Reviews of Multnomah County Central Library (Library)

Katie J

No what I expected unfortunately, way too many homeless inside the library with their carts of trash (and outside) and there aren't any private tables or areas to study where it's quite away from the free library computers. Maybe its me but I can't study with a smelly homeless guy less than a foot away from me on the computer. It's also very busy and noisy for a library. I won't go back, plus good luck finding parking.

Peter HILL

Nasty place

Kurt Hendrickson

Hours suck for being downtown

Aaron Silverstein

The bathroom's are to small....and if you look poor the security guards are harass you.

Karine Hariri

Has a great selection of books, but there are many mentally ill Homeless people

Michael Nguyen

The Central Library is a good public location if you are needing an away spot to do reading or some light work. I say light work as it does not tend to be the most quietest of places and there is an issue with the occasional noisy disruptive individuals either outside, or lounging around the main stairwell areas. Your mileage may vary by the day.

Keely ambrose-ritzman

Most lovely location with historical value. The library its self has very beautiful arctasher. It also has friendly libraryns. The library is very helpful to the community with many different reasons. And has help me find a place to stay at night when I was homeless. I have the most highs regards for this library.and Katie you need to stop being a hipocrit homeless people are people too u might not know some day u might be homeless and because u stareo type people no one will help u out

Bronte La Valliere

The gorgeous building, the amazing librarians . . . this is my favorite spot in Portland. It is like going back in time to when architecture was beautiful, books still existed, and the librarians were fountains of information and loved helping you find books you want or discover things you never knew. There is no one who does not love our Central Library!

Grant Roesler

Nice big library in the middle of downtown. They have so many books and the staff is always friendly and willing to help. A Portland institution....

Allikah James

hi german

Jack Sommersby

You'd be best carrying a giant can of Raid with you because this too-noisy/understaffed library has a horde of smelly, scummy homeless people who use and abuse this place out the kazoo. They look up porn on the Internet computers, and the staff does nothing. They harass and hit you up for money, and the staff does nothing. They're practically taking baths in the bathrooms and sleeping in the stalls, and the staff does nothing about it. I won't let either of my teenage daughters darken the doors of this place unattended without an adult. I remember when libraries used to be clean and quiet, not a day-room for career-panhandling losers who're too lazy to gets jobs. Ugh.

Jamelia Bauer

Great library for communist studies!

David D'Ambrosio

Great library system, but this is maybe not the branch to visit. I’ve seen patrons curse at staff and apparently some feel the need to tell you about the weapons they’re carrying. Odd to not feel safe in a library.

Christopher Lawrence

I met a very friendly librarian here several months ago and was welcomed with an open heart. Thanks do not begin to describe the gratitude I have for this wonderful human being, the library, and the vast multitude of services that are available for everyone who has the courage to walk through the doors. Thank goodness for the Public library!

Chadam Truely

Library kicked out a starving child who was trying to eat a cookie. He later died from hunger. Terrible library!

Chris Daniel

Cause the peopke there r so nice and u get to charge.

Alex Orlet

Love it, needs longer hours though

Sunil Narayan

It's a beautiful institution but it's not for everyone. When I was little and in college I loved going to the library. I would get lost in books because I loved reading about foreign subjects. Knowledge is power and so much of it is untapped. However, when you have round-the-clock law enforcement and an unsavory environment it can create frustration, disappointment and fear. People want to go to the library to read and stay safe but how many people actually go to read nowadays?

zachary clarke

Great place of learning. The library is huge and has many community classes as well as public services. Definitly worth a visit if you're planning on sticking around Portland a while.

Elliot Lisac

Convenient location downtown with ample resources (analog and digital). Staff is extremely helpful but unobtrusive if you're just looking to browse the stacks for a bit. There is almost always a contingent of homeless/vagrants outside the main steps, but they're just taking advantage of the public benches outside the library.

Gregory Martin

It's a very,very great place to go read books about polar bears,platypus,penguins,ect..Dragons,Werewolfs,they have tapes that you can listen to about Louis lamore,kilkenny is one of the best.

