''I haven't been here for years'' But I used to spend many a afternoon in this spacious place researching sometimes but always enjoying myself! But not as much now since the internet come into my life?, Even brought my kids here too on weekends? Built in 1913 as I was once told by one of the librarians? This magnificent Building is what libraries once were and still should be now? I frequent now another library in Vancouver which is nice but not as magnificent as this is with all the marble façade? ''Thanks for the memories and 5 stars*****!'' read more

A Multnomah County Library card is the key to this city, so get one first thing upon moving to Portland. Next, cherish it and use it often. The Multnomah County Library system is one of the most loved library networks in the country. It seems I'm not the only one who is enamored with their book selection and their incredibly extensive CD and DVD collection. (The audio-visual component is great for us broke 20-somethings. Go browse at Powells, Jackpot, and Movie Madness, for those great books, CDs and DVDs and quickly go put a hold on those titles at the library). While some particularly popular titles do demand a long hold period, there is enough selection to last you a great deal of time. A few tips: Program the reference line number (503) 988-5234 into your phone--it's a great resource for resolving trivia disputes. For a personalized and well though out book recommendation list, click on the Ask Us button and write them a note explaining the books (authors and titles are helpful!) that you most love to read. They will email you back with an impressively detailed and valuable list of things you might like. If you work for a school, get an educator card. Just bring your pay stub to the desk and they'll give you the Multnomah County Gold Card--it buys you a much longer stamp and unlimited holds. read more

Libraries: The medicine chest of the soul. Forget Powell's. Just a few blocks away sits one of the best libraries you're going to find. Books. Magazines. Internet access. CDs. DVDs. Multnomah has just about everything you could desire, and if they don't, just request it. They are amazingly receptive to requests for materials (except for porn). The librarians here are incredibly knowledgeable. Mine knew about the clauses in the PATRIOT act that allow the government to secretly request and obtain your library records AND they even had a plan to deal with it (Multnomah periodically erases your library record). Multnomah actually turned down federal funding so that they could maintain unfiltered internet access. Mmmm. Intellectual freedom. For extra super fun, check out the displays on the third floor or run amuck in the rare book room. --- Hours for the downtown location --- Sun: 12 - 5 Mon: 10 - 6 Tues: 10 - 8 Wed: 10 - 8 Thurs: 10 - 6 Fri: 10 - 6 Sat: 10 - 6 read more

The size of this Library was mind blowing! I grew up in a small town so our library was a desk and 8 shelves.. lol Sometimes we'd get lucky and the mobile library from the big city would come through with a bigger selection. So when I entered the building I was in awe, its fancy! Reminded me of an old Museum, the Oregon history section on the top floor is a must visit to see letters and books as old as Oregon itself was delightful. From one Book worm to another it's worth the visit:) read more

Libraries are like Disneyland to me. I've loved going to the library since I was little and I still do. I think I've spent equal time at libraries as shopping malls. The Central Library is quite impressive. There are multilevel sections and you most likely will get to find what you are looking for. And if they don't have it on location, you can place a hold on it and have it be delivered to you at the library location of choice. You can renew a book 50 times and 3 weeks each time. That's like more than half a year of borrowing. You can renew and place a hold in person or online and things just got easier with an app on a smart phone -- that's MLC app on Iphone. The Central Library is beautiful, conveniently located in downtown and on the Max line and streetcar line. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There is plenty of quiet place for a long time of lounging or studying. I love this library a lot but I can't give it 5 stars for one reason and one reason alone. This library also is a shelter for homeless people or backpackers. You can see them scattered out in the front entrance and lounging around on the stairs. They are also present inside as well, usually snoring or resting. I get it that it is public space and the homeless people are harmless. But one thing that really bothers me is the smell and sanitary awareness. I usually cannot spend too much time here because the unsanitary smell makes me nauseous and sick to the stomach. Maybe I am a germaphobe but I feel like they need to wipe down everything in here at least twice a day to maintain adequate public health. They do have alcohol gel available if you really feel the need to be sterile for a bit. Despite the negatives, this library still has a lot to offer and I am coming back again and again for my books. read more

I really don't know how to rate this Library. Good staff, fantastic selection of books, and just stunning ambiance. But, what kind of a Library needs Security guards? Oh, yeah; the one Downtown that is basically a homeless drop-in center. When the homeless outnumber those that are there looking for books: you have a pretty significant problem. I wish I was exaggerating. read more

