Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Portland offers exceptional library resources throughout the City of Roses, from the historic Multnomah County Central Library (1913) to Portland State University's late-night study haven open until 2:00 AM. Whether you need MAX light rail-accessible downtown branches or university libraries with extensive hours, this complete guide covers Multnomah County Library's 19 branches, PSU's Millar Library, Reed College, and University of Portland.
✨ Portland Library Highlights:
- 🏛️ Central Library: Historic 1913 building, Georgian architecture, iconic green copper roof
- 📚 19 Multnomah County Branches: Throughout Portland metro
- 🎓 PSU Millar Library: Open until 2:00 AM Sun-Thu (24/7 during finals!)
- 🏫 Reed College: Beautiful campus, open until midnight
- 🚇 MAX Light Rail: Station DIRECTLY at Central Library doors!
- 💳 FREE Library Cards: For all Multnomah County residents
1. Multnomah County Central Library - Historic Downtown Gem ⭐
The Multnomah County Central Library at 801 SW 10th Avenue is one of Portland's most beloved landmarks. The historic Georgian-style building (opened 1913, renovated 1997) features a green copper roof, magnificent reading rooms, and the most convenient MAX light rail access of any major library in America - the Library/SW 9th Ave station is AT the library entrance!
✨ Central Library Architectural & Collection Highlights:
- Historic 1913 Building: Georgian architecture, green copper roof, Portland landmark
- Collins Gallery (3rd Floor): Magnificent high-ceiling reading room with natural light
- Beverly Cleary Children's Library: Named for beloved Portland author
- U.S. Bank Room: Original 1913 reading room, restored grandeur
- Sheila & Ira Koller Nonprofit Resource Center: Community organization support
- 1 Million+ Items: Largest collection in Oregon
Multnomah County Central Library Hours:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
🚇 How to Get There (MAX Light Rail):
Best Transit Access in America! MAX Blue, Red, or Green Line to Library/SW 9th Ave Station
Walk from Station: ZERO! Station exit opens DIRECTLY to library entrance at 801 SW 10th Ave
From Portland Airport: MAX Red Line direct to Library station (40 minutes)
Parking: SmartPark parking garages nearby (SW 10th & Yamhill, SW 4th & Yamhill)
Address: 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
📚 Central Library by Floor:
- 1st Floor: Popular materials, café, Sterling Room for Small Business (business resources)
- 2nd Floor: Beverly Cleary Children's Library, storytimes, family programs
- 3rd Floor: Collins Gallery (stunning reading room!), Teen Zone, Maker Space
- 4th Floor: Fiction, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Large Print
- 5th Floor: Non-fiction, Reference, Computer Commons
2. Popular Multnomah County Library Branches
📍 Belmont Library
1038 SE Belmont St - Southeast Portland, hip neighborhood, great study spaces
| Monday-Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Hollywood Library
4040 NE Tillamook St - Northeast Portland, modern facility, extensive collections
| Monday-Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Hillsdale Library
1525 SW Sunset Blvd - Southwest Portland, quiet neighborhood location
| Monday-Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 Gresham Library
385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham - East Metro, large modern building
| Monday-Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📝 Note: Branch hours may vary. Check Multnomah County Library for complete 19-branch directory and holiday closures.
3. Portland State University - Branford Price Millar Library ⭐ Best for Late-Night Study
PSU Branford Price Millar Library is Portland's late-night study champion, open until 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday during fall/spring/summer terms (extended to 24/7 during finals weeks!). The modern 5-floor library serves 27,000+ PSU students and welcomes public visitors.
✨ PSU Millar Library Late-Night Study Features:
- Open Until 2:00 AM: Sunday-Thursday during regular terms (latest in Portland!)