Greg Krumm

Large public library with some beautiful historic rooms. Very helpful staff for first time goer

Stepka A

(Translated by Google) A crazy amount of smelly homeless people !!!!!!!!!!!!!! No input control. A creepy place. It should not be so. This is a library, after all, and not a place for dirty people. (Original) Безумное количество вонючих бомжей!!!!!!!!!!!!! Никакого контроля на входе. Жуткое место. Не должно так быть. Это библиотека, все таки, а не место для грязных людей.

Audrey Potter

Is what a public library should be and more!

Peter Oliver

Large selection, lots of desks, free wifi and bathrooms, super fast member registration (you don't have to have an Oregon ID either), nice lighting, and a cozy feeling.

Eliza Olsen

So much knowledge at one's disposal! Incredible resource.

Heather

The gift shop is cute. The architecture and artistic features are a treat. There are lots of resources and books to enjoy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Alita Kicksa**!

Stinks. Its a homeless day shelters with books. One toilet per floor. 100% of the time a homeless is doing drugs or masterbating or sleeping.

Douglas Hamilton

Great sheet music section but restrooms tend to be crowded

VeganSyd Most

People still read books and with those real books, the internet, and One's Own Librarian, nothing is lost in tens of living life to the fullest. (I can't see what I'm writing on this line)

Lin Bunte

I’ve been harassed by cops for sitting on one of the benches while smoking and I’ve also been harassed by bench sitters. Don’t expect to see anyone who isn’t gross and ugly and a bigot, they don’t represent the normal people it’s just bullies and beggars doing class warfare 24/7

Puja Gandhi

Possibly my favorite city library in all of the cities I've lived in. Aesthetically appealing, helpful library staff, and a great selection of literature with the added bonus of having easy pickup. Major downside is the homeless population that uses bathrooms for drug use. The homless harass library patrons for money, or just have some mental illness that is scary. I understand that libraries are for the public, and I so want others to appreciate what I see, but the abuse of the facility is making this a place I merely pick up books from and never hang out in. :(

micaela rios

The white staff here really are so over empowered they micromanage every aspect with the police presence they become overbearing, obnoxiously bold to even tell a little girl of color to put her ballon away because it’s a fire safety. I’m sure these people don’t have the span of knowledge and I question this arbitration only to be met with derision toward tax payers actually have common sense about safety. Also when there are homeless white people in the front smoking and littering at the entrance like they don’t have any sense. What a joke I won’t be donating to this dump anymore. And I am not Micaela Rios.

Richard Louis

I did just give a review of the Midland library, located in the s.e. area of the city. I gave it a bad rating. I now go to the Central branch located in Downtown. It is a great deal farther to travel. It is a much nicer library and the staff are well more qualified. I know that an element exists in this city. I am originally from this city. I am not one of the element. I do mean a negative element. Terrible it is reflected in the library. Though they are a good distance apart they are both part of the Multnomah County Library. I find the downtown or Central branch very nice, better selection and better qualified staff. I would require, prefer, one twice the size or greater.

Josh M

Easy to hide in a corner and mind your own business. It's a downtown library. They're doing great.

Paul Vox

Great place if you like books. Bad place if you don't like homeless begging for change and looking at porn on the computers.

Jack Sung

The architecture is spectacular. The interior is spacious and quiet, although homeless people are abound in the lobby and toilets.

Jonathan Tennis

Beautiful library in downtown Portland. Lot of reviews on here complain about the homeless population in the area and they certainly are there but don't pass on this historic place because of that. Love this library.

R yusa

1913年開館の3階建てのジョージア様式の歴史ある図書館。1979年アメリカ合衆国国家歴史登録財に追加された。 12:00～20:00　月休

German Ortiz-Perez

I see you hi alikah

Amy Mandeville

Only have used the children’s space but the space was beautiful, staff were friendly and the selection was great.

