Show All Answers

1. What do I need to do to borrow materials from the library?

To borrow library materials, you need a library card. Library cards are free if you live in qualifying areas. To obtain a library card, bring a piece of photo ID and something with your name and address on it to the library and fill out an application. More info...

2. How do I renew a book?

To renew a book use online catalog. Enter your library card number and password then select Items Out. Select the items you want to renew by clicking the check box and hit one of the Renew buttons at the bottom.
To renew you can also call the Telephone Renewal Line at 503-846-3245 or come in to the circulation desk at the library.
Catalog - Patron Account

3. How do I find a book?

To find a book you need to use the Washington County Cooperative Library Services' Catalog. Use the catalog now.

4. How do I borrow a Cultural Pass?

You need to reserve a Cultural Pass to use it. For more information on types of passes and how the program works visit the Cultural Pass page. Cultural Pass Page

Show All Answers

1. When is my child allowed to get a library card?

Whenever you, the parent or guardian, think they are ready. Some families choose to get library cards for their infants, and some families wait until their child is older. It all depends what you decide is best for you and your child. More information on getting a library card.

2. Where are the books for parents, teachers and homeschooling families in the library?

There is a Parent/Teacher collection in the Children’s Area of the library on the shelves before the rest of the Juvenile Non-Fiction Collections. This collection has books and materials for parents, teachers, and homeschooling families.

3. What theme bags are available in the library?

We have theme bags to check out for potty training both boys and girls, baby sign and new siblings. These themebags have many picture books to read with your child, a book for parents on the subject, and a DVD for kids and parents to watch together and talk about.

Themebags are available for check-out at the circulation desk of the library. You can see our current availability and place holds for
BCL Themebags.

4. What book club kits are available in the library for kids?

Book club kits contain 8 copies of a title as well as a resource guide for adults facilitators. These kits are perfect for kid’s book clubs, scout troops, or reading circles. Most books are for Grades 3-5 but there are easier books like Ivy and Bean and early reader sets.

A list of Book Club Kits available for kids.

5. My child is just starting to read. What books should I get and where are they?

There are books made just for kids who are starting to learn how to read on their own, we call them Early Readers (ER). At the Beaverton City Library, we keep Early Readers at the end of our picture book collection on the shelves nearest the windows on the East side of the library.

You might notice that some of these ER books have levels on them, like Level 1, or Step 1. These levels are assigned by the publisher and are not standardized across all ER books. At the Beaverton City Library we place orange dots on the books that are especially good for the earliest early readers.

Another great place to look for books for your new reader is in the Juvenile Graphic Novel collection in between the Juvenile paper back series books and the rest of Juvenile Fiction. Graphic Novels have been shown to help kids think about reading in new ways, and get lots of information from a page.

Be sure to remember to keep reading aloud to your child even when he or she can read on their own. Continuing to read aloud together throughout childhood builds vocabulary, learning, establishes a love of reading, and helps to build that special bond of shared experiences that carry throughout your child’s life.

6. Does the library have books for the TAG Reading System?

Yes, the library has books for the TAG and TAG Jr Reading Systems by LeapFrog. List of TAG books.

Show All Answers

1. How do I reserve a computer?

You need to come to the library and use the reservation station. Our Computers & Internet page has more details.

Show All Answers

1. What kind of materials does the Beaverton City Library accept as donations?

We would be happy to accept your books, CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays in good condition as donations. Please refer to our Gift Policy for questions regarding addition of materials to the collection or other means of disposition. Gift Policy

Show All Answers

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!

Show All Answers

1. How old do I have to be to join 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 in grades 6-12 can participate in the Teen Summer Reading program, and adults can participate in the Adult Summer Reading program.

2. 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!

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

Just sign up and read or be read to for 15 hours. Then come back to get your prizes!

4. 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 audio-book - even reading the cereal box when you eat breakfast counts as reading in the Summer Reading program.

