Public Libraries in Multnomah County, Oregon

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📚 County library guide

Public Libraries in Multnomah County, Oregon

Multnomah County, Oregon is served by Multnomah County Library — a 19-location system founded in 1864 and the oldest public library on the West Coast, circulating about 18 million items a year.

💡 Looking for a specific service in Multnomah County? libraries with study rooms · printing, copying & fax · a Library of Things.

📚 About Multnomah County Library

Multnomah County Library is the public library system serving Portland and the rest of Multnomah County. Founded in 1864 as the Library Association of Portland, it is the oldest public library on the West Coast; it became fully tax-supported in 1902 and passed to county government in 1990. Today it runs 19 locations and circulates roughly 18 million items a year — one of the highest per-cardholder rates of any large U.S. system.

Its flagship Central Library in downtown Portland opened in 1913, a Georgian-Revival landmark designed by A. E. Doyle and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2020 county voters approved a $387 million bond (Measure 26-211) to build a new flagship East County Library and renovate branches including Albina, Belmont, Holgate, Midland, North Portland, Northwest and St. Johns. The system offers programs in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali, and serves about one-fifth of Oregon's population.

📱 Free digital access with your card

A free Multnomah County Library card unlocks ebooks and audiobooks through Libby (the Library2Go / Oregon Digital Library Consortium collection) and no-waitlist titles on hoopla. Every Oregon cardholder can also reach Answerland, the statewide 24/7 online reference service staffed by librarians.

Cards are free to residents of Multnomah County and several neighboring Oregon and Washington counties; any Oregon resident can get a Multnomah Passport card under the statewide reciprocal borrowing program.

Multnomah County library branches — 14 verified

Each branch below is verified on its official page with address, hours and services. Browse the full Oregon directory for more.

❓ Frequently asked questions

How many public libraries are in Multnomah County?

Multnomah County Library operates 19 locations across Portland and the county. This page lists the branches we have individually verified; the system also includes additional locations and is building a new flagship East County Library funded by the 2020 bond.

Do I have to live in Multnomah County to get a library card?

No. Cards are free to residents of Multnomah County and several neighboring Oregon and Washington counties, and any Oregon resident can get a Multnomah Passport card through the statewide reciprocal borrowing program. Bring a photo ID and proof of address.

What is the biggest library in Multnomah County?

The Central Library in downtown Portland is the system's flagship — a Georgian-Revival landmark that opened in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Can I borrow ebooks free with a Multnomah County Library card?

Yes. Your free card gives you ebooks and audiobooks on Libby (Library2Go) and no-waitlist titles on hoopla, plus access to Answerland, Oregon's statewide 24/7 librarian chat.

Is Multnomah County Library the same as Portland Public Library?

Yes — Portland does not have a separate city library system. Multnomah County Library is the public library for the City of Portland and the rest of Multnomah County.

Last verified September 2026 from official library sources. Hours & services can change — confirm on each branch’s page. By Megan Carter, Library Resources Editor · public-libraries.com