Our public libraries are truly special places in our communities. They offer books on thousands of subjects, but that’s just the beginning. They also have computers and other research tools, offer entertainment via DVDs, music CDs, and games, and provide safe, family-friendly activities.
The Central Library in the Multnomah County Library System was completed in 1913, and it’s a beautiful place for book-lovers of all ages to visit.
It took about two years to construct the Central Library in Portland, and on September 6, 1913, the library was dedicated. The building cost $480,000, but residents quickly deemed it money well spent once they got a look at its beautiful interior.
Multnomah County Library System
Designed by architect A. E. Doyle and built in the Georgian Revival style, the library’s marble staircases have intricate details…
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…and the marble columns in the lobby are stately and impressive. Overhead, Solar Wreath, a huge light fixture, is just one of many stunning fixtures throughout.
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The library covers 125,000 square feet, over three floors. Central Library’s first librarian, Mary Frances Isom, envisioned this place as the center of the community, and the Reading Room certainly embodies that notion.
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The room’s huge windows let in tons of light, and its large tables make it easy to spend an afternoon basking in the sights and smells of thousands of books. In fact, 17 miles of shelves hold 725,000 books throughout this library!
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The domed skylight in the Collins Gallery is another beautiful feature to behold.
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You’ll certainly want to pop into the Beverly Cleary Children’s Library during your visit.
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In addition to its stacks filled with children’s books, the library is home to a huge bronze sculpture called Preserving a Memory - a large tree with a trunk showcasing all kinds of artifacts.
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The library underwent a huge restoration effort in the late 1990s, but it preserved its history. You can still check out its old card catalogs…
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…and step into modern times while using one of the library’s more than 500 computers.
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Central Library is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Stop by soon to peruse its shelves!
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Learn more about the Multnomah County Library System and the Central Library here. And, if you find yourself in Portland and you love books, you’re most certainly going to want to visit this humongous bookstore.
Multnomah County Library System
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