Updated: Central Library will close March 11 for major improvements; new temporary tech space to open during closure
New meeting space, renovated restrooms, additional charging outlets, carpet, paint, furniture, automation, and more planned for historic library
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.
Assignment Alert
Form for teachers to ask for help from School Corps.
Research with primary sources
Historical research relies on documents and artifacts that date from the time period being studied. This is true whether you are studying world events like World War II or are trying to learn more about the life of your great-grandmother.
A better Central Library for you
Central Library is now open with new improvements for everyone to enjoy. Welcome back!
Reading suggestions
Get suggestions for your next read, or listen, from your library.
Holgate Library history
Add summaryHolgate Library opened in its current location in 1971, replacing the Arleta and Lents branch libraries, which had been serving this region of Southeast Portland since the early 1900s. The library was renovated in 2000. In 2020, Multnomah County voters approved a capitol bond project to build and modernize library buildings. Holgate Library is being rebuilt on its current site. The new Holgate Library will reopen in 2024.
Support the Library
Information about our supporting partners, The Library Foundation and The Friends of the Library
Library card options
If you live in Multnomah County, you can use many libraries all over Oregon and Southwest Washington. If you live outside Multnomah County, you have options that may allow you to get an account here.
Sellwood-Moreland Library history
Sellwood-Moreland Library began as a reading room in 1905. In 2002, after several relocations, this Southeast Portland library found its new home in a mixed-use facility.
Gale Directory Library
This resource provides online access to several Gale reference sources.
Resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their families
Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ benefit from a caring network of family, friends and peers. Here are some organizations and resources that can help provide that support.
Día de los Niños: 123 Andrés!
¡Celebremos Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros con un concierto de los ganadores del premio Grammy, 123 Andrés! A las 5:30 p.m., comenzaremos la diversión con manualidades y libros. A las 6:00 p.m., 123 Andrés traerá su experiencia mundial en música, educación y teatro, ¡para que toda la familia baile y celebre ser bilingüe! El cupo es limitado.
Este evento es posible en parte gracias al apoyo de La Fundación de la Biblioteca.
Join us to celebrate Día de los Niños with a concert by the Grammy award winning, 123 Andrés! At 5:30pm, we'll open the fun with crafts and books! At 6:00pm, 123 Andrés will bring their worldwide experience in music, education, and theater for the whole family to dance, and celebrate bilingualism! Space is limited.
This event is made possible by support from The Library Foundation.
Multnomah County Library breaks ground on Operations Center in East County
Building is first of the bond projects, will serve as beating heart for library services
Albina Library history
Located in North Portland in a historically Black neighborhood, Albina Library has been a beloved part of the community.
Ancestry Library Edition
Access billions of names in genealogical databases including Census Records, Passenger Lists and U.K. and Ireland records. Library version of Ancestry.com -- only available in libraries.
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.
Multnomah County Library celebrates opening of new Operations Center
Located in East Portland, the new building will be the beating heart of library services focused on patron support and sustainability
Library construction closures
Construction improvements are possible thanks to the 2020 Multnomah County voter-approved library bond. Learn more about your future libraries.
Who lived in my house? Find past residents in Portland city directories
City directories are great tools for finding out who lived at a specific address in the past. Learn how to use city directories to find out who lived in houses that were within Portland city limits when they were built. If your house is in Gresham or in unincorporated Multnomah County, read more about using city directories for those communities.
Learn English
Learn English at the library.