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Need help repairing a car or starting a new business? It might surprise you to learn that you can get all the support you need through Multnomah County Library (MCL). 📖
Beyond the aisles of books and across 19 branches lies a treasure trove of resources and services that most people might not know about. Just make sure you have a library card — if not, don’t sweat it. Apply online, and if you can’t show proof of a Multnomah County address, there are options for you.
Once you’ve got a card, the possibilities are endless.
🏡 Families
- Portland is a diverse city and to reflect this, the MCL hosts It’s Storytime!, which offers picture books read aloud online in five languages, plus It’s Black Storytime! and It’s Sensory Storytime!
- Families looking for free and low-cost passes to museums, theaters, and other destinations should try out the My Discovery Pass program.
- Students can access live homework assistance via Tutor.com; have a rough draft of a paper proofread or get help solving a math problem. Pro tip: Live, daily one-to-one help is offered from noon to midnight in English and Spanish, and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Vietnamese.
💻 Technology
- Need internet access but don’t want to camp out at the library? Now you can actually check out a Wi-Fi hotspot or a Chromebook laptop for your home.
- If you’re a little rusty in your computer skills or specific applications like Google Drive, library card holders can access LinkedIn Learning for Libraries — an online learning platform with courses in business, software, technology, and creative skills.
- Mobile + wireless printing services are available at all locations during open hours. Just upload or email what you want printed and retrieve your items within 16 hours.
🛠️ Hobbies + skills
- Car enthusiasts — be sure to check out MOTOR’s Auto Repair Source archive for repair and maintenance information, diagrams, and technical service bulletins.
- Whether you’re interested in picking up basic conversation or understanding comprehensive grammar, Mango Languages can help you learn 40+ languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and Swahili. There are also English courses available in 17 different languages.
- LearningExpress Library has more than 1,000 online practice tests for things like getting your GED, taking the SAT, or studying for American citizenship. It also has a Job & Career Accelerator, which can help you explore various roles and improve your job skills, like using Microsoft programs.
We’re only scratching the surface. Keep up to date on scheduled library events and get to know MCL’s full resources + services here.