Mike LaFontaine

Way to many homeless, I have been accosted by 3 homeless on the last 6 mos. 2 times security had to be called. Order books on line. I just go to pick them and leave. The homeless drugaddicts have hijacked the library. I won't be back anytime soon. Too bad

Michele Jolie

I had a wonderful experience with staff, the unfortunated part was in finding a spot to only have a couple homeless folks think of asking me to move to accomidate them. What they didn't get was that I had a spot had already sat down originized myself and I wasn't going to move. Unless neccessary to give my seat to someone that couldnt sit some place else and not to two people that clearly didnt care about anyone, but themselves. There was no one insight to help me with my sitting situation and the smell should have driven me away, but there is a problem with any population that doesn't understanding that the public library isn't just for them. I wasn't going to be intimidated and be asked to move. They should have to live with me as I with them. All and all i didn't feel safe. Wish there was a way to not cause a scene and get help... Like an email to library security. Surely, I'm not the only person who has experienced this kind of intimidation, clearly it would make sense to address the public safety as well as convenient place to hang out for everyone?

Patrick Vroman

A gorgeous place!

#RemoveEpicGames

CANT EAT ON THE STAIRS

nick9000

i could not sit on the stairs when there was an entire other side some old degenerate told me to leave Cx

Michael Ssali

It sucks and the security sucks. There's no private study rooms.

Sara McCarty

Very nice place for the whole family to enjoy.

Patrick Hung

Loved my visit to the library - it seemed to have everything.

Ric ard0

My autist friend was tired and sat down on the stairs so they kicked him out Cx

dolan pls

very loud and books were really damaged

Ivana K

Beautiful library.

Julie Nolting

Love a good book Notebooks for 2hrs and internet access for an Hour, plug in and change my phone. Use wifi.

Lance Mitchell

I love this place. I check out DVDs and have seen some great shows. I like to "place a hold" on DVDs and they will email you when it's ready for pick up. Also nice to just sit and read a graphic novel. They have places to plug in your laptop if that's your thing or you can reserve their computers. Great location, it's on the way no matter what errands I'm running.

Phillip Galanopoulos

One stop shop...

John Butler

Wow! I go there all the time and I've never ONCE been hit in by a homeless person or witnessed anyone else having issues.i don't snoop and worry about what others are looking at on the internet however, the staff is courteous and helpful and the books and dvds available are wonderful. Go!

David Mays

Beautiful building in which to roam & read, at your leisure! I spend many happy hours a week there.

Abena Tanisha Thornton

Books, All kinds of Books And Computers, different s8

David Graves

I would give this place 5 stars just for the patience the employees must have to deal with all the dangerously mentally ill people that basically live here. I would give the place 1 star based on those mentally ill people that basically inhabit the place. Truly, I hope they get the help they need, but it makes going to the library an annoyance.

John Stubs

Good selection of books, CDs, DVDs etc. A decent amount of computers to use. Staff is friendly and willing to help. One draw back is that it does get pretty busy.

sam jones

I was really excited when I first moved here and saw this library, it was the biggest library I had ever seen and I loved the engraved author names on the benches. Unfortunately as others have said, it's basically a hub for homeless. They just sit there all day and stare at you as you walk by or walk into the library. Tons of homeless inside also and mentally ill using the computers. Every single computer lab reeks of urine and just awful body smells. Really disappointed.

Jas Schuu

this is a very good library. it's not the best one I've been to, but it's good and worth visiting.

Courtney Bertling

Awesome.

allie komarek

Drug addicts and homeless people are always coming in here and hang around right outside. This library is open often and is right on the street car line and Max line, they have sherrifs that work here to keep it safe, and the staff is super friendly, there are groups that form here for toddler/baby entertainment. They have their own little gift shop, their gift shop is nice. They have lots of bus schedule pamphlets in a convenient location, which is nice, Belmont library, Hollywood library and the library on capitol and their library near pcc doesn't have bus schedule pamphlets. This library has an awesome looking tree in their kids area! They're family bathroom is clean, they have a pay phone and many computers, but their other bathrooms are always trashed. They often don't have the books I want. Their DVD selection sucks.

Edward Klein

Five star for building and setting not people that go there.

John R. Wish

absolutely the friendliest public library staff...they are there for patrons...they all love books & CDs you want a book, they probably have it...if not they'll get it. you want advice, they have it and the main branch is a work of art, beautiful century old building (rebuilt in 80s with tlc)

Hannah Lemon

Extremely subpar. I was not allowed to sit cross legged in a quiet corner of the library despite no seating being available and was told I had to stand. The ridiculous security guard should be fired. Here I thought I couldn't hate the city of Portland anymore than I already do, but gee thanks for surprising me yet again!

