The Library Foundation, the Friends of the Library and the Library Advisory Board

Multnomah County Library is a great library because of its many supporters. Taxpayers have supported Multnomah County Library’s operations since 1902. Volunteers and generous library supporters have augmented the public’s funding with financial gifts, volunteer time and in-kind donations. Together, we have made our library great. There are many ways to get involved today.

The Library Foundation supports the work of the library with gifts, large and small, made by more than 13,000 individuals, businesses and foundations. Last year, the foundation helped the library reach more than 165,000 people, purchase more than 62,000 books and enhance 10 different programs. The foundation also funded two-thirds of the 2010 ballot measure campaign that passed by 72% and volunteers and staff worked to mobilize community support for that effort. The Foundation is an independent non-profit, designated by the library as the organization that receives bequests and planned gifts that benefit Multnomah County Library. The foundation and the library work together, in strong partnership, to determine where private support can have the greatest impact. 

Friends of the Library is a grassroots membership organization founded in 1972. The Friends promote public involvement in the library through volunteer time and support for library campaigns and programs like Pageturners, the Library’s adult book discussion groups. The Friends also play a significant role in campaigns for the library, contributing financial support and bringing volunteers to every campaign. The Friends raise funds through membership dues, annual used book sales and the Friends' Library Store at Central Library. Most recent, the Friends opened a pop-up store on NW 23rd that was a big success. The Friends are a 501 c 3 dedicated to supporting Multnomah County Library.

The Library Advisory Board was created by county ordinance to "advise on library services, policies and funding," and to serve as the "Citizen Budget Advisory Committee." The "LAB" meets monthly in public meetings held at Central Library the second Tuesday of the month. 

The library’s 1850 volunteers are the backbone of the library’s successful Summer Reading program, support Cyber Seniors and run much of the day-to-day operation of The Title Wave Used Bookstore. Volunteer Services offers a variety of fulfilling and interesting volunteer positions that enhance library services.