The Lake Oswego Library has some really fun activities planned for the summer season.

Let’s start with The Seed Library. That’s right, a seed library. Housed is a repurposed card catalogue at the Fiction desk, there is literally a huge selection of seeds for you to take home and grown in your garden. The seeds are for plants that do well in our area. The seeds do not have to be returned, but your are encouraged to harvest seeds from what you grow and donate them back to the library for someone else’s enjoyment.

The Summer Library Challenge is for children, teens and adults. Kids will receive a free book just for signing up. Then, all summer long, they will have chances to win prizes as they read books. Adults can set their own challenge, share their progress through the summer, and get chance to win a Powell’s gift card and a two-night stay at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon.

The Children’s Library is offering Take-Away Crafts each week from June 19th to August 11th. Simply drop by the library, pick up your craft, and take it home with you for a fun summer diversion.

Then there is Programs in the Park. Every Wednesday, June 21st to August 9th, from 2-3pm, at Rossman Park (555 4th St) drop in for crafts, nature workshops, art activities, special guests, and more. Then, enjoy the end of summer party on August 16th.

You can sign up for the summer challenge by clicking here.

The Lake Oswego Library is about so much more than books! It’s truly a treasure in our community.

Dianne

Mon, May 1, 2023 – 8:00AM-8:15 PM– Get Ready, Get Set, Get Gnomin’ – Lake Oswego Parks – 3 Gnomes are hidden in lake Oswego Parks on the 1st of every month, Play along and find the gnomes, posting photos of you or your dog with the Gnomes (if you do find them ; ) – For More Info & Zoom Link: CLICK HERE

Tues, May 2, 2023 – 5:30PM-6:30PM – First Tuesday Music (In Person or Online)~ Sharon Gan & Daniel Velasquez – Lake Oswego Library presents these two composers, teachers and accomplished musicians in recognition of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage month, Dan and Sharon will take you on a musical journey to several of the countries that make up the AANHPI. Come and enjoy music from these countries! – Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th St, Lake Oswego More Info: CLICK HERE

Wed, May 3, 2023 – 7:00PM – If Walls Could Talk: How to Research the History of Your Home~  The Lake Oswego Public Library presents this informative program. Local researcher Char Green will take you through the steps of learning about the history of your home, including valuable tools for finding and then organizing your information. – Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th St, Lake Oswego – More Info + Link:  CLICK HERE

Thurs, May 4, 2023 – 9:00AM-1:00PM– Indoor Playground at CCP (Ages 0-4) ~ Rain or shine- No problem!  In-person playtime for your little ones. This is perfect activity for parents and caregivers & available for a $4 Drop-In Fee. ~ Cummins Hall of CCP, 1060 Chandler Road.– More Info:  CLICK HERE

Fri, May 5, 2023 – 1:00-3:00PM -Pinochle Friday “Trick-Taking”- Have fun with other experienced players at the Adult Community Center – 505 G Avenue More Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, May 6, 2023 – 8:00-11:00AM– Annual Lake Run– Get out in the spring air and participate in this fun, annual fundraiser for Northwest Housing Alternatives –  More Info & Registration :  CLICK HERE

Sun, May 7, 2022 -Bryant Neighborhood Social Event- 4:00PM – Get to know your neighbors at this fun event with plenty of food and beverages & great company!~ Lakeridge Middle School, 4700 Jean Rd. – More Info + Links & Registration: CLICK HERE

This is the 17th year of the Lake Oswego Reads program. The idea behind the program is to encourage the community to all read the same book at the same time. It draws the community together and creates connections on a very special level.

I am a reader. I always have a book going and a book lined up to start just as soon as I finish my current selection. I have really enjoyed the books chosen for LO reads. While the program is spearheaded by the library, community input is encouraged and the books that get selected have all been outstanding.

This year’s selection is The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. As explained by Melissa Kelly, the Director of the Lake Oswego Public Library, “The Seed Keeper is a novel of strength, perseverance, wisdom and hope.  I was swept away by the story of Rosalie, a Dakhóta woman navigating a personal and family history of loss and hardship, who finds solace and strength in her relationship with nature and the life-giving seeds that the women of her family have nurtured across generations.”

