Multnomah County reopens downtown library after big changes

(FEBRUARY 22, 2024) Multnomah County Central Library is in downtown Portland. It was closed about a year to make changes. Now it is open again. 

The library was built in 1913. It hadn't been updated for nearly 30 years. Over the past year, it spent $13 million to be more modern and welcoming.

The changes include new seats. There are signs to help you find your way. The library now has new spaces for counselors, its store, and meeting rooms. There are also new carpets and fresh paint. 

The library added more charging spots, faster internet, and a system to sort books automatically. The library now has a bigger and more accessible collection of books. 

The library also made the building safer. It now has lower shelves. That means it's easier to see what people are doing. There are also new alarms and nicer restrooms.

The library has new hours. They are shared on the library website at multcolib.org