What Multnomah County Library does

Multnomah County Library is a public library system operated by Multnomah County, Oregon, serving county residents, property owners, students, and educators through 19 neighborhood locations including Central Library in downtown Portland. It provides free access to physical collections (books, DVDs, CDs), digital resources, and a broad portfolio of educational and cultural programs including storytimes, citizenship classes, English language learning, GED preparation, job and career help, summer reading, and small-business research support. Specialized services span the Black Resources Collection, Indigenous Collection, multilingual programming in five languages (English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese), and accessibility services for patrons with visual, physical, and print disabilities.

The library's technology stack is anchored by a Bibliocommons-powered online catalog for patron account management, supplemented by third-party digital-content and service partnerships: OverDrive/Libby for e-books and audiobooks, Hoopla and Kanopy for streaming media, Princh for mobile printing, Beanstack for the Summer Reading program, Bookshare for accessibility e-books, and WorldCat for interlibrary loan. All public computers run Microsoft Office 2024 with JAWS and ZoomText accessibility software. The library is a designated Patent and Trademark Resource Center under the USPTO. Distribution extends beyond physical branches to 24/7 library lockers, books by mail, and home delivery for homebound patrons.

As a government entity rather than a commercial enterprise, Multnomah County Library is funded primarily through Multnomah County tax revenues rather than user fees. All services and library cards are provided free of charge, and the system operates on a fine-free model that removes financial barriers to access. Go-to-market is community-led rather than sales-driven: outreach is conducted by bilingual staff at schools, retirement homes, and partner organizations, and patron engagement occurs through in-branch programming, digital platforms, email newsletters, and an active social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Revenue and operating expenditure figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Multnomah County Library

Legal name

Multnomah County Library

Website

https://multcolib.org

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library programs
• Digital lending platforms
• Educational library resources
• Multilingual library services

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Tax Funding: Funded primarily through Multnomah County tax revenues. Library cards and all services are free for county residents, property owners, students, and educators in the county.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Multnomah County Library is a public library system providing free access to physical and digital collections, technology services (computers, Wi-Fi, printing), educational programs (citizenship classes, GED, job help, ESL), and community spaces across 19 neighborhood locations. The library operates on a fine-free model funded by Multnomah County tax revenues, offering books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, streaming media, and specialized collections including Black Resources and Indigenous collections in five languages.

Product overview

Multnomah County Library is a public library system with 19 neighborhood locations serving Multnomah County, Oregon. The library provides a comprehensive range of services centered around its Bibliocommons-powered catalog and digital platforms. Physical collections include books, DVDs, CDs, and specialized collections (Black Resources Collection, Indigenous Collection). Digital offerings span Libby/OverDrive for e-books and audiobooks, streaming services (Hoopla, Kanopy), and various databases. Core services include public computer access with Microsoft Office and accessibility software, free mobile printing via Princh, community room reservations, interlibrary loan through WorldCat, accessibility services, citizenship classes, job help, and summer reading programs via Beanstack. The library operates on a fine-free model with free library cards for county residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bibliocommons Catalog Web-based catalog and patron account management platform providing access to the library's physical and digital collections. Allows users to search items, place holds, manage checkouts, access personal library dashboard, and manage for-later/completed shelves.
• Libby (OverDrive) Digital Lending E-books and audiobook platform providing access to downloadable content. Users can read online or download to devices for offline access. Patrons can check out up to 20 e-books/audiobooks via Libby.
• Public Computer Access Free public computer access with Microsoft Office 2024 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), accessibility software (JAWS and ZoomText), and headphones at all library locations. Patrons can use computers for up to 4 hours per day.
• Mobile Printing Service Free mobile and wireless printing available at all public library locations. Users upload print jobs remotely and pick up at their selected location within 16 hours. Each location has a unique PrinterID for remote job submission.
• Community Room Reservations Free community room rental for groups and individuals in three sizes: small (1-6 people), medium (up to 10 people), and large (12+ people). Large rooms require application and approval.
• Lucky Day Collection Collection of popular bestsellers and new releases available without wait times. Approximately 15 new titles added weekly. Patrons can check out up to 2 Lucky Day items.
• Black Resources Collection Materials primarily written by African Diasporic authors, including the Black Pacific Northwest Collection (created 2018) and Fisk University Collection (385 volumes). Most items housed at North Portland Library.
• Indigenous Collection Materials by and about Native American, Alaska Native, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), and Indigenous Peoples worldwide with special focus on Oregon and Pacific Northwest. Available at all library locations.
• Interlibrary Loan Service allowing patrons to borrow materials from libraries across the United States and Canada via WorldCat. Available to Multnomah County residents and property taxpayers.
• Accessibility Services Comprehensive accessibility services including Bookshare e-books, blindness and low vision services, deaf and hard of hearing accommodations, mobility services, sensory rooms, home delivery, and accessible computers with JAWS and ZoomText.
• Summer Reading Program Annual reading incentive program for youth running June 15 to August 15. Children and teens can track reading on paper or online via Beanstack platform for fun and prizes.
• Library Card Account Free library cards for residents, teachers, and students in Multnomah County. Includes fine-free borrowing, up to 30 DVDs, 20 e-books/audiobooks in Libby, and 8 Hoopla checkouts.
• Home Delivery Delivery service for homebound patrons who cannot visit the library in person. Library materials are delivered to homes.
• Streaming Services Digital streaming content including Hoopla (movies, TV, music, comics; 3 days for video, 7 days for music, 21 days for digital comics) and Kanopy (classic, documentary, independent films) with automatic returns and no late fees. Patrons can check out up to 8 Hoopla items.
• Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) Part of nationwide USPTO network supporting the public with trademark and patent resources. Designated as a PTRC by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Quantifiable outcome

