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.
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.
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.
Hollywood Library history
Hollywood Library has been serving its Northeast Portland community since 1917, although not always called by the same name nor located in the same spot.
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.
Black Contemporary Artists of the Pacific Northwest: A digital exhibit
Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and Multnomah County Library have collaborated to develop a digital art show of local, Black contemporary artists. The original pieces are in various locations throughout the region making this digital exhibit the only time they have all been seen together. RACC has loaned these digital copies to Multnomah County Library to celebrate Black, regional art at North Portland Library, a cherished hub of Black culture. North Portland Library will host this show in the new Black Cultural Center, a space created to celebrate black creativity and identity.
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.
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.
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.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) (Website)
Связь с Aging and Disability Resource Connection или ADRC (ресурс по проблемам старения и инвалидности) доступна 24 часа в сутки. ADRC предоставляет населению информацию, помощь и направления по вопросам, касающимся пожилых людей и людей с ограниченными возможностями независимо от их дохода. Позвоните в ADRC по телефону 503.988.3646. При необходимости возможен перевод по телефону.
Research your family history
Research your family history with these popular resources.
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.
Gresham Library history
Built in 1990 and renovated in 1998, today's Gresham Library replaced a small brick building that had become far too small for Oregon's fourth largest city.
The library serves residents of Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, Corbett and other East County communities. The original architect was SERA Architects P.C.
Midland Library history
Since it opened in 1958, Midland Library has been one of the busiest libraries in Multnomah County. To meet the demand, the building underwent several renovations to expand its space.