Along with reading the book, there is a full month of events to enhance the experience and to bring people together. This year the events include an art show, programs about Native American Culture, nature walks to explore native species of the Willamette Valley, seed planting a Luscher Farm, and more. It all culminates on April 25th with a presentation given by the author. For the full calendar, click here. It will keep you busy if you do all of it!

Happy reading everyone!

Dianne

Lake Oswego has a very special book store, The Booktique. Founded in 1991 by Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, it supports library programs such as Lake Oswego reads, the summer reading program, books for babies and more. In 2016 it was chosen by The Oregonian as one of the 10 best bookstores in the Portland area.

Books come from the library itself, but most are donated. Books must be in good condition. You can donate one box or two bags of books per week. With two locations, you can shop in person or on-line. The average inventory is 15,000 books in every subject imaginable. They also offer LPs, CDs, and Blue-Ray.

The money raised is not a replacement of library support from government funds. Rather it is an enhancement to those funds to allow the library to offer more services to the community.

The two locations are 380 A Ave, Suite B and 4 Monroe Parkway Suite D. For store hours and to shop on-line, click here.

I use the library quite a lot. I hope you have found this information useful. And, as always, thank you for reading The Blotter.

Dianne

Mon, Mar 6, 2023 – 6-7:30 PM– McVey/Stafford Corridor Vision Study- Virtual Presentation – This busy location in Palisades has received lots of input as to how to best change things to move people and traffic more effectively and safely. It’s such an important area of Lake Oswego- Tune in for the Zoom presentation Monday night. – For More Info & Zoom Link: CLICK HERE

Tues, Mar 7, 2023 – 6:00PM-7:00PM – First Tuesday Music ~ Overbridge Jazz Band – Lake Oswego Library presents these great local jazz musicians (Tyler Waltner on saxophone, Riley Harris on piano, Luke Hendrickson on bass, and Anderson Donley on drums) who are keeping the music of Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and more alive! Described as “horn heavy swing, bebop, and Latin tunes”, the Library will be hoppin’ Tuesday night! – Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th St, Lake Oswego More Info: CLICK HERE

Wed, Mar 8, 2023 – 10:00-11:30AM – Geneology Interest Group~  Meet in person or online on the 2nd Wed of each month with others interested in geneology research. 505 G Ave – More Info + Link:  CLICK HERE

Thurs, Mar 9, 2023 – 10:00-11:00AM–Scams & Frauds – Lake Oswego Police Presentation ~ In-person at the ACC – Scammers are trying to steal your money and information. Let Lake Oswego Police arm you with some great tips & resources. ~ACC, 505 G Ave, Lake Oswego- More Info:  CLICK HERE

Fri, Mar 10, 2023 – 7:00-9:00PM – Living Well Dance – featuring the Millennium Dance Band ~ Come dance! Dance music as performed by the “Big Bands” of the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s, with an occasional ballroom favorite. $7.00 at the door ~ CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd. – All ages are invited (14 and under w/an adult) – More Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Mar 11, 2023 – 9:00-11:00AM– Stewardship Work Party at Springbrook Park- Bring some gloves, water & closed-toed shoes to join Friends of Springbrook Park in caring for the shaded fuel break along park and private property in these 52 natural acres. – 2055 Wembley Park Rd. Behind Uplands Elem. (playground by park kiosk)  More Info :  CLICK HERE

Sun, Mar 12, 2022 -A Bookish Affair (Online)- 11:00AM-12:00PM – Open to all devotees of romance & happily-ever-after! Book Club focusing on diverse voices & every kind of love story. ~ More Info + Links & Registration: CLICK HERE

Believe it or not, pickleball has been a hot bed of controversy for the last year or so in Lake Oswego. It has been played at George Roger’s Park for several years. It’s super popular and engages people of all ages. That popularity meant that the courts were used quite a lot. The noise of the game play bothered the residents in the neighborhood. It really bothered them. In January the Lake Oswego City Council voted to permanently close the courts at George Roger’s Park.

What is going to happen now?

In the same city council meeting that closed the courts at George Roger’s Park, the city council ordered Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation to explore converting the tennis courts at Westlake Park into Pickleball Courts. This process is expected to take about 10 months.