I visited this library for the first (and hopefully last) time today. I am not from Portland, but I made a special trip in order to use the Central Library for work-related research. They have a vast collection of periodicals and reference materials. My first thought when arriving was that there is nowhere to park - but then again, this is the "big city." I can deal with that. I parked on the street and walked in. The library itself is a huge old beauty of a building. I loved the appearance, the layout, everything about it. The sweeping marble (?) staircase is covered with beautiful etchings and quotes. Lovely paintings adorn the walls. If you didn't know better, you might think you were in a ballroom. As a great book lover, I could have easily lost myself for hours just looking around at everything there is to see. Why one star? The smelly, noisy, coughing, hacking, horny, scratching, loud, harassing homeless people that infest the building and the entire outside entrance area. I'm sorry, but my compassion only goes so far when it comes to issues like this. Something needs to be done about this problem - evidenced by the fact that the library is continually patrolled by multiple armed policemen. I counted four separate Sheriffs deputies actively walking around during my 2-hour visit. I was on the third floor in the "Grand Ronde" research room, and both gigantic research tables were filled with homeless men. From what I could observe, I was the only one who was actually using the room for its intended purpose. I chose a seat at the very end of one of the tables, and was immediately joined by two men - one who chose to sit directly across from me, and one who sat right next to me. I was met with open leers, was treated to one mans recount of how he searches Craigslist for sexual encounters, and was generally assaulted by the smell of unwashed bodies. Believe me when I say that I completely support the availability of resources, literature, and safe spaces for everyone regardless of their situation. But what I observed goes far beyond that. The library is being used as a psuedo-shelter. There was no respect shown for library patrons who were attempting to use the library for its intended purpose. I would have left within 5 minutes had it not been for the fact that I was there for work. I definitely hurried and completed my research as quickly as possible. The smell that I had to endure lingered in my nose for quite a while after leaving - it didn't help that the odor continued even when outside due to the vagrants loitering about the entrance. I will never return to this library if I can help it. If I had children, I would never dream of bringing them into this environment. It was shocking, disgusting, and actually very sad. This is a shame, because, as I said before, the Portland Central Library is an absolutely gorgeous building with an outstanding collection of resources. Portland, please address this problem. read more

It was funny, for the longest time I had no idea the library was in fact a library. I thought it was some giant holding cell for.. well it doesn't matter. I'll just say zombies and some foamy mouth diseased was in my original thought. Okay, review time. It's huge. Don't expect to go to this library without getting your heartbeat up, because it will. There are many giant flights of stairs to climb to get to your knowledge.. woah that should totally be a philosophical statement! The outside is usually strewn with homeless people, but it's not so bad. Mostly just post and pre punk teenagers smoking cigarettes. The inside is glorious, like walking into a piece of art. In fact I'm pretty sure I heard violins when I walked in... There's free internet, lots of books and plenty of room to sprawl out and study. If you do check out- don't turn them in late, otherwise you pay the fee. Luckily you can go online and renew up to two times, so if your in a time crunch, there you go! Last hint: For the busy body, utilize the online system. Find the books you want, place them on hold. You'll get an email reminder, go pick them up. It's shopping online for books, for absolutely NO cost. read more

My wallet contains 5 different library cards. My sister is a librarian, and will get me anything I want. Cost: Free. I like the library. read more

I really hate to do this because I love libraries. From what I experienced the Multnomah library system feels like a half-way house for the crazy and homeless. I come to the library to study, relax, write, and read. To be comfortable. Instead at the Central Library in downtown Portland be prepared for many homeless to seek refuge in this Library. The smell and obnoxiousness of some of the patrons is annoying and dissapointing. The book selection is great. Most tables to study are community tables, but expect loud music and in my case a person with a blanket to be your neighbor. The inside is grand and has a wonderful staircase and great architecture is the positive. Sigh. I'll head to the Powell's Book Store. read more

I REALLY LIKE THIS LIBRARY. #1 it's super easy to make holds online! then they email you and some wonderful staff member puts your stuff with your name sticking out on the shelves (they just moved it to the left hand side of the main room on the 1st floor). grab it, go to check out, and viola! easy access books (and cds and movies)! #2 the staff are always super nice and helpful. in fact, it's almost shocking. sometimes i'm just like, "wait...you're actually helping me...WITH A SMILE??? WHERE'S THE SNARK???" #3 A ZINE COLLECTION THAT YOU CAN BORROW!!! SO COOL! SO COOL! SO COOL! obvs you can tell that i've never seen anything like this before in a public library. #4 the BRAND SPANKING NEW self checkout system (as of 1/16/2010 according to the nicest librarian ever) is super neat. you just pile your books on the sensor and it *magically* knows what they are. ooooooooh technology! #5 decent bathrooms for a very public and well-traversed space. so get to your local library now now now!!! read more

