Multnomah County Central Library

I want to say this now. So many people are complaining about the homeless here. Now I do not deny there are a lot of homeless that come here that do not respect these spaces, but not all of us are like that. They gave up on help and resorted to drugs and alcohol. A lot of them weren't even mentally I'll and just lost all sanity being on the streets for so long. Me, I am currently homeless and I have been since I was 17 and I'm 19 now, but I respect the rules and spaces. They have to be strick of security for safety reasons and the rule on food, they still have signs saying it started on Nov 1st. You were informed of it changing and it's cause the non respectful homeless make messes. The ones that don't want to change and get off the streets are the ones that cause issues, but the rest are doing what we can. With the open on the computers, if it's not illegal content like child pornography, they really can't do much about it. Simply go to the main desk and let them know of the inappropriate use and they can block them from using the computers because it is in the rules. With them panhandling, just tell them you don't have any change or cash on you. If they continue to persist let security know and they will handle it and don't worry about making a scene. And the whole "well why don't you get a job and get off the streets." Some of us are trying. to have a decent job you need a address, but to get an address you need a job. It a continuous loop and finding a way out is difficult. Maybe do your research on places that can help and let them know. Instead of being rude about it. Please try to be courteous to the ones that respect the space. We are trying. This library is amazing and it sucks that so many people are giving it a bad review because of the disrespectful homeless that come here. Rate it on there services and not on the population that surrounds it.
5 7 years ago (24-01-2018)

Drug addicts and homeless people are always coming in here and hang around right outside. This library is open often and is right on the street car line and Max line, they have sherrifs that work here to keep it safe, and the staff is super friendly, there are groups that form here for toddler/baby entertainment. They have their own little gift shop, their gift shop is nice. They have lots of bus schedule pamphlets in a convenient location, which is nice, Belmont library, Hollywood library and the library on capitol and their library near pcc doesn't have bus schedule pamphlets. This library has an awesome looking tree in their kids area! They're family bathroom is clean, they have a pay phone and many computers, but their other bathrooms are always trashed. They often don't have the books I want. Their DVD selection sucks.
1 7 years ago (20-04-2018)

I was really excited when I first moved here and saw this library, it was the biggest library I had ever seen and I loved the engraved author names on the benches. Unfortunately as others have said, it's basically a hub for homeless. They just sit there all day and stare at you as you walk by or walk into the library. Tons of homeless inside also and mentally ill using the computers. Every single computer lab reeks of urine and just awful body smells. Really disappointed.
2 7 years ago (20-05-2018)

The Central Library is a good public location if you are needing an away spot to do reading or some light work. I say light work as it does not tend to be the most quietest of places and there is an issue with the occasional noisy disruptive individuals either outside, or lounging around the main stairwell areas. Your mileage may vary by the day.
4 7 years ago (09-04-2018)

Kicked my friend paul off the steps because he was Jewish. Books were nice, had plenty copies of Mien Kampf
1 7 years ago (07-05-2018)