- 24/7 Finals Access: Building stays open continuously during final exam weeks
- 5 Floors: 1.7 million volumes, extensive study seating
- Quiet Study Floors: Floors 3-4 = silent study only
- Study Rooms: 80+ group study rooms (reservable online)
- Public Welcome: Non-PSU visitors can access for research/study
PSU Millar Library Hours (Fall/Spring/Summer Terms):
| Day | Regular Hours | Finals Week |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM | OPEN 24 HOURS |
⚠️ Winter break hours shorter. Check PSU Library for current term schedule.
🚇 Getting to PSU Campus:
MAX Light Rail: Blue, Red, Green, or Orange Line to PSU Urban Center
Walk from Station: 3-minute walk to Millar Library on SW Harrison St
Portland Streetcar: NS Line to SW 6th & Harrison (directly at library!)
Parking: SmartPark 5th & Mill garage ($2/hour evenings/weekends)
Address: 1875 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201
4. Reed College - Eric V. Hauser Memorial Library
Reed College library on the beautiful Reed campus offers late hours until midnight and welcomes public visitors (Reed ID may be required after certain hours during exam periods).
📚 Reed College Library Highlights:
- Beautiful Campus: 116-acre campus with canyon, creek, wetlands
- Late Hours: Open until midnight Sun-Thu (rare for liberal arts college!)
- 800,000+ Volumes: Strong humanities & sciences collections
- Special Collections: Rare books, Reed archives, Pacific NW history
- Quiet Atmosphere: Traditional academic library setting
- Public Access: Welcome during regular hours
Reed College Library Hours (Fall/Spring Semesters):
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8:00 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - Midnight |
⚠️ Summer/break hours shorter. During exam periods, Reed ID may be required after certain hours.
🚌 Getting to Reed College:
TriMet Bus: Route 10 (Harold St) to SE Woodstock & Reed College Pl
From Downtown: Route 10 from SW Madison & 6th (30-minute ride)
Parking: Visitor parking available near library
Address: 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
5. Other Portland University Libraries
📖 University of Portland - Clark Library
5000 N. Willamette Blvd - Beautiful bluff campus overlooking city
- Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Public Access: Limited - primarily for UP students/faculty
📖 Lewis & Clark College - Watzek Library
0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd - Beautiful wooded campus, modern library
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - Midnight
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - Midnight
6. Portland Library Cards & Access
💳 Multnomah County Library Card:
| Eligibility | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Multnomah County Residents | FREE | Valid ID with Multnomah County address |
| Washington/Clackamas County | FREE | Valid ID (reciprocal agreements!) |
| Non-Oregon Residents | $60/year | Valid ID with current address |
Apply in person at any Multnomah County Library branch or Central Library - instant approval!
🎓 University Library Access:
| Library | Public Access | Borrowing Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| PSU Millar | Yes - open to public | $100/year community borrower card |
| Reed College | Yes - open to public | Not available to public |
| University of Portland | Limited - reference only | Not available to public |
7. Best Portland Libraries for Different Needs
🌙 Best for Late-Night Study:
Winner: PSU Branford Price Millar Library
- Open until 2:00 AM Sun-Thu (latest in Portland!)
- 24/7 during finals weeks
- Quiet floors strictly enforced
- 80+ study rooms available
- MAX & Streetcar access
🏛️ Best Historic Architecture & Ambiance:
Winner: Multnomah County Central Library
- Gorgeous 1913 Georgian building
- Iconic green copper roof (Portland landmark)
- Collins Gallery reading room (magnificent!)
- Original U.S. Bank Room restored to 1913 splendor
🚇 Best Transit Accessibility:
Winner: Multnomah County Central Library (by far!)
- MAX station DIRECTLY at library entrance (Library/SW 9th Ave)
- Best transit access of any major library in America!
- Blue, Red, Green Lines all stop at library
- Direct from Portland Airport (Red Line)
📚 Best Traditional College Library:
Winner: Reed College Library
- Beautiful 116-acre campus setting
- Traditional quiet academic atmosphere
- Late hours (until midnight Sun-Thu)
- Strong humanities/sciences collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Portland Central Library close?