• No late fines - eliminates financial barriers to library use
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• BeanstackcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology platform partner for Summer Reading program. Children and teens track reading on paper or online through Beanstack from June 15 to August 15 annually.
• Bookshare (Benetech)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccessibility partnership providing free e-books in audio, braille, large font, and other formats for patrons with visual, physical, and print disabilities.
• OverDrive/LibbycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital lending platform for e-books, audiobooks, and magazines. Available through Libby app and website.
• Oregon State Library - Talking Book and Braille LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing free library materials and services to Oregonians who have trouble reading or holding a regular book.
• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesignated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) as part of a nationwide network supporting the public with trademark and patent resources.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• New York Public Library: Large urban public library system providing free physical and digital lending, programming, and community services. Comparable as a major municipal library offering multilingual services, specialized research collections, and a network of neighborhood branches.
• Brooklyn Public Library: Borough-level public library system offering free lending, digital media, and educational programs. Comparable as a public library with multilingual services, specialized collections, and a network of neighborhood branches.
• King County Library System: County-level library system in Washington State serving suburban and urban communities. Comparable as a county-funded library system providing free digital and physical lending with extensive branch networks.
• Chicago Public Library: City-county public library system with broad programming, free computer access, and digital lending. Comparable in offering free services, multilingual outreach, and community-driven programming across a major metropolitan area.
• Boston Public Library: Municipal public library with extensive physical and digital collections plus community programming. Comparable as a major public library offering free services, specialized research resources, and equity initiatives.
• Hennepin County Library: Minnesota county library system offering free services, digital lending, and community programming. Comparable as a county-level public library with similar operational model and emphasis on equity-driven services.
• Austin Public Library: City-operated public library providing free lending, digital media, and community services. Comparable as a municipal library with a fine-free model, multilingual services, and community-driven programming.
• San Francisco Public Library: Municipal public library serving a major West Coast city with free services, digital access, and multilingual programming. Comparable in offering fine-free borrowing, equity collections, and community-focused programming.
• Seattle Public Library: Municipal library system in the Pacific Northwest offering free lending, digital media, and community programs. Comparable as a regional peer with similar urban demographics, equity initiatives, and emphasis on accessibility.

Peers

• Los Angeles Public Library: Municipal public library system with extensive branch network and free services. Comparable as a large-scale public library offering digital lending, multilingual programs, and equity-focused community outreach.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xbsky.app/profile/multcolib.bsky.social
• YouTubeyoutube.com/multcolib
• Facebookfacebook.com/multcolib
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/multnomah-county-library
• Instagraminstagram.com/multnomahcountylibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Multnomah County Library