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.
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.
Read top newspapers for free
You have free access to read popular newspapers through the library! Just log in with your library card number and password to read current and recent issues online.
February 2025 community update
Updates from Multnomah County Library's Director, Annie Lewis.
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.
Collections
Multnomah County Library provides a variety of physical and digital material to support the informational, educational, and recreational needs of our community. The collection reflects the diverse population of our county.
Gregory Heights closing July 20 for important upgrades as part of Refresh projects
Library will gain new paint, carpeting and furniture
Capitol Hill closing May 17 for important upgrades as part of Refresh projects
Library will see new paint, carpeting and furniture through this work
PORTLAND, Ore.–April 11, 2023
Capitol Hill to close May 17 for vital updates as part of Refresh projects and capital improvements
Library will receive new paint, carpeting and furniture from this work
Interlibrary loan copyright restrictions and guidelines
Multnomah County Library’s interlibrary loan department follows copyright law
Microfilm readers
When doing historical or genealogy research, you might find that the document you need is only on microfilm or another microformat.
Black Resources Collection
Multnomah County Library’s Black Resource Collection offers a variety of materials that are primarily written by African Diasporic authors. Ranging from the latest fiction title to out-of-print newspapers, this collection also has materials for all ages that focus on the experience of the African Diaspora.
Adult Literacy at the library
With the library, you can explore new skills and learning opportunities. You can improve your reading skills, access citizenship classes, GED tutoring and tutoring for vocational studies, English language classes and more.
Taxes in 2025: Forms and assistance
The deadline to file federal and state tax returns is Tuesday April 15. Library staff cannot prepare returns, advise on tax matters, or interpret tax law, but they can help connect you with resources.
Fall in love with events at Multnomah County Library
PORTLAND, Ore. — September 11, 2024 — Fall at Multnomah County Library brings cultural celebrations that are free for all ages and fun to enjoy! This September, come and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, followed by Hispanic and Latiné Heritage Month. Then in November, honor Native American Heritage Month. Plus, listen in and join in moving author talks and community events.
Everybody Reads 2025 title announcement
PORTLAND, Ore. — September 5, 2024 — Multnomah County Library is excited to announce the Everybody Reads 2025 title selection, Javier Zamora’s Solito.
Five ways to help your child learn
Five easy, fun activities adults can do with even the youngest kids to help get their brains ready to learn to read and succeed in school later on.
Expanded Belmont Library
Expanding on existing site (scheduled to be complete spring 2026)
Central Library closing March 11 for major improvements; Albina Library, Isom Operations Center and North Portland Library next up for transformations
Albina and Isom to close March 18 for construction; North Portland to follow, closing April 5 for renovations
Operations Center in East Portland first real estate acquisition for Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Projects
Building will serve as beating heart for library services, pave way for additional bond projects
Hillsdale to close March 3 for important upgrades as part of Refresh projects
PORTLAND, Ore.–February 28, 2024
Hillsdale Library will close to the public on March 3, 2024 to start on a series of bond-funded improvements. Project teams expect the work to last until summer 2024.
Hillsdale Library reopening to public August 22
PORTLAND, Ore.–August 22, 2024
Hillsdale Library is reopening to the public on August 22, 2024, welcoming patrons into an exciting, reinvigorated library space.
New Holgate Library
A new, larger library, three times the current size at the same location (Now open!)