We recently used one provided by Multnomah County Library, released in conjunction with the addition of artwork to the Hollywood branch showing many of Cleary's characters.
About two years ago I wrote about a bust of Cleary at the Central location, but Hollywood is where Cleary herself would have visited.
https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2024/07/libraries-milwaukie-estacada-and.html
It is not the same location; that building is now the Fleur de Lis Bakery and Cafe, which does feature historic photos of the old library on its web site.
https://fleurdelisbakery.com/about
That's one thing that is kind of fun; so much looks the same.
The Hollywood theater hasn't changed.
The library has gotten much bigger, as has the old school. Once called Fernwood for real and Glenwood in the books, it is now Beverly Cleary School.
I am sure the playground looks different, but there is still a sense of how things would have been.
I used to be surprised that there was a wading pool in the park, as they usually don't have those now. Seasonal fountains, however, have become popular, and became a way to restore the pool.
For readers and re-readers, there probably already was a picture, but seeing the sites makes it become more real.
The familiarity does not have to be all local. I remember my parents taking me hunting for night crawlers, but I don't know if it was at Grant High School like Henry Huggins, and that's certainly not where they went in King of the Hill.
COVID: While you can go inside some of the places, the only place you need to enter is the library, and even that is right at the entrance, with a preview on the outside.
(But yes, I did wear a mask while inside.That's just smart.)
Accessibility: This is mostly good, but the standard access point you are directed to for the sculpture garden on 33rd is up a short flight of stairs. There are other entry points that are not as close to the sculptures. If stairs are a problem, plot a different course, maybe from the playground side.
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