I've been visiting the Multnomah County Library since I got my first library card back in the olden days. My first branch was Mid-County and today I use the Central branch. It has and always been a treasure trove - yes, I'm one of those kids who read under the blankets with flashlight in hand. The choices nowadays with computers and all in the library would have blown my mind as a child. I do love the Central branch building in all its old-fashioned beauty. However, while it has an old-fashioned outer structure, it's heart is new and modern and ready to change with all the new resources it has to offer. It still establishes a sense of anticipation in me when I'm in or out. How can you not be awed by the beauty of the stairway and rotunda-like ceiling, amongst so many other things in the library? I always have to be sure I have a sturdy bag with me to carry home all the things I check out. Here's to you, Central Branch (and all of Multnomah County Library system). You've had a profound influence on my life, and thanks for letting me check out as many books as I wanted to (my parents sometimes thought I was going to devour the library). I'm going to be a little corny, but having lots of books has always been a source of riches to me, and I always walk out the door feeling book-rich and happy. read more

Overheard at the library this weekend, "I couldn't continue my search in that corner because of a really bad odor. It's what they call, occupational hazard." The library was toasty warm this weekend. I couldn't smell anything because of my cold, but I could feel the stuffiness and warmth. Cutting the heat would save the county funds and maybe then the odors would not be as strong. The library was crowded! Is there library expansions in the plan; if they isn't, it should be considered. I like the library. I don't LOVE the library. I need to visit more, to see if I fall in love. Be prepared for the stairs, and a lot of them, because the floor heights are high. The librarians are helpful and plentiful. The catalogue is easy-to-use. read more

I love libraries, and I love old buildings, but I don't necessarily think the two should go together. This place just isn't very functional for the 21st century library patron. Laptop users have to huddle in corners near copy machines or on benches in the lobby areas because few of the tables seem to have outlets available nearby. And there's nothing sadder than a guy trying to balance a computer on his lap and a wireless mouse on his thigh. Except, perhaps, the people waiting nearby for an available public computer to use. Here's the thing: I believe deeply and to the core that the Internet should be free. But because it's usually not, I am always looking for a good wifi spot. I also love cavernous buildings with lots of room, ie not a cramped coffee shop. So the central library should be the perfect place for Portlanders to plug in and surf the web. But it's not. The collection is fairly browsable, but I never realized how spoiled I was by Seattle's central library book spiral. Having six separate rooms of books is less than ideal. However, the children's library is awesome, and I love the tree sculpture there. What is up with the lame self-checkout machines? It takes longer than just waiting in line. read more

As far as Central Libraries go, this place is one of the poshest. Centrally located in Portland, it's an easy walk. I needed to check in and print my boarding passes. Easy Breezy. This a beautiful building with lots of wood paneling and old school architecture. read more

We begin with a perfect rating. The interior is amazing with its high ceilings and grand staircase. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Also, this library has an immense collection! My hometown libraries (Pasadena and Beverly Hills) pale in comparison. So if you are there simply to peruse the collection and then quickly get out, then the stench should not be too bothersome. Speaking of which, what is that smell??? Also, I have to say it is not the place to do some serious work. There is no reading room, and whatever areas they have available to sit and read, or do some work, is disproportionate to its collection. And the patrons are loud. Another negative for me. However, I did notice that the library became less crowded around sunset, so I will try it again. read more

Is it possible to give something a 10+ on Yelp? How bout a 43? Multnomah County is consistently ranked in the top libraries in the country for many reasons. I'm glad they are. They have found a way to make it easy for anyone to get materials they need. Need something? Got a phone? Got an internets connection? Got feet? Got a mouth? You can get it. Don't got feet? You can still get it!(they can send it to you) Of anything that I think is the most useful thing in Portland, this is it. They have rarely let me down on a book or cd or magazine that they may not have. They rival Amazon in sheer volume and possibly even beat them on finding some obscure items. Rock on MultCo Library! Rock on. read more

I'm not as much of a library user as I should be (I tend to just buy books instead of checking them out). And when I do check out books, I tend to just use the Multnomah County Library website to place holds, then have them delivered to my local branch. Seriously -- not that I don't enjoy wandering around the library looking for books, but I can't get over how completely awesome that is. (Homebound patrons can even have books mailed to them.) Note also that the Multnomah County Library allows patrons to renew books online. Again, nice and user-friendly, especially when the user in question is a lazy, lazy person like yours truly. But for those occasions when it's necessary to make the hike downtown (or for when, you know, I just feel like it), I've found it's very much worth the trip to check out the central library downtown. A nice large children's reading room named for the awesome Beverly Cleary, several special collections, and a huge periodicals room...yes, I could stand to spend a lot more time in the central library. read more

