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1. What is a makerspace?

DAM, which stands for Design And Make, is a space for community members to come to learn, practice skills, collaborate, prototype, and problem-solve. In the DAM, anyone can be a maker and develop a passion for creating.

DAM is meant to be a place to test, tinker, explore, and experiment. See what you can create!

2. Who can visit the DAM?

Anyone with a signed waiver can visit the DAM. Per library policy, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult in the space.

Sign the waiver for adults

Sign the waiver for children under 18

3. When are Open Labs in the DAM?

Open Lab Schedule Current as of Sept. 1, 2022
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12-2 PM & 4-6 PM
Thursdays & Fridays 12-2 PM & 3-5 PM
Saturdays & Sundays 3-5 PM 

For the current schedule of Open Labs and events in the DAM, visit the calendar.

4. Can I bring in donations?

Thanks for offering, but we are unable to accept any donations of items for the DAM.

5. Do you need volunteers?

Volunteers help with our daily Open Lab sessions in the DAM. You do not need specialized skills to be a volunteer in the makespace - only an interest in learning new things and the ability to pass a background check. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Zach Wagman at zwagman@BeavertonOregon.gov for more information.

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1. How can I request an item through the Interlibrary Loan service?

You can submit a request online or print out one of the forms below and submit it in person at the Beaverton City Library Adult Reference Desk or the Murray Scholls Branch Service Desk:

• Interlibrary Loan Request Form
• Genealogy Materials Request
• Periodical Articles Request

2. What is Interlibrary Loan?

Interlibrary Loan is a service that allows Beaverton City Library patrons to obtain materials that are not available through Washington County libraries. We borrow from libraries all over the United States. We reciprocate by lending our materials to libraries outside of the Washington County Library System.

3. How soon will my Interlibrary Loan item arrive?

It is a good idea to allow 2 to 6 weeks for your Interlibrary Loan (ILL) to arrive. If material is sent from a nearby lender it comes much faster. There is not a definite answer to this question. If you need material for a research project, please order your material as far in advance as possible.

4. How can I check on the status of my Interlibrary Loan request?

There are several ways you may check the status of your request:

• Online for an active or received status.
• Call the Interlibrary Loan Desk at 503-350-3608
• Call the Adult Services Desk at 503-526-2577

5. Will I have to pay for Interlibrary Loan services?

Most of the lenders we borrow from are free lenders. A few lenders charge to loan or copy materials. We always check with free lenders first. There may be a charge for items that are more specific or harder to locate, especially if there are fewer than 10 lenders. You increase your chances of getting the item if you indicate that you are willing to pay.

6. What can I borrow through Interlibrary Loan?

It is possible to borrow many kinds of materials. Books, videos, DVDs, CDs, microfilm, musical scores, newspaper and journal articles are examples of the kinds of materials we can borrow for you. We typically will not receive items if there are fewer than 10 lenders. We are currently unable to borrow video games or current year items but we encourage you to make a purchase suggestion and we can consider the item for our collection. Please check the number of owning U.S. libraries. Please note: your library card must be in good standing in order for this request to be processed.

7. How long can I check out an Interlibrary Loan item?

Loan period is determined by lending library, and materials can often be renewed. A lending library can ask for the immediate return of its material at any time or restrict use of the materials to inside the library. Not finding what you need? Contact Us!

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1. How do I sign up for the Summer Reading program?

There is no need to sign up or register! You can print off the log from our website, pick up one from the library, or create your own and immediately start tracking your reading, listening, and learning. Just remember to bring your log back to the library when you’re done so that you can pick up your free book.

2. How old do I have to be to participate in the Summer Reading program?

People of all ages- from newborn babies to adults- can do Summer Reading. Kids from birth to those entering grade 5 can participate in the Kids Summer Reading program. Teens entering grades 6-12 and just graduated from high school can participate in the Teen Summer Reading program, and adults can participate in the Adult Summer Reading program.

3. I’m just finishing 5th grade this year—do I join the Kids or the Teen Summer Reading program?

If you are entering 6th grade in the fall, you get to participate in the Teen Summer Reading program!

