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

It's great because they have a lot of computers but that's about where the good ends. The place is a homeless mecca and it smells disgusting. Can't use the restrooms because there's always homeless people in their showeing in the sink and sitting on the toilet doing whatever for hours on end. Forget about using a computer in peace and quiet. The homeless people to your left and right will be talking to themselves and singing to themselves. Absolutely no respect at all. read more

I LOVE this beautiful old classic library. It has 3 floors of books on the shelves as well as in the stacks! Take the MAX or bus downtown & enjoy the adventure! read more

I've been all over... New York, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, etc... and pound for pound... this library is the best. It's selection is almost gratuitous, and it's staff pretentious. You can ask for help and actually be made to feel like you are interrupting them. It's great. Anyway... I love it. Only thing, is the smell. And Portland as a community should attack this problem straight on. Smells of fecal matter, aged urine, mold, rotting food, body odor, etc... are the most identifiable aspect of a Central library visit. This doesn't have to be true. These people present a health risk. Now, I'm not a rich guy, I'm a guy that has been homeless... and I made sure to respect those around me regardless. Let's speak up Portland. read more

A truly beautiful children's library. I love the baskets for books they have available for patrons to borrow. Such a cute touch. We really enjoyed the engineering exhibit they had upstairs. It would have been nice if they had batteries to borrow to check if you snap circuit works really nice book/media collection. I can tell this is a really well-loved library. read more

This is a gem of a library and worth every accolade. A handsome, open, inviting, beautifully restored building that is as modern as it is welcoming. I've visited before but spent quite a bit of time today enjoying the periodicals collection [reading the National Post and Guardian Weekly] while trying to imagine what the city would be like without such a well-stocked and staffed resource. read more

In addition to having a lovely physical presence, the Multnomah County Library has a fantastic web site, in which one can search for and put a hold on any book in the system. How great is that? Now I can hang out in the children's section with my toddler and still come home with a stack of grownup books. Bliss. read more

It's a library! What more can you say? People who work in libraries are saints engaged in a noble profession, guarding our cultures and getting paid peanuts to do so. This library is big and quiet, and has a Friends of the Library store in the vestibule. Modern in the right ways, traditional in the necessary ways. p.s. Always vote in favor of library tax levies. read more

One of my favorite libraries! Great location in hub of Portland! The building is original and really fantastic to view. Every floor was unique. The employees are really friendly and helpful. Each one helped me when I needed it. It felt like a library that I call home! Looking forward to many future visits! Check out the events and lectures, many are free and very enjoyable! read more

4.5 really but I am here now on a computer finally. Its old and stately a bit like a few of employees. I am also old and stately BUT I move faster and without creaking. Others were great to me. I like this old table and the ambience. read more

Wonderful facilities. staff extremely knowing and nice. Terrific selection. It's the tops! Thank you Portland taxpayers and everyone involved. read more

What a wonderful & beautiful place. Too bad the crackheads & crazies that loiter in and around it have ruined it for me!!! :(((

The staff is great and it is a beautiful old library. If you don't 'order' CD's though don't bother browsing. And keep in mind it's a homeless shelter on most days. read more

Beautiful building in Downtown...the engraving on the stairs inside is very impressive. Being in this library gives you that old building, mysterious-yet-fun feel that I always have experienced in old libraries on the East Coast. I have only visited this place once, but I will say that the staff was very friendly and helpful, there are computer sections and empty tables in every separate area, and the building is very clean and tidy. Sometimes the people on the computers can be a bit loud, depending on what video game they've decided to all collaborate on and scream across the section to each other about; but I would say that this library has something that the other branches of MCL do not and it is worth visiting. read more

Well, it's not BPL (Boston Public Library) but it'll suffice for PDX, and it is (hands down) the best Portland public library I have ever been to. My favorite part? Besides the fact that you can put books on hold and pick them up whenever they are ready (and of course you are notified by e-mail when they are ready at the branch of your choice, my choice being Central since I work downtown and need a good walk)? They have figured out a way to lure people back into the library and see what's on the shelves (instead of going straight to the holds section, grabbing their holds, and then leaving again) - LUCKY DAY books. The books that are on hold and you are #76 on the hold list to borrow...well, it might just be your LUCKY DAY and it will be sitting on the shelf (no renewals on these folks of course, but what a selection!). Right when you walk into the fiction section/room where YA and the holds are. .Their "new" books are also right by the check out (fast and easy self checkout, of course) stations, so even if you are just returning a book, you can't help but want to glance at the new releases (especially if you're an avid reader like myself - yes, I know, nerdy, but I'm proud of it!). The ambiance and fancy stairs/high ceilings remind me of old, historical libraries back East. I'm pretty sure the library from my little hometown is older than this one, but I give PDX major props for getting their little main library to have that authentic feel. Also? When I moved here from the East coast the staff was VERY helpful and helped me set up a library card with ease (and this was three years ago before we ALL had smart phones and what not). So I say thank you Multnomah County Public Library - Central Branch, for creating a pleasant environment in the middle of downtown Portland for which us booklovers to go browse :) read more

How can you not love a four story labyrinth of books? The only draw back is that there are a lot of trashy people hanging out in front who sometimes will say vulgar things to passers by... the city as a whole needs to do something about the vagrant problem, but the library especially should discourage this behavior on their front steps. read more

Whoa. Everything in this place is free. You can also check out approximately 62,000 of these free items at once. I'll be honest, I'm not much for reading books (really, who has the time?), but I am pretty stoked that you can check out all sorts of random CDs here. And while none of the librarians were as hot as some of the movies I've seen, they were all really nice. I will definitely be back. read more

