About the Library
West Slope Community Library is a member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services and is administered directly by Washington County. The library is located in the West Slope/Raleigh Park neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.
History
The library was founded in 1950 by the Century Club for Women*. First located in space donated by a local bank, in 1974 the library moved to a park district building in front of Raleigh Park Elementary School in West Slope. In 1978 voters approved a levy for WCCLS which included funds for a 3,000 square foot modular building and for the library to be administrated by Washington County. Since 1998 the library has added an additional 3,000 square feet.
* Read about the Oregonian story on the Century Club for Women
Funding & Administration
Since West Slope Community Library is located in an unincorporated area, it is not supported or administered by a city government and is instead administered directly by Washington County, Oregon. Nearly all of the library’s funding comes from the County’s general fund and a five-year local option levy for Washington County libraries. Nearly 40% of West Slope Community Library’s budget is provided by the library levy.
The Friends of West Slope Library also supports the library by raising money for library books, programs, facilities, and services. Without the support of the Friends, the library would be unable to offer many of the programs and materials for children and adults that it currently provides.
Kristen Thorp is currently the Library Director. The Library Advisory Board advises the supervisor and library staff in planning and administration. Members are appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
What the Library Has to Offer
Library staff are trained to offer reading recommendations and can direct you in using library tools to find your next book to read. There is typically at least one staff member on-site who can provide basic computer assistance, demo library ebooks, and offer reference and research help.
Computers with internet access and free wireless are available to the public. Printing, photocopying, and scanning services are also available. You can send printing to our Public printer from your email to this address wccls-wsl-bw@printspots.com or this webform
The library hosts a number of programs every month, including storytimes, craft programs, game nights, movie nights, book groups, and other cultural and educational programs for all ages. You can check our blog or subscribe to updates on library events.
The Library Carries:
- fiction
- non-fiction
- graphic novels
- books on CD
- music
- dvds and blu-ray
- magazines
- newspapers
- local publications
- sizable collection for young adults and children
- boardgames
Available Online:
With a WCCLS library card, you can access dozens of high-quality homework, business, health, genealogy, consumer, and career research tools on your own.