5. 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 whole hour 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 one third of a shape. Color in half of a shape for 30 minutes, a quarter of a shape for 15 minutes, and so on.

6. 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 prizes, we can only give rewards for the first 15 hours that you read.

7. I signed up at the Murray Scholls branch of Beaverton City Library; can I pick up my prizes at the Beaverton City Library location on the corner of 5th and Hall?

Yes, you can pick up your prizes at either Beaverton City Library location.

8. I signed up at Tigard Public Library; can I pick up my prizes at Beaverton City Library?

No, each library has its own Summer Reading program. You must complete the Summer Reading program at the same library where you registered.

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

Please only sign up for one Summer Reading program this summer.

10. How do I redeem my Thorns or Timbers T2 ticket?

Here are instructions to redeem your Thorns or Timbers T2 tickets for your summer readers. Remember that free ticket orders must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Murray Scholls Branch?

The Murray Scholls Branch of the Beaverton City Library is located at 11200 SW Murray Scholls Place. We are in the same building at the Kaiser Permanente Office. Directions to Murray Scholls.

2. What is near the Murray Scholls Branch library?

The Murray Scholls Branch is located in the Murray Scholls Town Center. We are near a pharmacy and many different food options.

3. What programs do you offer at the branch?

We offer weekly storytimes, with occasional breaks, and programs for kids and teens. There is also a monthly book club for adults. Check the calendar for more details.

Show All Answers

1. Who can use the Teen Room?

The Teen Room is reserved for young adults in Grades 6-12. Adults may accompany their teens in the room or browse the collections. Room Use Policy.

2. What collections are in the teen room?

The teen room has fiction, graphic novels, Books on CD, DVDs, Blu-ray, magazines, new fiction and non fiction, Oregon Battle of the Books, console games and series. The main library also has a Spanish fiction collection. The young adult non-fiction is interfiled with the adult non-fiction, labeled with a yellow 'YA' sticker.

3. How can my group or class visit the library?

Students in Grades 6-12 can visit the library for a tour and other activities. Information on class visits to the library.

Show All Answers

1. Where are your libraries located?

We have two libraries, Beaverton City Library Main and Beaverton City Library Murray Scholls Branch. The Beaverton City Library Main is located at the corner of 5th St and Hall Blvd in downtown Beaverton. The Murray Scholls Branch is in the Murray Scholls Town Center. Hours & Locations

2. How do I volunteer at the library?

We have lots of volunteer opportunities at both of our libraries.
Also see additional Volunteer FAQ below. More information on how to volunteer.

3. How do I book a meeting room at the library?

Room reservations are processed through City Hall. Meeting rooms reservations.

4. How do I register for an event or program?

To register for a kids program call 503-350-3600.
To register for a teen program call 503-350-4001.
To register for an adult program call 503-350-2577.
To register for an event being held at Murray Scholls call 503-644-2197, option 6.
Not all events require registration.

5. Does your library have parking?

Yes, there is parking on both the east and west sides of the Beaverton Main Library.
Please allow yourself ample time to find parking when coming to the library for large events and on days when the Beaverton Farmers Market is open.

There are a few parking spaces for the Murray Scholls Branch in front of the library near Walgeens. The majority of the parking is available behind the building near Kaiser and 24 Hour Fitness.

6. How much does it cost to attend a library event or program?

All library programs and events are free of charge. Occasionally an outside group using the library's meeting rooms charge for programs.

7. Do you have any job openings?

Visit the City of Beaverton's Job Opportunities page for employment information.

Show All Answers

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. We do allow 12-13 year old community members to apply for our Summer Reading Program 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 Program 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?

Yes! We have several unpaid internship needs each spring and summer and may be able to accommodate students other times of the year. For more information, please visit Internships and Practicums.

12. How do I get started?

To apply to be a library volunteer, complete a Volunteer Application.

13. Other questions?

Contact us at jjohnson@beavertonoregon.gov or 503-526-3703