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Central Library (Portland, Oregon)
Encyclopedia
The Central Library is a three-story public library branch in downtown Portland, Oregon
, United States
. Opened in 1913, it serves as the main branch of the Multnomah County Library
system. The Georgian style building was added to the National Register of Historic Places
as the Central Building, Public Library in 1979 and underwent major renovations in 1997.
The Library Association of Portland was formed in 1864. After going through several locations during the first half-century of existence, the library board decided on a new large main branch for downtown Portland in 1911. The building was designed by architect A. E. Doyle
, and opened on September 6, 1913. It was one of the first libraries in the United States to feature an open plan
design of the interior. Construction on the building lasted for two years and cost $480,000 to complete. Librarian Mary Francis Isom provided input on the design.
The Central Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
as the Central Building, Public Library on June 11, 1979. On July 1, 1990, the private Library Association of Portland officially transferred ownership of the library to Multnomah County. From 1902 until that date, the association owned the collections and buildings, but the operations were paid for by the local governments. From 1994 to 1997, the building was extensively renovated. During the remodel the Fifth Avenue Building, the former State Office Building, housed the library collection.
. The main staircase at the library has a total of 92 steps. Artwork at the location includes the “Tree of Knowledge” by Dana Louis. The exterior walls are covered with Wilkinson Sandstone. Interior details include marble and wood. The branch contains 125000 square feet (11,612.9 m²) of space spread over the three floors.
The branch is home to the Beverly Cleary
Children’s Library and the Henry Failing
Art and Music Library. Other features include the Sterling Room for Writers, the Collins Gallery on the third floor, and the John Wilson Room. The first floor houses the U.S. Bank Room, a small conference room available for public use. The library’s collections weigh more than 875 tons and take up 17 miles (27.4 km) of shelf space. A total of 130 computer terminals are available to the public.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Opened in 1913, it serves as the main branch of the Multnomah County Library
Multnomah County Library
Multnomah County Library is a public library system serving Multnomah County, Oregon, United States. Started in 1864, the system has 19 library locations with books, magazines, DVDs, and computers. It is the largest library system in Oregon serving a population of 724,680, with more than 425,000...
system. The Georgian style building was added to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as the Central Building, Public Library in 1979 and underwent major renovations in 1997.
History
A. E. Doyle
Albert Ernest Doyle was a prolific architect in the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington. He is most often credited for his works as A.E. Doyle....
, and opened on September 6, 1913. It was one of the first libraries in the United States to feature an open plan
Open plan
Open plan is the generic term used in architectural and interior design for any floor plan which makes use of large, open spaces and minimizes the use of small, enclosed rooms such as private offices...
design of the interior. Construction on the building lasted for two years and cost $480,000 to complete. Librarian Mary Francis Isom provided input on the design.
The Central Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
as the Central Building, Public Library on June 11, 1979. On July 1, 1990, the private Library Association of Portland officially transferred ownership of the library to Multnomah County. From 1902 until that date, the association owned the collections and buildings, but the operations were paid for by the local governments. From 1994 to 1997, the building was extensively renovated. During the remodel the Fifth Avenue Building, the former State Office Building, housed the library collection.
Details
Architecturally, the building was designed in the Georgian styleGeorgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
. The main staircase at the library has a total of 92 steps. Artwork at the location includes the “Tree of Knowledge” by Dana Louis. The exterior walls are covered with Wilkinson Sandstone. Interior details include marble and wood. The branch contains 125000 square feet (11,612.9 m²) of space spread over the three floors.
The branch is home to the Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary is an American author. Educated at colleges in California and Washington, she worked as a librarian before writing children's books. Cleary has written more than 30 books for young adults and children. Some of her best-known characters are Henry Huggins, Ribsy, Beatrice Quimby, her...
Children’s Library and the Henry Failing
Henry Failing
Henry Failing was a banker, and one of the leading businessmen of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. He was one of Portland, Oregon's earliest residents, and served as that city's mayor for three two-year terms...
Art and Music Library. Other features include the Sterling Room for Writers, the Collins Gallery on the third floor, and the John Wilson Room. The first floor houses the U.S. Bank Room, a small conference room available for public use. The library’s collections weigh more than 875 tons and take up 17 miles (27.4 km) of shelf space. A total of 130 computer terminals are available to the public.