What a library!

A few weeks ago I arrived at Hollywood Library right after they closed and from the outside could tell I was in for a treat (look at that bold signage!). It’s even better than I imagined.

As soon as you walk in you’re confronted by the most well-organized announcement board you’ve ever seen. It’s welcoming and informative and a pleasure to look at. Often, other libraries (cough cough Northwest) place theirs in a cramped entryway, but at Hollywood you actually have the space to peruse.

I’ll just jump to the best parts. They have a library worker who is a BEAR and FOUR private study rooms.

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There are also stained glass windows, a beautiful inlaid map of Portland stretching over an entire wall – I photographed both terribly – and they have a neat memorial to local celebrity Beverly Cleary (also of nearby Grant Park fame).

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The library feels spacious and peaceful. There’s plentiful work space, a roomy kids’ area, and peeking into the meeting room I spotted bean bags in storage. Perhaps the next location to reserve for my book club…

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On the downside, the bathrooms are gendered. Also, like most Portland libraries, they don’t have any adult seating in the main space not associated with a table. I long for a library with cozy reading chairs.