St. Helens Public Library

06/01/2026

This week, we take our annual pause from regularly scheduled youth and teen programs and Makerspace programming/open hours as we prepare to launch the Summer Library Challenge, which begins June 15!

There will be no programs this week. However, the Library will be open for its regular hours Monday through Wednesday! Come visit us during these hours to browse the shelves, check out items, use the public computers, and take advantage of other library services.

The Library will be closed this Thursday through Saturday, June 4-6, to allow staff final preparation time before reopening on Monday, June 8.

We look forward to seeing you during our open hours this week!

Excited for the Summer Library Challenge? Find more information here: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/plant-seed-read-during-st-helens-2026-summer-library-challenge

05/29/2026

Next week at SHPL, we're preparing for summer programming! That means we are taking our annual pause from regularly-scheduled youth and teen programs and Makerspace programming/open hours as we prepare to launch the Summer Library Challenge.

To assist with this transition, there will be no programs the first week of June (June 1-6). The Library will be open for its regular hours Monday through Wednesday. During this time, you can still browse the shelves, check out items, use the public computers, etc.

The Library will be closed June 4-6 (Thursday through Saturday) to allow staff final preparation time before reopening on Monday, June 8.

05/27/2026

Join us for Teen Maker hours today from 4-6 p.m.! Teens ages 13-17 are invited to take over the Makerspace, where they can work together on projects, enhance homework, or discover what can be created in our Makerspace.

This is a drop-in activity, and no library card or registration is required. There may be a small charge for use of supplies. A signed parent/guardian waiver is required.

Learn more: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/teen-makers-8

05/26/2026

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend! Take a look at what we have coming up this week:

Tuesday, May 26:
Teen Advisory Board - 4-5:30 p.m. at the Library

Wednesday, May 27:
Baby Lapsit Storytime - 11 a.m. in the Children's Room
Teen Makers - 4 p.m. in the Makerspace
Friends of SHPL meeting - 6 p.m. in the Auditorium

Thursday, May 28:
Closed

Friday, May 29:
Makerspace Appointments with Jana - 1 p.m in the Makerspace (Registration required: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA8A62EA7F8C34-63571391-appointments)

You can find out more about these programs and our other upcoming events on the Library's calendar: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/calendar?field_microsite_tid=73

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive this information and more right to your inbox each week: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/library-newsletter

05/25/2026

The St. Helens Public Library is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

St. Helens City offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." -Thucydides

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

05/21/2026

St. Helens Public Library invites you to “Plant a Seed, Read” during the 2026 Summer Library Challenge for youth, teens, and adults. The program will run from June 15 to August 9, 2026, and includes activities for children, teens, and adults. You do not need a library card to participate in the program or attend events.

The 2026 Summer Library Challenge theme “Plant a Seed, Read” will focus on programs that promote planting, nature, and animal life with a growth mindset to encourage literacy, community, and reading for all ages.

The Summer Library Challenge offers programs in three categories: a youth program for ages birth to 13, a teen program for ages 13 to 18, and an adult program for ages 18 and older.

Find a complete list of events and more information on our website: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/plant-seed-read-during-st-helens-2026-summer-library-challenge

Youth Ages Birth to 13:
Online registration for the Summer Library Challenge begins June 8 on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 . Parents and caregivers can begin logging activities and minutes read on June 15. For questions about logging activities and minutes or registration, please contact the library for help in person or by phone at 503-397-4544.

Registration goodies can be picked up in person at the library starting June 15. This year’s registration pack includes a lanyard, a free book, and a bookmark.

Participants can earn badges to pin on their lanyard by logging minutes read on Beanstack, then pick up badges when they visit the library. When they come into the library, they can also spin the prize wheel to win more prizes. Participants are limited to one spin per day.

In addition to Beanstack activities, the library will host Family Storytimes every Monday at 11 a.m. and special programs on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. See the schedule on our website for more details. You do not have to have a library card or participate in the Summer Library Challenge to attend programs. Registration may be required.

Teens Ages 13 to 18:
Register on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 beginning June 8. Once registered, pick up a free lanyard, a free book, and a bookmark.

Participants can earn badges to pin on their lanyard. Additionally, minutes read each week can be logged on Beanstack for a chance to win a drink tumbler. Each time they come into the library, participants can roll a die to win a free prize or something they can make in the Makerspace.

In addition to the weekly drawings and prizes, teens can participate in programs hosted by performers and library staff. See the schedule on our website for additional details. You do not have to have a library card or participate in the Summer Library Challenge to attend programs. Registration may be required.

Adults Ages 18 and Older:
Register on Beanstack at https://sthelens.beanstack.com/reader365 beginning June 8.

Once registered, submit book reviews or log reading time each week to be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win a $20 gift card from a local restaurant. Participants who complete one challenge earn a tote bag. Completing more challenges earns participants a free book from the book cart. Programs will also be offered throughout the summer. See the schedule below for additional details.
Special Adult Programs

You do not have to have a library card or participate in the Summer Library Challenge to attend programs. Registration and information about programs can be found on the library website. All adult programs are for ages 18 and older. Some programs require pre-registration.

More event information is available on our website: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/library/page/plant-seed-read-during-st-helens-2026-summer-library-challenge

05/18/2026

We will not have our scheduled Toddler Time storytime tomorrow, May 19, due to staff illness. We look forward to seeing you at this week's other events, which you can find on our website calendar at https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/calendar?field_microsite_tid=73.

05/16/2026

Here's a sneak peek at today's book sale for the early birds! Join us from 9 a.m until 2p.m. to browse a wide selection of books, movies, and more in the Columbia Center lobby (St. Helens Public Library building, 375 S. 18th Street).

Please note that this is a ONE DAY event this year. Card, cash, and check are accepted. Prices range from 25 cents to $1.50 per item.

This year's event is made possible thanks to additional volunteer assistance from the Library's Teen Advisory Board.

Funds raised by the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library support programs, services, and items that the St. Helens Public Library could not otherwise purchase. Past funding has purchased essential equipment for the Makerspace, Summer Library Challenge programs, and staff training.

05/15/2026

The Friends of the St. Helens Public Library spring book sale is tomorrow from 9 a.m - 2p.m.! Come browse a selection of books, movies, and more in the Columbia Center lobby (St. Helens Public Library building, 375 S. 18th Street). Prices range from 25 cents to $1.50 per item!

Please note that this is a ONE DAY event this year. Card, cash, and check are accepted.

This year's event is made possible thanks to additional volunteer assistance from the Library's Teen Advisory Board.

Funds raised by the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library support programs, services, and items that the St. Helens Public Library could not otherwise purchase. Past funding has purchased essential equipment for the Makerspace, Summer Library Challenge programs, and staff training.

05/12/2026

You won't want to miss the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library spring book sale THIS SATURDAY, May 16. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 5/16 in the Columbia Center lobby (St. Helens Public Library building, 375 S. 18th Street). Prices range from 25 cents to $1.50. Cash, check, or card will be accepted.

Learn more in the shared post!

The Friends of the St. Helens Public Library spring book sale is coming Saturday, May 16!

Please note that this is a ONE DAY event this year. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 5/16 in the Columbia Center lobby (St. Helens Public Library building, 375 S. 18th Street). Prices range from 25 cents to $1.50. Cash, check, or card are accepted.

This year's event is made possible thanks to additional volunteer assistance from the Library's Teen Advisory Board.

Funds raised by the Friends of the St. Helens Public Library support programs, services, and items that the St. Helens Public Library could not otherwise purchase. Past funding has purchased essential equipment for the Makerspace, Summer Library Challenge programs, and staff training.