Hanna Sara

People eating in the library.

Ralph Zhang

It is totally a land for homeless people and bathrooms are always occupied. Some homeless people are staring at people, which makes you feel uncomfortable Plus, some staff are very rude and this makes me feel uncomfortable. My rating for this library: -15%

Luke Watts

Overrun with homeless people. Bathrooms stink for that very reason. Went to use the lower level bathroom and was greeted by a guy who asked me if I could use a different bathroom. Apparently there was someone in there who had overdosed on drugs. Awesome! I'll never come back to this location.

Mary Stamps

One of the few libraries that includes an area for talking with others coupled with internet or phone charging stations. Clean, large library.

Esther Park

(Translated by Google) If you like the place where books and books are piled up, you have to go! I read the book quietly under the sun coming through the big window It's impressive to see people doing computer work. There are many good libraries in Korea, but it seems hard to see everyone concentrate on books and tasks without looking at their mobile phones. It's a place where you can read a book without reading it. Cool space! (Original) 책과 책이 쌓여있는 곳을 좋아한다면 꼭 꼭 가봐야할 곳!!!!! 큰 창문으로 들어오는 햇살 아래 조용히 책을 읽거나 컴퓨터를 하는 사람들의 모습이 인상적이다 한국에도 좋은 도서관이 많지만 이렇게 모두가 핸드폰 안보고 책과 할일에 집중하는 모습을 보기는 힘든듯. 괜히 책 한권 빼서 읽다가 나오게 되는 곳. 멋진 공간!

Zoya Spencer

Only 1 toilet per floor. 3 total for that huge library is sad. Always have to wait for smelly homeless to finish shooting up or drinking their beer before I can use the stall.

Tom Rohan

I don't have a computer so I use the library for that. This is the only place I know of where I can do this. I navigated doing my taxes twice and got invaluable assistence from library staff. They have never turned down a request for help and allways came thru for me. Life changeing. Thank you!!

Chaz Butler

staff is terrible better be a good lil boy plus its hard to concentrate everyone is annoying & noisy but thats the northwest

K I

This is a good place if you like books! I really like books so this place is good. Good selection and you can do research there too.

Kirsten Vox

It is a great library in a great location w awesome resources and knowledgeable staff. If you aren't ready for the downtown environment at your local library, go to a suburban library. Guess what? Libraries have always been havens for the house less. Instead of complaining DONATE TO A HOUSING CHARITY. Anyway, this library has everything I could ever need and more. Just wish it stayed open later!

Vince Masiello

Incredible library with every resource and a rustic beauty to back it up. Take a tour and get a library card. You will not regret it.

Barbara Ranson

Love the space and variety of uses avalable

Laura G. Bordeaux

Absolutely gorgeous building with superb collections and wonderful staff... Very seriously jealous...

Cam

Great place everything's perfect, except the bathrooms are really dirty, I got there the second it opened and there had been piss on the floor

Becky Hartke

Not as good as I expected, but a very big selection.

Wendy Martin

I was homeless for eight months in 2010. I would sleep at the warming center ( ywca ) at 7:30a I would leave the center for Fredmeyer and get breakfast and get meals for the day. I had unemployment and food stamps. When the library opened I would spend the day, I have never read as much! I have a daughter on the se side (she works at woodstock library now) once a week to shower. But I carried a swimming card with Mt. Scott and swam most days. If I smelled it was chlorine. I felt like I was in a big home. It was lovely.

Jacob Brigham

Staff is great, very helpful. If they don’t have it, they’ll get it.

Shan Bruland

Wonderful collection of materials in a wonderful example of architecture, curated by a friendly, courteous, and helpful staff.

Bronwyn Radmacher

i was homeless for a year and a half and i know with out the library to be a place to study and be warm in id probably still be homeless i got a job becauee i got to go and use the computers to apply

Brian Cooley

Good library but I would not say its family safe do to all the home less that are there every time I'm up there something bad happens in side or around there today a guy was bleeding out side and the cop said he refused help

Skyeyes Treks

Just needs more private work places lots of eating and snoring people.