4. What do I have to do to participate in the Summer Reading program?

Just complete 15 hours of reading, listening (audiobooks or being read to), or doing a family activity. If you aren’t reading on your own yet, each book you listen to or have someone read to you counts as 30 minutes. Then come to the library to get your free book!

5. Do I have to read a certain kind of book?

Not at all! You can read fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and comic books, newspapers, magazines, eBooks, blogs and more. You can listen to someone read to you or listen to an audiobook or podcast - even reading the cereal box when you eat breakfast counts as reading in the Summer Reading program. Also, learning in other ways counts this summer! You can count time participating in storytimes and other library programs and the time you spend doing family activities together.

6. Do I have to read for 15 hours in a row?

You can spread out your reading however you’d like - we recommend you read at least 20 minutes a day. If you don’t read for a 30 minutes at a time, you can color in a partial shape in your Reading Log. For example, if you read 20 minutes, then you color in two-thirds of a shape. Color in half of a shape for 30 minutes, a quarter of a shape for 15 minutes, and so on.

7. The log mentions participating in library programs and doing family activities. Do I have to do those things?

No, you do not have to. You can read for all 15 hours, listen to audiobooks for all 15 hours, learn through family activities for all 15 hours, or do a mix!

8. I am an avid reader, and will probably read for 30 or even 45 hours this summer! Can I do the Summer Reading Program more than once?

We are so happy that you like reading so much! Please keep reading! Because we have a limited number of books, we can only give rewards for the first 15 hours that you read.

9. I signed up at a different public library; can I pick up prizes at Beaverton City Library?

No, each library has its own Summer Reading program. You must complete the Summer Reading program at just one library.

10. When can I pick up my free book after finishing my log?

Between July 5 - August 15, 2022

11. Can I do the Summer Reading program at more than one library?

Please participant in only one Summer Reading program this summer.

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1. ¿Cómo me inscribo en el programa de lectura de verano?

¡No tiene que registrarse o inscribirse! Puede imprimir el registro desde nuestro sitio web, recoger uno de la biblioteca o crear uno propio e inmediatamente comenzar a rastrear su lectura, escucha y aprendizaje. Solo recuerde traer su registro a la biblioteca cuando haya terminado para que pueda recoger su libro gratis.

2. ¿Qué edad debo tener para participar en el programa de lectura de verano?

Las personas de todas las edades, desde bebés recién nacidos hasta adultos, pueden participar en el programa de Lectura de Verano. Los niños desde el nacimiento hasta los que ingresan al quinto grado pueden participar en el programa de niños. Los adolescentes que ingresan a los grados 6-12 y se acaban de graduar de la escuela secundaria pueden participar en el programa para adolescentes, y los adultos pueden participar en el programa para adultos.

3. Estoy terminando 5o grado este año, ¿me uno al programa de lectura de verano para niños o adolescentes?

Si ingresa al sexto grado en el otoño, ¡podrá participar en el programa para adolescentes!

4. ¿Qué tengo que hacer para participar en el programa de lectura de verano?

Simplemente complete 15 horas de lectura, escucha (audiolibros o lectura) o haciendo una actividad familiar. Si todavía no está leyendo por su cuenta, cada libro que escuche o que alguien le lea cuenta como 30 minutos. ¡Después venga a la biblioteca para obtener tu libro gratuito!

5. ¿Tengo que leer cierto tipo de libro?

¡De ningún modo! Puede leer ficción, no ficción, novelas gráficas y cómics, periódicos, revistas, libros electrónicos, blogs y más. Puede escuchar a alguien que le lea o escuchar un audiolibro o un podcast, incluso leer la caja de cereal cuando desayuna cuenta como lectura en el programa de lectura de verano. Además, ¡aprender de otras maneras cuenta este verano! Puede contar el tiempo que participa en los cuentos y otros programas de la biblioteca y el tiempo que pasan haciendo actividades familiares juntos.

6. ¿Tengo que leer durante 15 horas seguidas?

