The library architecture is really cool. Kinda like a little museum with artifacts and books. Free to go in and used bathroom (maybe thats why i saw many homeless around there). Its nice to see theres a quiet place to sit down and get loss in our own world - in the middle of a busy city.

I give it a 5 star rating because the staff is very knowledgeable and the amount of literature they have. However, the downside is that you have to deal with the crazy people and the homeless. Try and to remember that they are people to and enjoy the library.

Nice public line art branch with internet stations and of course, books. Stop by to check out the historic architecture.

Staff very helpful. Very nice.

Im soooo happy that the library is open again!!! I felt safe and was (as always) treated with kindness and respect!!!👍🌠👍🌠👍

Staff is super helpful. They helped me find sheet music and print it out for a class. It’s a good place to get work done too. Becoming a member is a quick process.

Nice average sized city library beautiful steps

Love my library, glad its open for my printing needs

Clean, great librarians and good selection of books

Lively staff, great collection and online resources.

Back to pre shutdown hours, cant complain about the area.

Yes!!! The library is open again🤓hours are the same and of course wearing masks is required..aaaaahhhhhh the SMELL of books!

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.

Open again Central Library is awesome!

Beautiful library.

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.

A special thank you to the staff for devising a plan to pick up books.

It is a great library in a great location w awesome resources and knowledgeable staff.If you arent 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!

Recommended library if you are going to use one in this city though there are other branches available throughout the city.Qualified employees, good selection and other services being computerized some.I like books, computer access available.Restaurants in the area and just off city transit. Also, popular shopping, etc. .Lovely building it is in.

So, Im 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 heres this citizen, sitting quietly and enjoying the services that his tax dollars pay for and he cant 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.

This library is pretty large and located in a really cool building. If they dont 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.

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!

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 werent even mentally Ill 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 Im 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 its cause the non respectful homeless make messes.The ones that dont 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 its not illegal content like child pornography, they really cant 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 dont have any change or cash on you. If they continue to persist let security know and they will handle it and dont worry about making a scene. And the whole well why dont 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.

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.

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 its ready for pick up. Also nice to just sit and read a graphic novel. They have places to plug in your laptop if thats your thing or you can reserve their computers. Great location, its on the way no matter what errands Im running.

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! Ill never come back to this location.

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.

A great selection of books, but as many others have said its not a good place to actually read. I dont blame the homeless (they dont have anywhere else to go during the day and need services) or the staff (theyre 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.

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

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.

Easy to hide in a corner and mind your own business. Its a downtown library. Theyre doing great.

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.

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 couldnt hate the city of Portland anymore than I already do, but gee thanks for surprising me yet again!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

This is a very good library. its not the best one Ive been to, but its good and worth visiting.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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....

No what I expected unfortunately, way too many homeless inside the library with their carts of trash (and outside) and there arent any private tables or areas to study where its quite away from the free library computers. Maybe its me but I cant study with a smelly homeless guy less than a foot away from me on the computer. Its also very busy and noisy for a library. I wont go back, plus good luck finding parking.

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

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, its 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.

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

Abusive staff members abound, in the Multnomah county libraries. Theyve 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. Its intent is glaringly obvious. Certain staff members target individuals. Ive 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.

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 wouldnt be too bothered if it didnt 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.

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

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

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

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 goto pick them and leave. The homeless drugaddicts have hijacked the library. I wont be back anytime soon. Too bad

So much knowledge at ones disposal! Incredible resource.

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

Youd 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. Theyre practically taking baths in the bathrooms and sleeping in the stalls, and the staff does nothing about it. I wont 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 whore too lazy to gets jobs. Ugh.

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

The Central Library was built in 1913 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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

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

My friend couldnt even sit on the side of the stairs. No one was being blocked at all. Disgusting...

Large selection, lots of desks, free wifi and bathrooms, super fast member registration (you dont have to have an Oregon ID either), nice lighting, and a cozy feeling.

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

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

More of a museum than a library. History is told in many ways.

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

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

Wow! I go there all the time and Ive never ONCE been hit in by a homeless person or witnessed anyone else having issues.i dont 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!

I dont 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!!

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

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

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.

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

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 didnt get was that I had a spot had already sat down originized myself and I wasnt 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 doesnt understanding that the public library isnt just for them. I wasnt going to be intimidated and be asked to move. They should have to live with me as I with them.All and all i didnt feel safe.Wish there was a way to not cause a scene and get help... Like an email to library security. Surely, Im 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?

Great sheet music section but restrooms tend to be crowded

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

People still read books and with those real books, the internet, and Ones Own Librarian, nothing is lost in tens of living life to the fullest. (I cant see what Im writing on this line)

Very nice place for the whole family to enjoy.

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

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

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

Love the space and variety of uses avalable

Great library for communist studies!

It sucks and the security sucks. Theres no private study rooms.

The staff is amazing and really helpful

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

Love it, needs longer hours though

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

The bathrooms are to small....and if you look poor the security guards are harass you.

A gorgeous place!

Very loud and books were really damaged

Awesome.

Love to browse here

CANT EAT ON THE STAIRS

People eating in the library.

Hi german