On a recent Friday afternoon, Portland’s Central Library buzzed with activity in its first-floor youth section as children and parents engaged in a lively playtime event. However, amid this atmosphere, the library also became a stage for complex social realities. On the third floor, a pair of medical responders carried a stretcher to assist an adult in crisis, highlighting the urgent need for support services in the community. Meanwhile, in the building, a patron expressed frustration to a librarian over their culinary skills while browsing for a new cookbook. Outside the bathroom, a man discreetly changed clothes in clear view, while security guards were stationed throughout the library. An employee diligently picked up litter outside, underscoring the library’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment. This scene reflects the multifaceted role of Multnomah County’s flagship library, which has increasingly become a crucial space for both information access and as a refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness in a city with few such options.
The library’s evolving role has sparked significant discussions about safety in downtown Portland, especially following two violent incidents near its doors. Local leaders are currently considering crucial revisions to the library’s security protocols, which the county Board of Commissioners is set to discuss later this month. These deliberations reflect deeper questions about how the library can best serve its diverse community and the potential changes that might impact its relationship with the public in the future.
Annie Lewis, Director of Libraries, emphasized the changes librarians have undergone to adapt to these evolving demands. “We’ve had to evolve,” she stated in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive. “Both in the sense of the tools that people access to get the information they need and the people we serve.”
The Central Library serves as the most visited branch in the county, yet it faces substantial challenges. Data indicates it accounts for a disproportionate number of rules violations tracked by the county, raising concerns about safety within its walls. Issues such as drug overdoses and fentanyl use have persisted, creating a turbulent environment for staff and patrons alike, with many librarians reporting feeling unsafe at work in recent times.
The ongoing situation became particularly intense following a deadly shooting outside the library in July, which intensified scrutiny on the institution. A confrontation between individuals who had just left the library led to the fatal incident, prompting officials from both the county and city to exchange blame amidst criticism from business interests who labeled it a failure of county leadership. The subsequent stabbing incident a month later further heightened tensions and escalated discussions between city and county officials.
Lewis affirmed that the library’s utmost priority is the safety of staff and patrons. However, she emphasized that the library’s mission extends beyond mere safety. “We have served folks that are unhoused for decades and decades,” she remarked, reinforcing the library’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity.
The Central Library plays a pivotal role in a downtown landscape that offers few welcome spaces for everyone, regardless of housing status. With more than 7,500 individuals experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County, many rely on the library for essential services such as clean drinking water, internet access, and comfortable seating, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Lewis pointed out that many patrons use the library to access resources to “plan their next steps” in life.
Librarians have been trained to address the needs of homeless individuals, with strategies focused on connecting them to essential services and de-escalating potentially volatile situations. The library collaborates with Cascadia Health, which provides mental health professionals and peer support specialists on-site to assist with more complex situations. As Kelly Harrison, a library staff member who joined in 2022, describes it, helping those grappling with addiction and other issues has become an unanticipated yet critical aspect of her role. “It felt like an opportunity,” she reflected, noting that her personal experiences influenced her approach to supporting vulnerable patrons.
Nevertheless, Harrison and her colleagues acknowledge that the library has limitations. It does not provide essential services like food or showers, nor is it equipped to handle severe mental health crises or substance abuse issues, which have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis noted that the library is confronted with growing demands from individuals presenting needs that exceed the library’s capabilities.
Commissioner Meghan Moyer, who represents the downtown district, emphasized the urgent need for more day shelters and behavioral health resources in Portland. She also criticized the city for its inadequate number of public restrooms, which, based on a February analysis, totals just 116 across the city. “Our restrooms have become a place where people are not just using a restroom, but people are basically trying to bathe themselves,” Moyer pointed out.
While there are various day centers in downtown Portland catering to specific demographics, Scott Kerman, executive director of the social services nonprofit Blanchet House, underscored the reality of overcrowding at existing facilities. He highlighted that the library’s accessibility is a significant draw for those who may struggle to find proper accommodations elsewhere, noting that there are often too few spots available to meet community needs.
Despite the challenges, Kerman reminded officials of the importance of maintaining the library as a welcoming space. He warned against substantial changes that could diminish the library’s capacity to serve as a “sheltered and kind” environment for all patrons. “We would all grieve a future where the library is no longer that space,” he remarked.
In light of safety concerns, the Central Library has faced rising scrutiny from both the public and political figures. Last year, 470 calls were made to 911 regarding incidents in or near the library, and early data from this year indicates that this number may be surpassed. As of September 10, there were 421 calls logged, including 19 related to overdoses and 16 for reported assaults. The library’s rules violations encompass a range of issues, from minor infractions like sleeping in public spaces to serious offenses involving weapons or sexual misconduct.