Puede extende su lectura como quiera; le recomendamos que lea al menos 20 minutos al día. Si no lee durante 30 minutos a la vez, puede colorear de forma parcial en su Registro de lectura. Por ejemplo, si lee 20 minutos, entonces coloreé dos tercios de una figura. Si lee 30 minutos coloreé la forma entera y si lee 15 minutos coloreé mitad de la forma. Y le vas agregando hasta que complete las 15 horas.

7. El registro menciona participar en programas bibliotecarios y realizar actividades familiares. ¿Tengo que hacer esas cosas?

No, usted no tiene que. ¡Puede leer durante las 15 horas, escuchar audiolibros durante las 15 horas, aprender a través de actividades familiares durante las 15 horas o hacer una mezcla de esas tres actividades para completar sus 15 horas!

8. Soy un ávido lector, y probablemente leeré durante 30 o incluso 45 horas este verano! ¿Puedo hacer el Programa de Lectura de Verano más de una vez?

¡Nos da mucho gusto saber que le guste leer tanto! Por favor siga leyendo! Debido a que tenemos un número limitado de libros, solo podemos otorgar recompensas durante las primeras 15 horas que lea.

9. Me inscribí en la Biblioteca Pública de Tigard; ¿Puedo recoger mis premios en Beaverton City Library?

No, cada biblioteca tiene su propio programa de lectura de verano. Debe completar el programa de lectura de verano en una sola biblioteca.

10. ¿Puedo participar en el programa de lectura de verano en más de una biblioteca?

Por favor, participe solo en un programa de lectura de verano este verano.

11. ¿Habrá programas de biblioteca en persona este verano?

Si, este verano tendremos una combinación de actividades en persona y actividades virtuales. Visite nuestro calendario de eventos para ver que ha planeado la biblioteca para los niños.

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1. What time commitment is expected of me as a volunteer?

Most of our volunteer positions require a commitment of a two hour shift, once a week, for a minimum of three months.

2. What if I only want to volunteer for a couple of weeks?

Most of our positions require a regular, ongoing commitment. Our minimum required commitment is three months from your start date. If you are looking for short-term volunteer opportunities, other organizations may be able to help:
• Volunteer Match
• Hands on Greater Portland

3. Do I have to have a set schedule?

Yes! We need to know when to expect volunteer help and be ready for you--so a regular schedule is very important.

4. How old do I need to be before I can volunteer?

Applicants who are 14 years of age and up will be considered for volunteer positions.

5. Does the Library accept Court Ordered Community Service Volunteers?

Unfortunately, the Library is unable to accept court ordered volunteers. The volunteer program at the Library is looking for people who want to make a minimum commitment of three months and volunteer two or more hours per week. Most court mandated volunteering does not fit into this structure. However, the City of Beaverton Public Works team has a program for court ordered community service. For information about their Community Service program, call 503-526-2220.

6. I need to complete Service Learning and/or Community Service for my school. Can I volunteer at the library to complete those hours?

Yes! Beaverton City Library offers opportunities for students needing to fulfill school community service and/or service learning hours. Students must be willing to meet the following requirements before joining the volunteer program:
• Volunteer once a week for two consecutive hours
• Volunteer for a minimum of three months
• Coordinate completion of required paperwork between school and Library

7. Can my group do a project with the library?

Maybe. The library occasionally has opportunities for community groups. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Zach Wagman, at zwagman@BeavertonOregon.gov for details.

8. How do I get training?

On your first day, you will receive training from your supervisor. Some positions require additional training which will ideally coincide with your regular weekly shift.

9. Once I become a volunteer, may I use the Library as a reference?

All volunteers who have volunteered for 20+ hours may use the Library as a reference.

10. I’m interested in volunteer evenings or weekends. Is that needed?

Yes! We have volunteers here seven days a week.

11. I need to complete a practicum for my community college, college or graduate program. Does the library offer these opportunities?

While the library has offered unpaid internships in the past, our program changed in 2020-2021. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Zach Wagman, at zwagman@BeavertonOregon.gov.

12. How do I get started?

Please check out our current open volunteer roles here. If you meet the requirements and schedule for any of these, fill out an application and we will get in touch.

13. Other questions?

Contact us at zwagman@BeavertonOregon.gov or 503-526-3703.