Languages at the Library
The library serves community members coming from many cultures and countries. Dedicated bilingual library staff bring language and cultural expertise in Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese to the following services:
All accessible services
All accessible and adaptable services at the library
Book groups
Join or start a book group
Chat with a librarian
Multnomah County librarians collaborate with librarians in other places to welcome your questions on any topic, 24 hours a day. Someone is always online.
MCL staff chat hour:
Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm
Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm
Chat staffed by other libraries outside of these hours
Tutoring for adult learners
The library offers one-on-one and small group tutoring to help patrons achieve their learning goals.
Educator library cards
Teachers, families who homeschool and other educators in the community can get library cards with extra holds, no late fines and more.
Northstar Online Learning
Learn how to use Northstar Online Learning for online tutorials and assessments on Basic Computer Skills, Internet Email, Windows and more.
Mobility
Services for people with mobility disabilities
Listos para el Kínder©
Listos para el Kínder© (Listos) es un programa diseñado para preparar niños de 4 a 6 años de edad para el kínder en las áreas social y académica. Las familias aprenden y ponen en práctica ideas y nuevos conocimientos a través de actividades divertidas, explorando libros y materiales de la biblioteca.
Accessible computers
All library locations include accessible computer stations including Jaws and ZoomText. Lapboards, large trackball mice and large keyboards can be requested from a staff person.
Lucky Day collection
Lucky Day books are highly anticipated books, often new releases or bestsellers, that you usually have to wait for because they are so popular.
Get personalized recommendations from "My Librarian"
Get personalized recommendations or let us pick one for you
Microfilm at the library
When doing historical or genealogy research, you might find that the document you need is only on microfilm or another microformat.
Interlibrary loan
Can't find what you're looking for at Multnomah County Library? Try interlibrary loan. It may be possible to borrow books, audiobooks, microfilm and copies of articles from another library system.
My Librarian picks for kids
Contact one of these librarians for a personalized reading recommendation or let us pick one for you.
Wi-Fi
Multnomah County Library is pleased to offer wi-fi internet access at all library locations for users with wi-fi-enabled devices such as laptops or smart phones.
Rockwood makerspace
The makerspace is a collaborative learning environment at Rockwood Library with an emphasis on middle and high school learners. The space provides access to innovative technology, equipment, software and supportive mentors
Public meeting rooms
Eighteen libraries offer free use of meeting room space for meetings and programs that serve an educational, cultural, civic or recreational purpose. Meetings and programs held in library meeting rooms must be free, open and of potential interest to the general public.
Sensory
The library welcomes all patrons, including those with autism and sensory processing disorder.
Storytime
Storytimes at your library and online
Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices
This listening system helps people hear better during library programs and events. It filters the sound to emphasize the voices and transmits it to a receiver you wear around your neck.
Library lockers
Contactless holds pickup 24/7 at Holgate, Rockwood and Woodstock libraries. Pick up your holds when it’s convenient for you at self-service lockers.
My Discovery Pass
My Discovery Pass is a partnership between Multnomah County Library and other local organizations to offer free educational and cultural experiences to Multnomah County Library cardholders.
VRI (Video remote Interpretation)
Virtual Remote Interpretation (VRI) is a service that allows deaf patrons who use American Sign Language (ASL) access to remote interpretation. The library has live video sign language interpretation at Central, Gresham, Hillsdale and Rockwood libraries.
How to use Cell-Ed
Learn English, basic skills and more on your phone with Cell-Ed. All you need is a cell phone (basic or smart), but you can also connect with a tablet or computer that has internet access.
Books by mail
You can choose to receive books, DVDs and more in the mail.
Contact us
Chat, email or call us
Suggest a purchase
Is there a book, movie, CD or magazine that you want the library to buy for the collection? Your suggestions help us keep the collections relevant to our community.