Black community resources
Black Cultural Library Advocates (BCLA) members focus on strengthening the connection between the Black community and Multnomah County Library. BCLA members connect people to services they need through the county or with outside organizations.
Albina Library history
Located in North Portland in a historically Black neighborhood, Albina Library has been a beloved part of the community.
North Portland Library history
North Portland Library began as the North Albina Reading Room in 1909. The Jacobethan-style library was built in 1913 and renovated in 1999. The original architect was Joseph Jacobberger and Alfred H. Smith Architects.
Albina Library’s relocation history
Albina Library — its past defined by growth-triggering relocation — has a storied history in its current home.
Our Story: Portland Through an African American Lens
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
PORTLAND, Ore. — November 6, 2023 — Multnomah County Library invites the community to join in celebrating and honoring Native American Heritage Month.
Multnomah County Library history
Thanks to the support of Multnomah County voters in 2020, Multnomah County Library is making history with major transformations. Learn more about the library’s building projects and explore the library’s history in more detail through the Oregon Encyclopedia’s entry for the Library Association of Portland.
Central Library history
Portland’s historic Central Library in downtown first opened in September 1913. The original architects were Doyle, Patterson & Beach. Notable features throughout the library include; the bronze tree in the Children’s Library by Dana Lynn Louis and Barbara Eisworth, the black granite grand staircase and the massive light fixture in the second floor by Larry Kirkland, and the John Wilson room.
Black Pacific Northwest Collection
Suggest a purchase for the Black Resources Collection
Multnomah County Library is community built; it’s your library. What do you want to see in the collection? You can make recommendations of materials the library can purchase to include in the Black Resources Collection and the Black Pacific Northwest Collection.
Local & family history
Dig into the past with resources at the library. Librarians can get you started as you research the history of your family, house or local community.
African Song and Dance
Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning the richness of West African culture through song and dance. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural performance with authentic West African costume, spiced with singing and movement. The whole audience gets involved in simple dance steps, call and response, greetings and phrases, and rhythm drumming.
This event is first come, first served.
Native American Heritage Month
Belmont Library history
Belmont Library has served its Southeast Portland neighborhood since 1924, when community leaders raised funds by public subscription. This was the first time in Portland that a community had built its own neighborhood library and presented it to the association debt-free. The original architect was Jamieson Parker Architects.
Northwest Library history
Northwest Library opened in 2001 in a 5,000 square foot space in a historic Northwest Portland building that was previously home to a pharmacy, a potter's workshop, a winery and café. Thanks to the 2020 voter approved library bond, the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Program purchased a new, permanent site in Northwest Portland for a larger Northwest Library. The library will relocate once renovations are complete.
Troutdale Library history
The 6,000 square foot Troutdale Library building is located in the Cherry Park Market Center. The library opened in 2010 and was constructed with Forest Stewardship Council-certified Douglas fir ceiling and wall panels. It has eco-friendly paint, carpet and furniture, and other sustainable features.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Join the library in honoring the rich traditions and culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), and the many other Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Black Family Storytime
The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members). Have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.
Black Family Storytime
The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members). Have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.
Black Family Storytime
The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with their favorite adult/family members). Have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities in a positive and affirming environment. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.
Hispanic and Latiné Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic and Latiné Heritage at Multnomah County Library from September 15 to October 15. This cultural month honors the diversity of the Latin American community and its many contributions. Visit a library location to learn about events, book displays and activities.