This building is a real architectural treasure, and yet they continue to find ways to accommodate the changing needs of their patrons. The branch has racks of popular books made handy, tons of DVDs that people are constantly pawing through, and a grand selection of graphic novels that keeps me coming in every week. It's an amazing way to make libraries part of the modern life. As for the Multnomah Public Library system, this is one of the best in the country. Online reservations and notifications, pick up your reserved books from whatever branch you prefer, web and smartphone apps to manage your queues and account, and lots of technology scattered throughout the branches to keep themselves relevant to the population. read more

This review is for the Multnomah county library system. They have not done a good job servicing their clients during COVID. They are excessively slow on fulling hold requests and on getting new books into circulation in the library. Other library systems are way ahead of them. read more

"Words are as strong and powerful as bombs, as napalm," Dorothy Day. There are a whole bunch of them at the library. Read a book--light a candle against ignorance. read more

The architecture is just so beautiful - I can't even accurately describe it. Kind of art deco, beautiful wide staircase, plenty of natural light. The shelves are very well-maintained, but I am not even a card-carrying library card carrier, so I haven't perused the books much. I would just recommend it based solely on the beauty of the building. read more

This library location rivals the rest of Multnomah County. It's what all libraries should look and feel like. The gigantic staircases that lead you to the next level are awe-inspiring, the computer areas are actually quiet and not gag-inducing, and the staff are quick and friendly. And they have U-scan checkout-- quite possibly the best invention since sliced bread (and self-checkout kiosks). read more

The prettiest Library in the Whole USA. Rose crapet shining white etched architecture, high arcs, great place to read, work, lounge. + Remarkable Zine collection! read more

I could write about the books, but I'd rather tell you about the the staff (friendly, hip, honest, helpful, & fun), the design and architecture (those beautifully carved stairs! that tree in the Cleary Children's Library), and the automation (everyone uses the self-check machines, EVERYONE). The place even SMELLS like a library. There were computers for use on every floor, helpful staff on every floor, and the security greeted visitors instead of glaring at them suspiciously. And they have a gift shop with the coolest (kinda pricey, but worth it) swag I've ever seen. Much of it from local artists and biblio-themed. read more

This library is awesome! What are you looking for in a library? They have that. If you are looking for a library that doesn't have things (or other people) then you are in the wrong place. This library has lots of different kinds of people doing many things with many resources. read more

The greatest thing about a library system as large as Multnomah (the entire system, not just this branch), is their reservation system. From any computer, personal or library, you can request any book, audio book, CD of DVD and have it shipped to the branch closest to your house for pick up. It's like a free netflix! And their selection is amazing! Although not my favorite, central is great. I think the biggest highlight is their zine selection. The Independent Publishing Resource Center, located down the road across from Powell's, curates it, and there is always a great selection. Of course the library is beautiful, including the grand scale of the library, the architecture, details in the staircase, and the dark wooden shelves. A great spot to show off to your mother when she comes to visit. My only critique, and I know this makes me into an insensitive asshole, is that on rainy and wintry days this branch does feel like a homeless shelter. Of course, this is an endemic problem of any library, especially in an urban environment, exacerbated by Portland's famous vagrant culture. It does make me enjoy the smaller, neighborhood branches a bit more. This is a great branch, and a great spot to kill time downtown. read more

I have to say that I have a super soft place for this library. I have had access to books here that blow my mind. The fact that you can also check out cool ebooks, get books mailed to your house, or request books for them to buy is such an amazing opportunity. This library makes me happy to be living in Portland. As usual, the librarians are super happy to help you. And it is amazing that you can check out a Lonely Planet guidebook for a trip that you are going to take and ask them to extend the return date so you can have it for your whole trip. Those who are DIYers can find awesome ceramic books. Their Buddhist section is also really expansive. read more

Very nice library! I admit, I have only been to two areas since I almost always have my kids with me BUT those two areas have been awesome. Another thing I noticed is that every single person working there has been great. Helpful even when they didn't have to be and always seeming to be in a good mood. I like it! The only thing I despise is the parking situation. Do not mess around with the parking people here...you WILL get a ticket for going over your paid time! read more

