Where in the World Are You Reading? My Local Library (Part 2)

Where in the World Are You Reading is a monthly themed Meme jointly hosted by Trish at Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity, Lisa at Books. Lists. Life. and Kailana at The Written World.

Click on any of the links for the posta that explain the details of the Meme. It's never too late to join in so please consider doing so.

The theme for August is Your Local Library which means I did two posts for this month because I have two libraries that are a big part of my reading life.

I'm lucky enough to routinely use two outstanding county library systems. I live in one county and work in another. Both have branches that are conveniently located on my way home from work so I have easy access to excellence in libraries.

Last week my post was about the Cedar Mill Community Library which is a branch of the Washington County Cooperative Library Service.

Today’s post and photos are all about the Multmomah County Library Central Branch in downtown Portland. This post is long and has lots of photos but I hope you'll indulge me and take a thorough look. As always – click on the photos for a larger version and then use your browser back button to return to this post.

Central Branch from 10th Avenue

This is the library that is most convenient on the three days a week that I work in the office downtown.

From the Taylor Street side

It’s an easy 9 block walk (or short train ride if it’s raining) and just a block away from the train I take home anyway.

Main entryway

Convenience is great but the reason I love this place is because it’s simply a gorgeous library.

Over the front door

I have always agreed with this quote

The Lobby Entry

This is the main staircase. These stairs hold a hidden surprise. I did a whole post about these stairs last year. Go here and read it, then come back. You won't be sorry. Trust me.

The Children's Library is named after our favorite local children's author. The Bronze tree sculpture is called "Preserving a Memory". It is 14 feet tall and depicts toys, animals, musical instruments, letters and storybook characters. Read more about the tree here.

Beverly Cleary

Books written by Beverly Cleary

delight readers worldwide. Favorites

are stories ofchildren growing up on

Klickitat Street in Northeast Portland.

Thank you, Beverly Cleary for many

hours of enjoyment.

1997

Moving on up to the second floor you'll find another beautiful atrium. On the right is the periodicals room

Inside the periodicals room is something pretty special

Local Newspapers Index circa 1930-1987

I looked up a couple of big names from Portland History. You really should click on these next two photos to see full size so you can read the dates and titles.

Every corner you turn leads to another beautiful space.

Isn't this a beautiful room?

Stairway to the Third Floor

Looking down into the second floor north side from the landing between the  second and third floors

Third Floor atrium and skylight

The beginnings of what is now the rare book room and special collections

In Memory of

John Wilson

Pioneer Merchant of

Portland by the gift of

his own books founder

of this reference library.

1826-1900

I hope you enjoyed the little tour and if you're ever in Portland, please be sure to stop by this library.