Multnomah County Central Library closes at 8:00 PM Monday-Wednesday, 6:00 PM Thursday-Saturday, and 5:00 PM Sunday. This is the longest hours of any Multnomah County branch.
Can non-students use Portland State library?
Yes! PSU Branford Price Millar Library welcomes public visitors. Non-PSU visitors can access the library for research and studying, though borrowing books and computer access require PSU affiliation or a paid community borrower card ($100/year).
Which Portland library is open latest?
PSU Branford Price Millar Library has the latest hours, open until 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday during fall/spring/summer terms (24/7 during finals weeks). Reed College library also stays open until midnight. Among public libraries, Central Library closes at 8:00 PM Mon-Wed.
Are Portland libraries open on Sunday?
Yes, Multnomah County Central Library is open Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. PSU Library: Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM (during terms). Reed College library: Sunday 10:00 AM - midnight. Most smaller branches are closed Sundays.
How do I get a Portland library card?
Visit any Multnomah County Library branch with valid ID showing Multnomah County address. Cards are FREE for Multnomah County residents. Washington and Clackamas County residents also get free cards due to reciprocal agreements! Non-Oregon residents can purchase a card for $60/year.
Does Portland have 24-hour libraries?
No Portland libraries are open 24/7 year-round, but PSU Branford Price Millar Library extends to 24-hour access during finals weeks (typically 2 weeks in December, March, and June). During regular term, it closes at 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday.
How do I get to Central Library by MAX?
Take MAX Blue, Red, or Green Line to Library/SW 9th Ave Station - the library entrance is directly at the station! This is one of the most transit-accessible libraries in America. From the station platform, walk up the stairs and you're at the library doors at 801 SW 10th Ave.
Which Portland library is best for studying?
PSU Branford Price Millar Library is best for late-night studying (open until 2:00 AM, quiet floors, 24/7 during finals). For public libraries: Central Library's Collins Gallery and 3rd floor reading rooms offer beautiful quiet study spaces. Reed College library provides excellent traditional study atmosphere with late hours (until midnight).
🌲 Portland Library Insider Tips
🚇 MAX Station AT the Library!
Central Library has the BEST transit access of any major US library - MAX Blue, Red, and Green lines stop DIRECTLY at Library/SW 9th Ave Station. Walk up the stairs and you're at the door! Direct from PDX Airport on Red Line (40 minutes).
🌙 PSU = Portland's 2AM Library
PSU Branford Price Millar Library stays open until 2:00 AM Sunday-Thursday during the semester - the LATEST in Portland! During finals weeks, it goes FULL 24/7. Streetcar stops directly at the library on SW Harrison.
🏛️ 1913 Architecture + Collins Gallery
Central Library's Georgian architecture (1913) is stunning - the green copper roof is a Portland landmark. Collins Gallery on the 3rd floor has magnificent high ceilings with natural light. U.S. Bank Room shows original 1913 grandeur!
📚 Beverly Cleary Children's Library
The 2nd floor Children's Library is named for Portland's beloved author Beverly Cleary (Ramona, Henry Huggins). Her characters have their own statue in nearby Grant Park - combine library visit with a photo op!
🌳 Reed College = Stunning Campus
Reed College library sits on a gorgeous 116-acre campus with canyon, creek, and wetlands. Open until midnight Sun-Thu! Take TriMet Route 10 from downtown (30 min). Traditional quiet academic atmosphere.
💳 FREE for 3 Counties!
Multnomah County Library cards are FREE for Multnomah, Washington, AND Clackamas County residents (reciprocal agreement). That covers most of the Portland metro! Non-residents: only $60/year.
📖 Related Resources:
Discover Portland's exceptional library system today! Whether you need PSU's 2:00 AM late-night hours, the historic beauty of Central Library's 1913 building, the best transit access in America (MAX station at library doors!), or Reed College's late midnight hours, Portland offers world-class library resources for students, researchers, and community members throughout the City of Roses.