About the Library > Library fact sheet
Library fact sheet
Background
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi, with a history that reaches back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 17 other neighborhood libraries make up a library system that houses a collection of nearly 2 million books and other library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population.
Current data
Multnomah County residents USE their library. In 2008-2009, they checked out or renewed an average of 29.9 items per person. Among U.S. libraries serving fewer than 1 million residents, Multnomah County Library ranks No. 1 in annual circulation of books and other materials, according to the Public Library Association's 2007 Statistical Report.
In 2008-2009, Multnomah County Library customers checked out or renewed 21.4 million items. Circulation of books, compact discs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, videos and other library materials increased 5.2 percent. Library staff filled 2.3 million holds and answered 1.9 million questions.
In a typical week, the library is visited more than 100,000 times.
More than 58,000 children participated in the library's countywide 2008 Summer Reading program. Other library programming, targeted to all age groups, from infants to elders, reaches an annual audience of more than 300,000.
In 2008-2009, volunteers donated more than 57,000 hours of their time to the library, the equivalent of 7,182 eight-hour days.