $100 this weekend through Monday, Dec. 19. (Read: Their gear is perfect for that last-minute gift you need to order — we’ll take the Unisex Lookout Hooded Fleece in color Rosen, please).*
Travel
Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
OUTDOORS
Spout it from the rooftops 🐳
Winter Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon Coast
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. | Photo by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon State Parks will host Whale Watch Week — in person — along the coast for the first time since 2019.
Every year, thousands of migrating gray whales swim past Oregon’s shores on their way to warmer waters and calving lagoons off Mexico. Their numbers peak at the end of December when about 30 whales pass by any given spot every hour.
Oregon State Parks has designated 17 sites up and down the coast — a few of which are less than a two-hour drive from Portland — as prime places to spot flukes and telltale plumes of air.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at most of the sites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, Wednesday, Dec. 28-Sunday, Jan. 1, to answer questions and help visitors look for whales. Those eager to spy cetaceans can also stop by the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay (open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday) for interactive whale exhibits, sweeping views of the sea, and knowledgeable park rangers.
The Week Junior is a new weekly magazine for kids ages 8-14, focusing on news about animals, science, sports, arts, and more. | Photo provided by The Week Junior
Editor’s pick:Here’s a little dose of howliday cheer for you. Hadley Kramer, a 13-year-old Portlander, is a runner-up in The Week Junior magazine’s winter-themed cover contest. Hadley’s “Cozy Puppy” cover was one of nearly 700 submissions from across the US — and it’s paws-itively adorable, if I do say so myself.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
