Forest Grove City Library
🏢 Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) · Forest Grove, Oregon
Forest Grove City Library
Established in 1908 as the first tax-supported public library in Washington County, the Forest Grove City Library has been a cornerstone of this western Oregon college town for more than 115 years, today offering Spanish-language services, an active Teen Library Council, and access to WCCLS's 1.5-million-item shared collection.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–7:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–7:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–7:30pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–7:30pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 2114 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone: (503) 992-3247
Website: forestgrove-or.gov
Plus Code: 84QRGV9R+R8 (Forest Grove, OR)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Forest Grove City Library
Forest Grove City Library was founded in 1908, making it the oldest tax-supported public library in Washington County, Oregon — a distinction it holds among the 16 member libraries of the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) consortium. The city is home to Pacific University, founded in 1849 as one of the oldest universities in the Pacific Northwest, and the library has long served a community shaped by that academic tradition. Today the library at 2114 Pacific Avenue is individually governed by the City of Forest Grove and directed by Colleen Winters. It is particularly notable for its bilingual services: the library maintains dedicated Spanish-language programming and resources under La Biblioteca en Español, reflecting the city's significant Latino community. An active Teen Library Council gives young patrons a voice in library programming and events. As a WCCLS member, a Forest Grove card unlocks borrowing from all 16 partner libraries across Washington County, plus digital collections including Libby, the Library of Things, and Oregon's Answerland statewide reference service.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1908 — the first tax-supported public library in Washington County, Oregon, with over 115 years of continuous service
- Dedicated Spanish-language services under La Biblioteca en Español, reflecting Forest Grove's bilingual community
- Active Teen Library Council giving young patrons direct input into library programming and decisions
- Member of WCCLS — a Forest Grove card unlocks 1.5 million items across 16 Washington County libraries
- Preschool Storytime, ESL classes, and Library of Things borrowing (board games, 3D objects) available to cardholders
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Forest Grove cardholders access free digital collections through WCCLS and Oregon's statewide library resources:
📚 Services
- Free library cards for Forest Grove and Washington County residents
- Spanish-language services and bilingual collections (La Biblioteca en Español)
- Free ESL classes for intermediate and other levels
- Public computers, free Wi-Fi, and Print from Anywhere remote printing
- Conference and study room reservations
- Library of Things — borrow board games and 3D objects through WCCLS
- Interlibrary loan across all 16 WCCLS member libraries
- Volunteer opportunities and Friends of the Library giving programs
🎸 Programs
- Preschool Storytime — weekly sessions for early learners
- Free ESL classes at intermediate and other levels (ongoing)
- Teen Library Council — student advisory group shaping library programs
- Adult programs and community events throughout the year
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Donate to the library through the Friends group at forestgrove-or.gov/553/Donate
📍 Nearby Libraries in Washington County, OR
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Forest Grove · Browse all Oregon libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Forest Grove City Library historically significant in Oregon?
Founded in 1908, it was the first tax-supported public library in Washington County, Oregon — meaning it was the first library in the county funded by public tax dollars rather than by private subscription or donation. That makes it the originating public library institution for the county that would eventually become one of the most populous in the state.
Does the library offer services in Spanish?
Yes. Forest Grove City Library operates La Biblioteca en Español, a dedicated Spanish-language program offering bilingual collections, Spanish-language resources, and free ESL classes. The library's email contact (fgl-reference@wccls.org) and staff can assist Spanish-speaking patrons.
What is WCCLS and does my Forest Grove card work at other libraries?
WCCLS — the Washington County Cooperative Library Services — is the consortium of 16 public libraries in Washington County, Oregon. Your Forest Grove City Library card works at all 16 member libraries and gives you access to the shared collection of 1.5 million items, plus digital resources like Libby, Mango Languages, and streaming video.
Is the library open on Sundays?
No — Forest Grove City Library is closed on Sundays. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday 9:30am–7:30pm and Friday through Saturday 9:30am–5:30pm.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
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