Multnomah County Library – Northwest

I absolutely love this library and the ease of use of the online Multnomah County Library system to order any book I can think of. The staff at this location is very friendly, patient and always happy to help. There are plenty of well displayed titles to pick up and read immediately. At the same time, when a book isn’t available, it is super easy to request it through the online system and it usually arrives to the NW branch for pickup in a few days to a couple of weeks.

When it comes to libraries, I admit, I get around. Multnomah County Library — Northwest is not the biggest, vastest, or most visually impressive library I’ve been to but functionally it’s the best. Patronizing MCL — NW a few times a week, the branch is always busy, yet the shelves are reliably neat, the staff helpful, poised, and friendly, and lines are nonexistent. The ease of checking out material and utilizing resources is exemplary.

Libraries are wonderful. I could attack this keyboard for all the verbs and descriptions that would put this into a nice picture. But then again I see three pictures here and there’s no point in doing that.
It’s small akin to the one near Fremont Street. There is an extensive DVD selection that is right next to the door. The mystery section is rather odd. I suppose it goes with the genre. There is an extensive science fiction section and the «General Fiction» is along the aisles deep into the building. The staff is always helpful.

I have really enjoyed coming here since I moved to the Portland area last year. I attend the children’s programs regularly (book babies and tots and toddler story times) and can’t say enough good things about Susan, the children’s librarian. I love the knitting group as well, and have had great interactions with other staff and librarians.

Small but great branch of an amazing library system. Staff is great. Nice location on 23^rd.

nicest staff ever. going to miss you guys, I cancelled my account Wed, now I’m in Santa Rosa, CA. hope to move back in a few years.

This library is fabulous! Not too big to be overwhelming, but still a great selection of books in the small space they do have! This place is perfect to grab a good book and then head over to Dragonfly Café to sit and enjoy your pick. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful as well.
The only (slight) negative is that you may have to go to the Central Library to get your book.

Libraries are second only to good coffee shops as my favorite places to spend time. The Northwest branch of the Multnomah County library is a fabulous location. The staff are super helpful and very friendly.
I think the key is that this is a small, intimate building that beckons you to spend hours here… not just rush in and pick up your holds. I’d choose visiting this branch long before heading over to the main branch.

How to utilize your adorable and unintimidating Northwest Library:
1. Acquire a library card. Do not lose card as it is important for later steps. (If you do lose your card, however, the friendly staff at NWL will be happy to replace it in less than a minute at no charge. Having lost my library card three times in the past four months, I know this from experience.)
2. Go online to the Multnomah Library Catalog. Place holds on any books that look interesting (you will need your card number for this). Put NWL as your pick up location.
3. Check you email until you get one saying your holds have arrived at your friendly neighborhood branch.
4. Hop on your bicycle and have a relaxing ride down to your adorable NWL.
5. Check the magazine exchange for free magazines.
6. Browse the library’s collection for anything that looks interesting.
7. Pick up your holds. (Note, you don’t have to have your library card on your person to check things out: just i.d.).
8. Check your e-​mail for notices about when your materials are due. Return or renew materials. Experience inner peace. Experience intellectual satisfaction. Repeat steps 2 – 8. (Or 1 – 8 if you lose your card!)

This branch reminds me of a little schoolhouse library you would find in the town of Mayberry. It is small and charming, the staff is always friendly and the locals you see always remember your name. This branch is always filled with wee ones attending library sing-​a-​longs and listening to story time with the librarian, which adds to the innocence and magic of this location.
I could spend an entire day in the library, but I have always found the main branch to be a bit overwhelming. I love the Northwest branch because it’s small enough to navigate with ease, while having access to the vast collection of books at the main library by reserving your selections online and having them sent directly to this location.