Central Library
🏢 Multnomah County Library — Portland, Oregon
Central Library
Portland's grand Central Library has anchored downtown at SW 10th and Yamhill since 1913, a Georgian landmark by architect A.E. Doyle whose 92-step central staircase and Wilkinson sandstone walls make it one of the most beloved public buildings in Oregon.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Sunday | 12 PM – 6 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 801 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 988-5123
Website: multcolib.org
📖 About Central Library
Central Library opened on September 6, 1913, from a design by prominent Portland architect A.E. Doyle, who clad the three-story building in Wilkinson sandstone in a restrained Georgian style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the "Central Building, Public Library." A major 1994–1997 project seismically retrofitted the structure, rebuilt the roof entirely, and restored the interior, and the building closed again in March 2023 for an interior refresh before reopening in February 2024 with upgraded decor, technology, and restrooms. Spanning roughly 125,000 square feet across five levels, it holds one of the largest collections in the system, with miles of shelving spread over its public floors. Families know it especially for the Beverly Cleary Children's Library, named for the celebrated Portland author.
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Georgian landmark designed by A.E. Doyle, opened 1913 and on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979
- Home to the Beverly Cleary Children's Library, named for the beloved Portland author
- Reopened February 2024 after a 2023 interior refresh with updated technology and restrooms
- Roughly 125,000 square feet across five levels, including a signature 92-step central staircase
📱 Free with a Multnomah County Library Card
Any Oregon resident can get a library card free and unlock:
📍 More Multnomah County Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the children's area called the Beverly Cleary Children's Library?
It honors Beverly Cleary, the celebrated author of Ramona and Henry Huggins, who grew up in the Portland area. The dedicated children's space at Central Library carries her name as a tribute to her ties to the city and to young readers.
Is the Central Library building historic, and can I still visit despite the recent construction bond?
Yes on both counts. The 1913 A.E. Doyle building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. It briefly closed in 2023 for an interior refresh and reopened in February 2024, so it is fully open to the public with regular hours.
What makes Central Library different from Multnomah County's neighborhood branches?
As the system's flagship, Central spans about 125,000 square feet over five levels and holds far larger and more specialized collections than a neighborhood branch, along with the historic architecture, the Beverly Cleary Children's Library, and its landmark 92-step central staircase.