Patrons asked to keep library materials at home; no fines or charges will accrue

PORTLAND, Ore. — November 17, 2020. Beginning November 18, Multnomah County Library will pause its current sidewalk holds pickup service to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. 

The library is pausing this service concurrent with Oregon Governor Kate Brown's four-week freeze on gatherings and shared spaces in Multnomah County and in the interest of the health and safety of patrons and staff. The library plans to resume holds pickup when Multnomah County is out of “freeze” status.

The library again asks patrons not to return books and other items. Patrons will not be fined or charged. No items will be due back before January 1, 2021. 

The library is still open for business, with a wealth of online resources and personal help via phone, email and chat. In addition, the library will continue to offer virtual programming, homework help, resources for parents, GED and adult literacy tutoring, and more. 

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it has created shifting circumstances and required changes to how the library operates,” said Multnomah County Library Director of Operations Don Allgeier. “Our goal is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the communities we serve, while finding new ways to provide library services online and remotely.”

The library will continue to post ongoing updates at multcolib.org/covid19.