October 2025
Dear library friends,
The safety and security of our Library staff, patrons and neighbors is my top priority. I want to hear from you about important changes we are considering to your public library.
As I shared in my July 2025 community update, the Library is working cooperatively with Multnomah County leadership, the Portland Police Bureau and the City of Portland to evaluate and address security concerns around Central Library. I have pledged transparency to you in how the library is approaching these issues. Central Library is a beloved community asset situated in the heart of downtown Portland. It’s a place where overlapping social issues and community needs demand a thoughtful and coordinated approach.
Last week, I shared an update with the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners outlining the security measures we have added over the summer, the work that’s underway and our detailed review of weapons detection systems. So far, we have:
- Boosted security.
- Engaged with neighboring businesses.
- Made the environment cleaner.
- Put a series of other changes in place, with more to come (see a full list below).
Early signs are promising. Incidents decreased in and around Central Library during July and August. On average, we welcome approximately 1,400 visitors to Central Library per day, and nearly all of those visitors are able to use and benefit from the Library without any issue.
An important part of my briefing to the Board was the Library’s research and analysis of weapons detection systems. We have participated in a product demonstration, spoken with other urban libraries that have implemented metal detectors, and we conducted research on the effectiveness of metal detectors. We also engaged our staff, the Library Advisory Board and Multnomah County Homeless Services Department’s Lived Experience Advisory Committee for their input on weapons detection systems. Read more details in the Central Library Security Assessment report.
Deciding whether to install metal detectors
While we have gathered a significant amount of information and input about weapons detection systems in the past two months, there are still unanswered questions. We need to understand how these systems will work in the physical space at Central Library and whether other technologies and systems may be better options.
So far, we’ve found:
- Weapons detection systems can deter people from bringing weapons into a building.
- Weapons detection systems are not 100% effective.
- Weapons detection is estimated to more than triple the costs for on-site security at Central Library, requiring reductions in services elsewhere.
- A recent survey shows that a majority of Library staff do not support weapons detection systems.
If weapons detection is implemented:
- The Library will not seize weapons that are found but will instead turn people away or call law enforcement if there is a threat (our current protocols are to call 911 if someone is threatening with a weapon).
- Everyone walking into the Library would need to go through the metal detector, from young children to elders.
- We expect spillover effects to nearby libraries or city streets for people who do not want to go through a metal detector.
This is your library and I want to hear from you. Maybe you visit Central Library frequently, use a different branch location or have decided not to visit the library. I want to understand your experiences and wishes for Central Library. Your anonymous survey responses will help Multnomah County leadership make a final decision regarding weapons detection at Central Library.
Take the survey by Oct. 20
Thank you for your interest in sharing feedback. The survey on weapons detection at Multnomah County Central Library is now closed.
Our work is not done. We are continuing to implement several action items, including vapor sensors in restrooms and an official project that will better align the joint efforts of Library security staff with Multnomah County Workplace Security. Additionally, after this additional research and community engagement, we hope to have answers to the remaining questions about weapons detection systems.
As the library director, my role is to ensure our libraries are managed in a way that reflects the desires of our community. These treasured spaces belong to you. I look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts on how to balance legally protected access to library services with the need to maintain safety in its spaces.
Sincerely,
Annie Lewis
Library Director
Central Library security enhancements
October 2025 status report
Done:
- New Operations Team comprised of City, County and Library leaders
- Portland Police Bureau Public Safety Support Specialists walk-throughs
- 4D Recovery street-based outreach
- Four additional contracted security officers, more than double the previous number
- Security officers at front doors
- Increased perimeter patrols
- Wi-fi limited to hours of operation
- Increased exterior building maintenance
- Additional trash cans provided by the City of Portland
- More prominent library rules signage
- Increased Portland Police Bureau perimeter bike and foot patrols
- Engagement with nearby businesses
In progress:
- Install vapor sensors for restrooms (pending facility assessment and product review)
- Host outdoor events, art installations, etc.
- Temporary removal of Library benches for repair
- Hire Library Safety and Security Manager
- Update Library rules and exclusion guidelines
- Extend exclusion lengths for drug use
Under consideration:
- Metal detectors
- Wanding
- Bag checks
- Bag storage
- Stricter bag size limits