Media contacts
Kim Sutton, Marketing & Communications Director
Media inquiries
mobile: 971.610.8554 | kims@multcolib.org
Liz Sauer, Library Capital Bond Projects Communications Manager
For library bond inquiries
mobile: 971.469.9815 | elizabeths@multcolib.org
Public records requests
Submit a request online and select "All Other Departments" or visit the Multnomah County public records webpage for more information.
Media releases
Facts and figures
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library on the west coast, with a history that dates back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 18 other neighborhood libraries make up a library system that offers nearly 3 million books and other physical and digital library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population.
Director of Libraries: Annie Lewis
Founded in: 1864
Number of libraries: 19
Service area: Multnomah County, including Portland, Fairview, Gresham and Troutdale
Population served: 805,583
Library cardholders: 385,828
In Fiscal Year 2025-2026:
- Multnomah County Library patrons checked out or renewed 18.1 million items. That's an average of of 22 items per person.
- Library staff filled more than 1.2 million holds.
- The library was visited online and in person nearly 9 million times.
- More than 100,000 children participated in the library's countywide 2025 Summer Reading program.
- In total, in-person and virtual library programming targeted to all age groups, from infants to seniors, reached 116,000. This includes many Black/African American culture; Indigenous culture; LGBTQIA+ culture; and Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese language programs.
National data
Among U.S. libraries serving fewer than one million residents, Multnomah County Library ranks No. 2 in annual circulation of books and other materials, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) FY2024 Public Libraries Survey.
Last updated 8/6/26