Downtown, so expect downtown craZies. But, when I lived close by, I could always count on getting on a computer for the internet (3rd floors mostly always free) and the book selection and DVD collection is magnificent. My fav multnomah county library... Now I live out in the #s but on days off I am willing to hop a max to this spot... The people are super helpful and always help me find my books really fast. Greatness all around read more

Love this place. Where else can I borrow books for free and it's right in downtown Portland. The building itself is a wonderful piece. This is my library. read more

This is a beautiful library. I'd go see it if I was a tourist. Just stunning inside. Free internet and all the current magazines. Really well done and run. read more

We have the greatest library in the country. I use it constantly and the only criticism I have is that they only allow me to have 15 items on my hold list. Bring back the infinite hold. read more

This is my favorite Multnomah County library branch. It's gorgeous, spacious, and offers a great selection of books, electronic resources, and friendly and knowledgeable service. read more

Everyone who works here has been very helpful and enthusiastic whenever I've needed help. Even so, I LOVE the self-checkout- it's so fast! Usually I request what I want online- when it comes in, I get an email, and then I can dash in and out very quickly on my way home or during my lunch break. It doesn't get more convenient than that! read more

The etchings in the main staircase are a wonderful detail that I've not seen in other grand public buildings. The mass of homeless entering at the opening hour I've seen elsewhere. read more

They have best sellers and more items than any other library in the state. With interlibrary loan you can order a book from any library in the country!! read more

Beautiful library and a cute little used bookstore. I scored some epic titles for super cheap. Go here before the pilgrimage to Powell's.

My favorite library! I love having books from all over the city delivered here.

Public libraries rock, this one more than most. A fantastic flagship building for an incredible county system!

A book lovers wonderland. Beautifully restored, including a marble staircase and Alice statue in children's section. Houses more books than can be read in a lifetime. read more

It is an excellent place to search for books, cd's, and movies on disc. I was amazed by the architecture. The grandeur of the place clearly amplifies the treasure of books and services that the library offers. I want to commend the folks who staff the Help Desk. The people there are quite helpful even if you are donating books to this fine and wonderful establishment. The majesty of this library clearly goes beyond a mere single paragraph of descriptions. read more

really like this library in the heart of SW Portland. its a slice of history standing tall amongst the changing city. very nice stately buiding, and a lot of grandeur even inside. a great resource for the city, please go and take advantage of it if you live in the county! read more

I can easily get lost in this library. Beautiful architecture, fun and interesting traveling exhibits (loved the John Adams one), computers on every floor, clean restrooms and super friendly staff makes this a worthwhile trip to downtown. read more

A city that is artsy and eclectic as Portland requires such a great library. I would recommend a visit for locals or visitors alike. The building has great architecture on the inside, which is worth a look even if you are not looking to check out any books. In regards to the books, there is a huge selection. I often forget that this resource exists and encourage my fellow Yelpers to utilize it! read more

I've always loved it and always will - whenever I am in town, I always go there. I used to go there a lot, in the 90s, when I still lived in Portland. The interior of the building has been changed a bit over the years - it was closed for a year or two for a remodel around 1995-96. But, the exterior of the building looks the same now as it did 100 years ago - I've seen photos! I mainly went there for the classical sheet music. Some of the copies are pushing a century old, but no matter, they're still intact. Anyhow - this is probably the finest public library in Oregon and it's a historical landmark, no doubt about it. Go check it out, even if you don't check out any books. read more

Have been a member for awhile since I had other state ID. (unbelievable too easy to get member card- I didn't provide utilities bills or any proof of residence) Anyway, 5 stars for kids section. I always bring my kid to story time here. So afraid that it will get too busy after good reviews but couldn't help. Their story time is so good. Our son learns and gets to know other kids. I met other moms and found new friends who are now hang outside story time. One drawback is we have only one favorite librarian. She is fun- telling story, sing, and play with kids. Not all of them are like that. read more

I can barely go to this library anything. The building is spectacular and the staff are *so* friendly and knowledge. The selection is amazing. I used to go during breaks at work just to browse and hang out. But it has become so unpleasant in recent years. In many rooms the stench is overwhelming. Even getting to the main steps feels like a precarious gauntlet. I fins litter scattered throughout the library from peoples stashing of personal belongings--I've actually stepped on a toothbrush, a disposable razor, and a pair of underwear. I know the library tries hard and that in many ways their hands are tied, and I appreciate that they are trying to serve all of our community, especially those we as a society have left behind, but it has reached a point where I don't feel safe going in. I certainly can't bring my children there, and going with my parents to the library to explore was a childhood delight of mine. Serious changes are needed to save this great resource. Please! read more

BEAUTIFUL building, excellent selections, excellent staff (very friendly, very funny!) and a wonderful environment. You meet a lot of great people here, and you can print anything you want for only a dime. One of the best places in Portland, hands down. read more

Great library. Rich selection of books. Nice collection of dvd and audio cd. Difficult to find parking.

All libraries deserve 5 stars, but this one especially for its beautiful building.

I've always felt at home in libraries, and Central is no exception. I used to walk past it every day on the way to work and I loved looking over the architecture and the names (explorers, composers, authors, philosophers) carved into the stone. Their homeless population is part and parcel of the Central Library experience. I think it's admirable that these unfortunates are accepted there, as long as they're not disruptive (in some way or another), considering that other less liberal libraries might just turn them away automatically. There's few things I love more than huge aisles filled with books, peace, and quiet. And I believe that for the most part, it's treated with the reverence that it deserves. It's a temple, it's a sanctuary, it's a mecca, it's where I saw a grizzled man in his 60's reading a collection of Aimee Bender short stories, it's the setting I'd chose for a hypothetical "I Saw You..." ad, identifying me, and it serves to dissipate office-induced stress. read more