Services

Book groups

Join or start a book group

Books by mail

You can choose to receive books, DVDs and more in the mail.

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.

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.

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.

Mobility

Services for people with mobility disabilities

Get a library card

Sign up for a library card online and get instant access to digital items and resources

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:

Contact us

Chat, email or call us

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.

My Librarian picks for kids

Contact one of these librarians for a personalized reading recommendation or let us pick one for you.

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.

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

Sensory

The library welcomes all patrons, including those with autism and sensory processing disorder.

Storytime

Storytimes at your library and online

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.

Library lockers

Contactless holds pickup 24/7 at Rockwood and Woodstock libraries. Pick up your holds when it’s convenient for you at self-service lockers.

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.

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.

All accessible services

All accessible and adaptable services at the library

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.