Trent Turner

Abusive staff members abound, in the Multnomah county libraries. They've even created a recent rule change to ban food, drinks, and personal belongings. They did not notify the community publicly before making such a policy change. It's intent is glaringly obvious. Certain staff members target individuals. I've attempted to gather information regarding ways to hold these people responsible, and have been denied information and lied to repeatedly. Staff misconduct is handled by the board, supposedly, which is made up of staff members that are involved with the abusive behaviors many people recognize.

Steve tabernacle

This library is pretty large and located in a really cool building. If they don't have something in stock, they can have it sent from another branch which is pretty convenient. It would be nice if there was a little more private space to focus, but oh well.

Allen Butera

I am unsure why we need such a large police presence at the library. I had moved a chair somewhat close to a door. The door was not blocked. Within 30 seconds I was surrounded by police and library workers scolding me on safety measures and telling me I could not sit there. They made me feel as if I was breaking the law and embarrassed me in front of all the people in the area. I was reading in a corner, does that require a police response? Why do we have all this police authority in the library? The library should be a place where people come to learn and use resources they might not be able to afford on their own. I think we could find a much better use for the tax money it takes to police the library.

Jeremy Hogue

This place smells...20% of the people here are homeless, ok fine, but of that 20% probably half are derelict or mentality unfit. I actually wouldn't be too bothered if it didn't smell like piss and body odor. What can we do about that? They have just as much a right to be a part of a public library as anyone else, unless they only admit members calable of acquiring a library card. It sucks because libraries are almost sacred ground. I wish I had an answer.

S K

Library staff are resourceful and friendly. The building seems well maintained and clean. Some of the small exhibits are interesting. The overwhelming presence of the homeless is unpleasant, but I doubt anything better could be expected for a public library in downtown Portland.

Tabor Kelly

So, I'm sitting here, very much enjoying the quiet area. Then, a staff member walks up and asks the guy next to me to remove his bottle of wine, in a gift bad, from the library. You know, like he was going to a birthday party later and brought a bottle of wine with him in a gift bag. So here's this citizen, sitting quietly and enjoying the services that his tax dollars pay for and he can't have a bottle of wine *in a bag* with him. What has this country come to? What has this county come to? How did they even notice it? Also, the staff member totally disrupted the quiet area to save all of us from the closed bottle of wine safely in a gift bag.

Mbele Badawi

The staff is amazing and really helpful

Demonic Hoodie

I want to say this now. So many people are complaining about the homeless here. Now I do not deny there are a lot of homeless that come here that do not respect these spaces, but not all of us are like that. They gave up on help and resorted to drugs and alcohol. A lot of them weren't even mentally I'll and just lost all sanity being on the streets for so long. Me, I am currently homeless and I have been since I was 17 and I'm 19 now, but I respect the rules and spaces. They have to be strick of security for safety reasons and the rule on food, they still have signs saying it started on Nov 1st. You were informed of it changing and it's cause the non respectful homeless make messes. The ones that don't want to change and get off the streets are the ones that cause issues, but the rest are doing what we can. With the open on the computers, if it's not illegal content like child pornography, they really can't do much about it. Simply go to the main desk and let them know of the inappropriate use and they can block them from using the computers because it is in the rules. With them panhandling, just tell them you don't have any change or cash on you. If they continue to persist let security know and they will handle it and don't worry about making a scene. And the whole "well why don't you get a job and get off the streets." Some of us are trying. to have a decent job you need a address, but to get an address you need a job. It a continuous loop and finding a way out is difficult. Maybe do your research on places that can help and let them know. Instead of being rude about it. Please try to be courteous to the ones that respect the space. We are trying. This library is amazing and it sucks that so many people are giving it a bad review because of the disrespectful homeless that come here. Rate it on there services and not on the population that surrounds it.

ThreeBirdBeard

Love to browse here

Yousef Khalfa

They kicked out my autistic son out simply because he was sitting on the stairs.

Jonathan Pritchard

A great selection of books, but as many others have said it's not a good place to actually read. I don't blame the homeless (they don't have anywhere else to go during the day and need services) or the staff (they're librarians, not outreach workers), I blame the city for not having adequate social services for those who need them and turning what used to be (when I was a kid) an amazing space into a horribly managed day shelter.

gamer probz

My friend couldn't even sit on the side of the stairs. No one was being blocked at all. Disgusting...