Multnomah County Central Library, Portland

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.

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. :(

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.

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 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.