It is particularly alarming that nearly 78% of rule violations in the county’s 20 library locations occurred at the Central Library. This includes many incidents of trespassing by individuals who were previously excluded from the facility.
Despite these challenges, the Central Library has seen a significant influx of visitors. From February to June 2024, over 135,000 patrons visited the library, which had undergone a $15 million renovation. Following the reopening, foot traffic gradually approached pre-pandemic levels, reaching about 415,000 visitors between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Comparatively, the Hollywood branch, which closed for renovations, welcomed nearly 280,000 patrons but reported significantly fewer violations during that fiscal year.
In response to escalating safety concerns, county officials sought the help of a consultant to recommend safety upgrades during the recent renovation. Modifications like shorter bookshelves to enhance visibility and improved sightlines for staff were implemented. However, criticisms from business owners and local residents regarding the conditions surrounding the library remain a pressing issue.
Wayne Pykonen, a local worker, expressed his dissatisfaction with the neighborhood’s decline over the past eight years. “I wouldn’t want to bring my kids to this neighborhood at all,” he stated, expressing feelings of concern regarding safety.
Lewis defended the library, stating that the issues it faces are symptomatic of broader safety challenges that aren’t solely the library’s responsibility. “We did not create the security issues that are downtown,” she said, stressing the need for comprehensive solutions to address the city’s struggles.
The library’s safety challenges intensified following the fatal shooting incident on July 1, which claimed the life of Douglas Ivers near a local Smartpark. Footage showed both Ivers and the suspect, Hassan Muse, inside the library shortly before the encounter escalated tragically, leading to heightened scrutiny of the library and its surroundings. City officials were quick to place the blame on the county, while Moyer defended library staff and security, asserting that staff are not responsible for events occurring beyond the library’s property.
In response to the crisis, both local governments created a task force to focus on safety issues surrounding the library. This group includes representatives from the library, the police, and other leadership roles committed to recommending effective next steps to the county Board of Commissioners. During this time, the county heightened security measures at the library, increasing the number of security personnel on-site, limiting Wi-Fi access after hours to deter loitering, and installing 24-hour security cameras outside the building.
The Portland police also increased patrols through the downtown area, recognizing the persistent concerns regarding public safety. However, following another violent incident in August—a stabbing outside the library—calls for urgent action intensified.
A 44-year-old man was stabbed following an altercation with a group of young individuals near the library, drawing strong condemnation from local business leaders. Andrew Hoan, president of the Portland Metro Chamber, pointed fingers at county Chair Jessica Vega Pederson for not doing enough to address the unsafe conditions leading to such incidents.
Lewis responded by insisting that the library had taken steps to improve safety on its premises. Footage from the incident showed staff attempting to intervene to defuse the situation before the stabbing moved off library property. “Librarians are not law enforcement,” Lewis reiterated, emphasizing the limitations of library staff in managing criminal behavior.
In light of safety discussions, the police offered the library several recommendations post-shooting, including the transfer of security oversight to the Sheriff’s Office, the potential installation of metal detectors, and reducing outdoor Wi-Fi signal strength. Many staff and leadership acknowledged the police’s recommendations come amid a backdrop of limited resources available to allocate towards heightened security enforcement.
As discussions continue, some library staff are voicing their opposition to proposed security measures, particularly the introduction of metal detectors. In an email sent to the Board of Commissioners, over a dozen employees expressed their solidarity against increased securitization at the library. They argued that heightened security could exacerbate feelings of unsafety while perpetuating social inequities.
In the email, staff stated their disappointment with what they viewed as scapegoating of library patrons, particularly those experiencing homelessness in lieu of addressing larger systemic issues. They emphasized the need for staff training by those with lived experiences and a more inclusive dialogue between library personnel and security teams in addressing safety measures.
Lewis assured that any proposal involving metal detectors would undergo thorough consideration, recognizing that most library patrons are peaceful and cooperative. Drawing on consultations with library directors across the nation, she acknowledged mixed results regarding the installation of detectors in public libraries.
In a practical step to address outdoor behavior, the library will temporarily remove outdoor benches during scheduled construction, weighing the need for their return based on future evaluations. Recommendations regarding safety measures are expected on September 30 from the task force.
Daniel Arca, a staff member coordinating with security efforts, emphasized the importance of the library as a space where the community gathers and connects. Reflecting on his role, he noted, “If not the library, then where else are we going to be engaged with every member of the community?”
The dialogue continues amid a backdrop of shifting needs in urban centers, reminding everyone involved of the centrality of libraries in fostering community while navigating unprecedented challenges.
image source from：oregonlive
