Our community counts on Multnomah County Library

February 4, 2009 - When hard economic times hit, people in our community turn to Multnomah County Library.

With families trying to hold on to their homes, small businesses trying to stay afloat, and seniors coming out of retirement to look for a job for the first time in years, our library is a lifeline. Librarians are on the frontlines helping with the challenges many face today - how to fill out an online job application, understanding a foreclosure statement, researching health care options or helping families live within reduced means.

 Reports in the media have focused on how demand for library services is rising. At our library, circulation is up and librarians are helping people with more urgent needs than ever before. Every day, 13,000 people visit our library, library staff helps with more than 2,100 inquiries, and 57,000 books and materials are checked out or renewed.

Read stories from the frontline. And generously support the library's efforts.