July 2025
Dear library friends,
Our libraries continue to grow and thrive thanks to your support. This month we opened Albina Library, one of the largest libraries in the County with 30,000 square feet. This is a major milestone in the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond project, and we are over the halfway point in that work. Hollywood Library closed on July 22 for some updates, and it will open again in about six months. That was the last library we needed to close for renovations. From now on, we'll only be opening new or updated libraries.
Even as we celebrate these successes, at the same time we are focused on a very serious matter: the safety of our staff, patrons and neighbors at Central Library. Our libraries are dedicated to maintaining spaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone in our community. Public libraries are facing challenges to this core mission due to deeply rooted and connected systemic issues related to addiction, behavioral health issues and housing instability.
We have experienced a series of serious incidents at or near Central Library in recent months. I cannot ignore these trends and I need to consider additional security measures and new approaches in the interest of everyone’s safety. As a result, there will be some immediate changes in our security protocols at Central Library, as well as an in-depth analysis of enhanced security efforts.
Library security protocols
I’m not sure everyone in our community is aware that Multnomah County Library has strong security measures in place to address patron behavior on library property. This includes a set of library rules that are enforced by staff and security personnel, which prohibit unauthorized weapons and illegal behavior. Patrons who violate library rules may be excluded from the library from a period of one day to up to three years depending on the violation. Our library staff have extensive training and experience managing our library spaces and working with patrons to successfully access library services each day.
Recent changes in security protocols at Central Library
In anticipation of an increase in activity during the summer months, earlier this year, the library began developing enhanced safety protocols and ways to draw wider audiences to the library and surrounding spaces. In July, we added these security measures:
- Added three contracted security officers, for a total of seven.
- Increased security perimeter patrols.
- Change in public wi-fi access, now limited to Central Library hours of operation.
- Increased exterior building maintenance including pressure washing and increased trash removal.
Additionally, we are discussing ways to positively activate outdoor spaces near Central with the City of Portland’s Office of Arts and Culture team, as well as Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) for special permitting options.
Updating the long-term Central Library safety plan
We continue to be engaged with our partners in law enforcement and the business community to address issues of concern, working cooperatively with the City of Portland, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, and other partners to find solutions. Library and County leadership are going through a comprehensive review of our current security protocols and recommendations from Portland Police Bureau (PPB). We're also evaluating further enhancements to security protocols.
I want to be transparent and clear that we have been asked to evaluate weapons detection measures such as installing metal detectors or conducting bag checks. This evaluation requires us to review legal, operational, cost and equity impacts. We know there are equity implications for these additional security measures and we will be working to understand these impacts. That is why I am taking time to evaluate and consider all options before making major changes.
The library's security, safety and strategy requires a multifaceted approach. We’re integrating the efforts of:
- Staff who act as the person in charge at different libraries.
- General library staff.
- Peer support specialists.
- Contracted Inter-Con security officers.
- Law enforcement.
An important component of the safety plan is the library’s request for sworn PPB officers to increase their presence outside the library, support from Public Safety Support Specialists at Central Library and to increase outreach resources for the Provider-Police Joint Connection Project to conduct outreach around Central Library.
I am working on an updated safety action plan to share with our County leaders and our public safety partners. I will provide a briefing to the Board of County Commissioners on August 7.
Special thanks to our Central Library employees
I am grateful for our amazing staff who work at Central Library, for their relentless commitment to our work and our community. They show incredible grace and support for one another and our community, helping some of our most vulnerable patrons, every day. I want to acknowledge that our work at Central Library has changed significantly over the years, especially in the last decade. I must also acknowledge the realities we face within and surrounding our library.
In the weeks ahead, I recognize that I may have to make difficult choices, and I understand that not everyone will agree with every decision I make. Please know that any steps we may take to strengthen our security have a focused purpose: to keep our staff, patrons and neighbors as safe as possible.
I will continue to share updates with you, as more details and information is available.
Sincerely,
Annie Lewis
Library Director