Living in Portland for close to 20 years now, I am a daily user of the public library. I can't begin to say how lucky I feel we are in Portland where there is such an incredible library system. . In addition to visiting the library and its branches, the online website is very complete. Whenever I find a new... More

The staff were always very helpful and friendly. I love the old building and the history that you feel in there!

The building has a sense of grandeur about it - both from outside and inside. The high ceilings are no big deals libraries - I loved the lighting - a mix of historic and modern. In fact, while I was walking by, I saw the lights through the all windows and came in. I am glad I did. I didn't... More

Had very helpful and kind service here. AND all the books I was looking for had been available. Lovely experience.

In the center of Portland lies and achcitectual gem. I assume it was a Carnegie Library but rather than turning it into a museum or some other use, it is still a vibrant library. I love the art tree in the children's area. If libraries and historic buildings get you excited, this is the place.

And I loved my job....but going to the library, wow! Listening to a Quartet of stringed instruments....the accoustics perfect as in a theatre. Must visit, make time to spend wandering the floors of the richness of the written word......turn off your t.v. and go!

Portland loves its library system, and well it should. I'm most familiar with the Central branch (there are perhaps 8-10 smaller ones around town), the beautiful downtown edifice that takes up one of Portland's (albeit small) blocks with a majestic turn-of-the 20th century stone edifice on a graceful tree-lined stretch of SW10th Avenue in downtown Portland. The sweeping staircase opens... More

I'm always amazed and impressed with Portland's ability to restore and keep its beautiful buildings. The main library is no exception. It has huge ceilings, sweeping staircases and stone benches in front etched with classic authors names. It is charming. The people who work there are helpful and friendly. I was able to get a "day pass" for 2 hours... More

This is the kind of library you expect to see in a really big city, like New York or Chicago. Beautiful architecture, lots of levels, nice open spaces to explore, and actually still the kind of library where people observe the rules of quietness....nice place to cool your heels when doing a walking tour of downtown Portland.