In the mean time, a local business owner is stepping up. Kent and Jami Drangsholt, owners of At the Garages Live Music Venue Eatery & Taphouse, are installing 2 full-sized Pickleball courts and 2 smaller, “dink” courts. Use of the courts will require a monthly membership, which is not ideal for everyone, however, I think the venue will be fun because along with Pickleball, people will be able to grab a bite to eat and to enjoy live music. I think it’s an attractive alternative while the community waits for the development of the courts at Westlake Park.

Lake Oswego does have a Pickleball Club. If you want to have the latest updates on Pickleball in Lake Oswego, this is a good place to start. For access to club information, click here.

I hope you have found this information to be helpful. As always, thanks for reading the blotter.

Dianne

Mon, Jan 9, 2022 – 11:15 AM- 12:30PM– Lunch at the ACC (M/W/F)- Call (503) 635-3758 for reservations. Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave – For more info CLICK HERE

Tues, Jan 10, 2022 – 6:30PM-8:00PM – Pints from the Past (Part 3) ~ 3rd in the 3-part series on Georgiana Pittock and the Pittock family presented by Mary and Michael Hutchens  The Lake Theater &Cafe, 106 North State Street- More Info: CLICK HERE

Wed, Jan 11, 2022 – 10:00-11:30AM – Geneology Interest Group~  Meet in person or online on the 2nd Wed of each month with others interested in geneology research. 505 G Ave – More Info + Link:  CLICK HERE

Thurs, Jan 12, 2022 – 7:00PM– BIPOC Women’s Speaker Series at Mary’s Woods: Rep. Tawna Sanchez ~ In person at Mary’s Woods or live-streamed, enjoy this series featuring local BIPOC women as they answer the questions “What is your story? What are your passions?” ~ 17400 Holy Names Dr – More Info + Link:  CLICK HERE

Fri, Jan 13, 2022 – 7:00-9:00PM – Living Well Dance – featuring the Millennium Dance Band ~ Come dance! Dance music as performed by the “Big Bands” of the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s, with an occasional ballroom favorite. $7.00 at the door ~ CCP, 1060 Chandler Rd. – All ages are invited (14 and under w/an adult) – More Info: CLICK HERE

Sat, Jan 14, 2022 – 3:00-4:00PM– Lego Club- T (ages K-5) Every 2nd & 4th Saturday at the Lake Oswego Public Library downststairs. Build & create based on optional themes. Legos provided! – 380 A Ave – More Info :  CLICK HERE

Sun, Jan 15, 2022 -Martin Luther King Jr Celebration- 2:00PM – Join the community at Lake Oswego High School or online for this tribute featuring D.J Avalanche as M.C., a keynote address from Dr Shirley Jackson, Portland State University Professor with specializations in race, social movement and gender, Mayor Joe Buck, musical performances by premier male vocalist Alonzo Chadwick, Sr, and artwork created by community members. This will be followed by a car rally. ~   2501 Country Club Rd – More Info + Links: CLICK HERE

December 9th, 10th, and 11th, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the Tinseltown Trolley.

The Trolley line runs from State Street North along the Willamette shore to the South Waterfront and then back again. The entire ride lasts about 45 minutes. The Trolley runs mostly during the summer, but it is brought out for one weekend in December to celebrate Christmas.

The Tinseltown event features games, sweet treats, caroling, lights, and a special visit from Santa.

Reservations are required. Adults cost $20 and children 12 years old and younger $17. To make a reservation, go to www.loparks.org or telephone 503-675-2549. For more information, click here.

Linda and I are hoping that you are enjoying the holidays!

Dianne

Here in Lake Oswego, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting is quite the celebration. This year it is happening on November 25th from 3:00-8:00. This is the 58th year that this even has taken place.

The event takes place at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street in downtown LO.

Starting at 3:00 vendors will be set up to sell holiday crafts and foods, there will be visits with Olaf and Cham-bear, as well as an ice-carving demonstration. Escorted by the LO Fire Department, Santa will arrive at 5pm and be available for photos until 8:00. The LO Police Department will be on hand to help children write letters to Santa. They will also have a mailbox set up to mail the letters. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm.

All in all, it will be a great way to kick off the season. For all of the details on this event, click here.