Call a librarian
503.988.5234

Call Reference Line during Central Library's operating hours to get answers on the phone.

E-mail a librarian

E-mail your question using our Ask the Librarian service.

Chat online with a librarian

Chat online with a librarian 24 hours a day.

Live homework help

Chat with an online tutor, daily from 2 p.m.–10 p.m. For more help, check out the Homework Center.

Book A Librarian

Speak with a professional librarian for one-on-one research assistance. Submit this form at least seven days in advance to request an appointment, either in person or on the phone. Appointments last about 30 minutes. More information and answers to frequently asked questions are below.

We can help with many kinds of research. Typical requests include:

Business plan research and small business resources
Consumer and health education
Research into investments
Finding a good read, for you or your bookgroup
Genealogy and house history resources
Local historical research using newspaper archives
General library resources, including subscription databases
A research project for school

Some things we are unable to help with:

We do not provide medical, legal or business advice or opinion, but we can point you to resources and organizations that do.
We cannot type or proofread your document, resume, cover letter, etc. However, from 2-10 p.m., you can log into Tutor.com through the library, with a valid library card, for proofreading assistance.
For assistance with career exploration and resume assistance, please visit one of our job labs or classes.
Currently we do not offer technical support or troubleshooting except when it relates to library resources, including the catalog, databases, and e-books / e-readers.
If you want to learn more about computers in general, or set up an email account, we do offer free computer labs and classes.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to make an appointment?

This service is available to all individuals, organizations and businesses.

Who will be helping me?

We will look at your appointment request and determine the best person on our staff to meet with you based on availability.

How long will the appointment be?

Each appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. Additional appointments can be requested with a maximum of two appointments per month.

How do I make an appointment?

Complete this form with as much information as possible. We will be in touch with you to confirm the appointment as soon as possible, but we require at least seven days advance notice in most cases. You can also call our Information Line at 503.988.5234 for further assistance.

I need to cancel my appointment. What’s the best way to do this?

Please call the Information Line at 503.988.5234 as soon as you can to cancel an appointment.

Are there other ways to get help from a librarian?

Yes! You can stop by any Multnomah County library and speak with a librarian. You can also call us, email us, text us or chat. Visit our Contact page for more details.