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    Multnomah County Library

    4.5 (131 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Multnomah County Library Photos

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    Amanda B.

    My review is based only on a walk through, and not as a patron whose checked out materials or frequents. 1. This building is beautiful!!! The architecture and fine craftsmenship is apparent in so many details: the name etched into the building itself, the authors' names on the benches out front, the design details in the tree in the Youth Dept. and in the marble stairs!! 2. Seems like they have loads of great marriage for checkout! 3. Seems like they provide a safe and temperature controlled space for the community. The reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because as my friend and I spent nearly an hour there and walked through all the public spaces, not a single staff member acknowledged us, or asked if we need assistance. As I am a librarian, i feel justified in saying that's not how it should be done. It's our jobs to be welcoming, so I was disappointed that I didn't have that experience here. We still loved seeing the beautiful building, and I'd definitely recommend seeing it.

    Handy ballot box at the main desk
    Kelsie V.

    Stately library. Very organized and beautiful, too. One of the clerks was so helpful pointing out the direction for my specific call number - and another was pleasant to put a book on hold for me. It wasn't a huge favor, but both offered great, humble service. One visit - I wasn't planning to, but I was able to drop my ballot off, how handy. Vast, clean library with lots of stairs. Enjoy it.

    Jana C.

    1913 architectural gem. Cannot tell you how many times I have been....Beverly clearly children's library....there used to be a quaint, basic cafe downstairs. Alas, gone..... And now, soon to stay downtown, gonna avail myself of the streetcar stop here that takes me to Lloyd!!! (Upscale Goodwill across street fun quicky shopping too). Woohooo to PDX for addition of the CL streetcar line. Libraries make me happy...and this coming from a Mult. Co. erstwhile library volunteer who clocked in a lottttta hours!

    These candles smell amazing!
    Cam T.

    A beautiful, historic building that boasts the best selection of books out of all the Multnomah County Libraries and gorgeous architecture. There's a lot of tables and computers available for studying. If you're a PSU student like me, going here for books can save you a lot of money during the school year. Most likely you'd have to go to the desk for help, as it's very difficult to find books here; books are organized according to a different system than at other Multnomah County Libraries. As you walk in, there's a little store to your left that you must check out with kitschy little knick knacks, stationary, and always books on sale. Also check out the Children's Library! Absolutely gorgeous and a great place to bring your child. On a side note, be careful as there are a lot of homeless people in the area.

    What a gorgeous library! I was initially impressed by the architecture, even more so by the friendly staff and finally blown away by the current selection of books. They had new books that were released just a week ago. They also provide a lot of community resources. A library social worker?!! That is just a fantastic idea.

    Jamakea T.

    Took one of my closest friends here when she was in town. I thought it was so intricate and beautifully designed. Everyone is welcome here. And EVERYONE takes advantage of that. Some may possibly live here during open hours. But as long as everyone is respectful and quiet -- that's all that matters. After all, it's a public library that's FREE. It reminded me of any beautiful Washington DC library or the New York Public Library. Obviously not as magnificent but impressive nonetheless. They have a children's wing. Free computer usage. Many floors. Many public records and resources. Lots of help desks. 10/10.

    Mark B.

    While some cities, like for instance Seattle, have cool and slick modern buildings for their central library. Portland wows with this historic building. It is, like YELP's 5-star description, as good as it gets. I have always loved coming here, but somehow they made it even better when they remolded (check out the etched granite on the stairs! or the tree in the kids section. The library is a great space to spend time, Free computers are all around you can either search the collections or place holds on the computers. It also hosts a store of the Friends of the Library. Staff is easy to find either walking around and staffing desks if you need assistance. Check out is easy on their Computerized self checkout counters. If you need help, there are always staff there to assist. My best tip: use the computers here or at home to reserve books, movies and music for pickup. You get a notice when it is ready then come in to pick it up. The system is super easy and lets you get inline for super popular items also they will transfer stuff from other branches and file them alphabetically. My second best tip: use the restroom before you come, the ones here can be an...experience. On June 11, 1979 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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    gorgeous space the people of this city are lucky to call their own free library. pinks and greens and a tree in the children's room

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    Ask the Community - Multnomah County Library

    Is the IT staff working? Phone number? Nursing homes especially need access to audio books. Thanks.

