Central Library: Portland's crown jewel

In this book, architect Richard Ritz traces the history of the current Multnomah County Library system from its founding in 1864 to Central Library's reopening, after extensive renovations, in 1997. Inspired by childhood memories of the library and his family's ties to its founders, the author presents a loving portrait of an institution and a building dear to the hearts of many generations of Oregonians. Here, for the first time, we can see the library through the eyes of an architect and appreciate the beauty of a structure that is indeed Portland's crown jewel. Here, too, we can enjoy the story behind the building and begin to appreciate the many enlightened decisions that have created this treasure in our midst.

Black-and-white illustrations.

Includes index, list of references, and seven appendices.