Public Libraries in Portland, Oregon
🏢 Multnomah County Library
Public Libraries in Portland, Oregon
A directory of Multnomah County Library locations — from the landmark 1913 Central Library to historic Carnegie branches and modern rebuilds — with real hours, addresses, and what makes each one worth a visit.
📚 About the Multnomah County Library
Multnomah County Library traces its roots to 1864, making it one of the oldest public library systems in the western United States, and today it is among the busiest libraries in the country by circulation. Its Central Library, opened in 1913 and designed by celebrated Oregon architect A.E. Doyle in a Georgian Revival style, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 2020s the system launched an ambitious voter-approved capital bond, 'Building for the Future,' rebuilding and expanding branches across Portland and constructing a new flagship East County library. Any Oregon resident can get a free library card, which unlocks borrowing, computers, Wi-Fi, and digital services from eBooks to streaming film.
📱 Free with a Multnomah County Library Card
Any Oregon resident can get a library card free and unlock:
Multnomah County Library Branches
Multnomah County Library — one of the oldest public libraries in the western United States — serves Portland through its 1913 Central Library and a network of neighborhood branches, several of them being rebuilt through a voter-approved capital bond. Explore individual locations for real hours, addresses, and what makes each one distinctive:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Central Library in Portland special?
Central Library opened in 1913 and was designed by prominent Oregon architect A.E. Doyle in a Georgian Revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains the flagship of Multnomah County Library, known for its grand staircase and the Beverly Cleary Children's Library.
Why are some Multnomah County libraries closed or being rebuilt?
In the 2020s the library launched a voter-approved capital bond called 'Building for the Future,' which is renovating and expanding neighborhood branches and building a new flagship library in East County. Some branches have temporarily closed during construction, so it's worth checking a specific location's status before visiting.
Do I need to live in Portland to get a library card?
No. Any Oregon resident can get a Multnomah County Library card for free, which unlocks borrowing at all locations plus digital services like Libby, hoopla, and Kanopy.