Media contacts
Shawn Cunningham, Public Communications and Policy Manager
Media inquiries, public records requests
mobile: 971.806.9432 | shawnc@multcolib.org
Liz Sauer, Library Capital Bond Projects Communications Manager
For library bond inquiries
mobile: 971.469.9815 | elizabeths@multcolib.org
Media releases
Facts and figures
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library on the west coast, with a history that dates back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 18 other neighborhood libraries make up a library system that offers more than 2.9 million books and other library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population.
Interim Director of Libraries: Annie Lewis
Founded in: 1864
Number of libraries: 19
Service area: Multnomah County, including Portland, Fairview, Gresham and Troutdale
Population served: 805,024
Library cardholders: 350,602
In Fiscal Year 2023-2024:
- Multnomah County Library patrons checked out or renewed nearly 17 million items. That's an average of 21 items per person.
- Library staff filled more than 1.1 million holds.
- The library was visited online and in person 9.9 million times.
- More than 104,000 children participated in the library's countywide 2023 Summer Reading program.
- In total, in-person and virtual library programming targeted to all age groups, from infants to seniors, reached 111,000. This includes many Black/African American culture; Indigenous culture; and Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese language programs.
National data
Among U.S. libraries serving fewer than one million residents, Multnomah County Library ranks No. 2 in annual circulation of books and other materials, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) FY2022 Public Libraries Survey.
Last updated 6/4/24