About the Main Library

We are currently open for PPL To Go!
services by appointment only.

All pickups are being done with our new PPL To Go service at all locations. This is a no-contact pickup service by appointment only.

For the safety of our staff and the community, we do require face masks and social distancing at all times.

Special hours for PPL To Go:
Main Library, 5 Monument Square: Mon – Fri, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

The first few parking spots along Elm Street are reserved for PPL To Go

Make an appointment using our new reservation system, or by calling Lending at 871-1700 ext. 730, or Reference at ext. 725, Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 4:00. Or email lending@portlib.org

The Main Library (Baxter Building) on Monument Square (83,000 sq. feet) opened in 1979. In 2010, we completed Phase I of a major renovation that added new spaces for adult popular reading, technology services, cultural center activities (Lewis Gallery, Rines Auditorium, and meeting rooms available to rent), along with the new Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library and S. Donald Sussman Teen Library. Since renovating, community usage and donations to the Library Annual Fund have hit record highs. In 2011-2012, we loaned 945,000 items, up 5.5% over the previous year. We also hosted 666,000 visits, pushing it up 4.7%. Plans for Phase 2 additional improvements are underway.

Park on the street or in the Elm Street Parking Garage or Midtown Parking Garage (accessible from Monument Square or Free St). Bookdrops are available by the main entrance on Congress St. and down the side block on Elm St.

See our Holiday Schedule for planned closings.

Main Library

Parking: Park on the street, in the Elm Street Parking Garage or Midtown Parking Garage (enter from Monument Square or Free St).

Bookdrops: Bookdrops are available by the Main Entrance on Congress St. and down the block on Elm St.

Wheelchair accessible