About the Library > Library fact sheet
Library fact sheet
Background
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi, with a history that reaches back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 16 neighborhood libraries make up a library system that houses a collection of nearly 2 million books and other library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population.
Current data
Multnomah County residents USE their library. In 2006-2007, they checked out an average of 28.4 items per person. Among U.S. libraries serving fewer than 1 million residents, Multnomah County Library ranks No. 1 in annual circulation of books and other materials, according to the Public Library Association's 2007 Statistical Report.
In 2006-2007, Multnomah County Library customers checked out or renewed 19.9 million items. The number of checked-out books, tapes, compact discs, CD-ROMs, audio cassettes, videos and other library materials increased 1.6 percent. Library staff filled 1.9 million holds and answered more than 1 million questions.
In a typical week, more than 90,000 people visit the library.
More than 56,000 children participated in the library's countywide 2006 Summer Reading program. Other library programming, targeted to all age groups, from infants to elders, reaches an annual audience of thousands.
In 2006-2007, volunteers donated more than 55,000 hours of their time to the library, the equivalent of 6,875 eight-hour days.