How can you not love the library? It is literally a huge building full of free books (well, free for a while). The main library is a beautiful, historic building. They have almost every book that I have ever wanted to read, and the holds system is great. I can browse titles online in my pajamas, put them on hold, and then they email me when they're ready to be picked up. And they're all ready for me on the hold shelf and easy to find! The people who work here have always been pretty friendly and helpful when I needed directions to certain sections of the library. I wish that they had maps, though, because it is rather large (three stories of books). I also wish that they would turn the heat down, because it is always far too hot when I go in. The little used book store in the front lobby is great, too. It supports the library and they have super deals. I got two barely-used books there a few weeks ago for about 10% of what they would have cost new ($4 versus $40). That's pretty great. read more

Whatever your opinion is about public libraries, I think it's safe to say that very interesting people congregate at this one. Similar to the military, public libraries attract people from all walks of life and that is why I love them. You begin to appreciate how diversity creates flavors and colors that make our lives so interesting. That is... until... somebody turns on Justin Bieber at full blast in the middle of the library... Or starts to follow you around... Overall, I really appreciate the architecture of this library. Quaint. Beautiful. I will begin to utilize this library more often when I'm out of school. read more

Library offers so many good freebies This is by far the best library that I've taken advantage of in my life. Sure, they have lots of great books and quiet space to have a good read but it's the extra items they carry that get major kudos. My friend and I virtually planned our whole European adventure here by renting Rick Steves' books and videos. Even the stuff that was already rented didn't take long to get on the waiting list. The videos of the countries were awesome because we could see where we were wanted to go or could pass on. Best of all, it was all free. Tip: Parking is a pain around here, so take the streetcar. read more

This library is amazing! Everything from the expansive catalog to the beautiful building to the outdoor benches on the north and south sides. It's hard not to look at the beautiful stairs as you walk up to one of the many sections of the library. What was most impressive to me was their huge zine collection. They literally have 100's of zines you can read and check out. The staff here is always really nice and helpful. It can sometimes be a long wait if you need a computer, but they have free wifi if you bring a laptop. Even though i feel bad using them, the self checkout machines are really quick and easy to use. While this isn't the most convenient location to where i live, i often go out of my way to visit the Central library because it's always an enjoyable experience. read more

Huge library! 3 floors, so many books, movies and cd's. Plenty of computers and tables available. Beautiful staircase made of etched, black granite, and a really cool bronze tree in the children's area. The library book store on the first floor (on the left), has a large variety of used books with great prices. They have quirky, unique local hand crafted gifts and stationary. I bought an adorable tree ornament of St. John's bridge! read more

This library is absolutely gorgeous with the engraved steps inside. You can see cooking, fantasy, science, etc. on the staircase up to each floor. The top floor had an exhibit under glass but everything was empty. I suppose they were switching out their exhibit. Otherwise, there is a huge homeless population here so security/police check frequently in bathrooms and open areas. I think this is a pretty huge library and now wish that we visited our St. Paul library back at home. read more

I love this place. The building itself is beautiful. I would have given it 5 stars but I'm not fond of the homeless folks that are laying all over the benches inside the library. The staff though is very helpful. I went looking for an address of an old building before they did the address changes in the 30's. The man I talked to was very helpful. The lady that have me my new library card was also very nice.. read more

Multnomah County Library - The beautiful structure. - Libraries Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Oh wow, just wow, this library is breathtaking! The staircase is so unique with hand carved rails, and the children's room is stunning. There is a beautiful brass tree that kids were exploring and enjoying. I just at in a tiny chair and watched them laugh and play! What a great find!!!! read more

Probably one of the most iconic portland spots along with Pioneer Courthouse Square ( at least for me) . The building itself is beautiful , I love the architecture and as soon as you come into the main entrance theres that amazing marble staircase ***Swoon. I love this library again for nostalgic reasons , I remember school field trips here and coming here as a teen to go read all the magazines with friends. There's just something about this place that's really special and it's hard for me to describe . I love that it serves as a community hub And to the people who complain about it being overrun with homeless or even being put off by the "homeless smell" ... give me a break I have never felt threatened or in danger in their presence... of course you need to be aware of certain folks but holy cow !!! have a heart, this library is a safe place for them to go to to check emails and/or get away from extreme weather while waiting for access to day or night shelters to open.... it's not like they have to luxury of getting. To choose where they have access to free WIF!!! I look forward to being able to come back to this library one day :) read more

Great selection of cooking books! Beautiful inside and out. The help desk people are really friendly and I just hope they have a crochet class pretty soon I would be the first one to sign up. It makes me feel good about the community I live in that we all come together and still be positive and help each other out. read more

As a tourist, the stairs alone made my visit worthwhile--black marble etched with natural motifs and hidden words, they hint at the world hidden in books. The Beverly Cleary Children's Room has a beautiful brass tree themed around the Dewey Decimal system with things for children of all heights to discover. Plus, their new shelf was quite inspiring. read more