    Last I heard they were shuttered and closed? We are talking about the main library downtown are we not? If one goes online you will see an official notice!

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    Review Highlights - Multnomah County Library

    While some cities, like for instance Seattle, have cool and slick modern buildings for their central library.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Portland State University Library - Soooo crowded during finals!

    Portland State University Library

    4.4(10 reviews)
    0.5 miDowntown, Southwest Portland

    The Miller library is a beautiful piece of architecture with a rich history and an abundance of…read moreresources. For years I've been using the library's Summit system as a way to save money on books. I'm surprised not more people do this. I also make use of their online databases, and the workers are more than willing to help with any questions or concerns you may have. The learning center has been a life-saver. Basement: quiet floor, DVD players available First floor: Peet's Coffee, printing/scanning services, rentals of mice, laptops, laptops that play DVDs, etc. Second floor: awesome help desk to help you out with research Third floor: perfect for group meetings. I either book a room or use one of the tables by the window Fourth floor: my favorite quiet floor, complete with private cubicles Fifth floor: quiet floor

    I figured it was about time for me to write up a review for the PSU library as I have been spending…read moremost of my time there lately. This library has many different spaces available in order to get your school work done; whether it be solo or with a group. There are six floors in the library, half of them are quiet study and the other half allow talking in order for group work to happen. There are quite a few private group study rooms that are available for rent to students (be sure to reserve these way in advance during mid-term and finals weeks). The library has a whole slew of computers as well as several print stations. The print stations are hooked up to web print so you can conveniently print from your own laptop. There is a reference desk located on the second floor. If you don't know where to get started in this large library. you should stop by the reference desk first. I've also had a bit of luck having them help me with my research. These librarians went to school to learn how to research things, go take advantage of their expertise! I also enjoy the various views I can get depending on which side of the library I decide to it on. If you sit on the east side of the building (the front) you have a nice view of the Park Blocks and a beautiful tree that grows right in front of the library. If you head to the west side you get a view of the football field. I have had much entertainment from watching everything from soccer and football practice to martial arts practice and cricket games.

    Photos
    Portland State University Library - The PSU library has a massive Dark Horse Comics collection!!

    The PSU library has a massive Dark Horse Comics collection!!

    Portland State University Library - We are ready...

    We are ready...

    Portland State University Library - We are almost ready for our final presentation...

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    We are almost ready for our final presentation...

    Beaverton City Library - Beautiful Christmas decor

    Beaverton City Library

    4.2(66 reviews)
    6.3 miSouthwest Portland

    My Son and I hung out here a few days ago as he was showing me the town. Over 2 spacious floors,…read moreis high ceilings, great natural light and attractive woods. It's clean, well kept, and organized. The books shelves looked a little light, but this place rocks as a community gathering and study spot. It also has a very nice children's section and lots of plug-in opportunities for keeping one's electronics up and running.

    Honestly I was very thankful that I was able to use the computer lab to get most of my Oregon…read morerequirements for my CE completed. However the idea that a library is supposed to be a quiet place is no longer accurate. I mean the kids section of the Shute Park Library is one thing, I mean kids are supposed to be there and let's face it, kids learn better when they are active. Today's visit was more like a zoo. So today there was a visitor who was having a conversation out loud. This wasn't unusual...the unusual part was that another visitor started to get aggressive verbally with them. This was both disturbing and upsetting (kinda the same thing). I believe a library employee was familiar with this person and was able to de-escalate the situation rather quickly. Then there was a 20 minute situation between two visitors and their door dash/grub hub driver. I didn't even realize you could eat in the library, but i guess that has changed too. Despite these distractions I was able to complete my work, but I wish libraries were quieter. But I am glad they are cooling stations as well.

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    Beaverton City Library - We offer free programs for all ages. 

Storytime.

    We offer free programs for all ages. Storytime.

    Beaverton City Library
    Beaverton City Library - Main Library outside from the side.

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    Main Library outside from the side.

    Multnomah County Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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