Construction will bring about new transformations for this diverse community library

PORTLAND, Ore––Multnomah County Library is breaking ground on one of the first of its library building projects: Midland Library, which will be renovated and expanded, going from 24,400 square feet to 30,000 square feet on the existing site. The renovation will allow for greater space for community gatherings as well as teen and children’s areas that allow for play and engagement. 

New meeting space, renovated restrooms, additional charging outlets, carpet, paint, furniture, automation, and more planned for historic library

PORTLAND, Ore. — Feb 6, 2023 — Central Library will close to the public beginning March 11 to complete a series of major bond-funded improvements. Project teams expect the work to last through most of 2023. In the weeks to follow, the library will open a new pop-up space at 501 SW Washington St., focused on serving patrons who need technology and internet access during Central’s closure.

Construction will transform Holgate into one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County

PORTLAND, Ore––Multnomah County Library is breaking ground on one of the first of its library building projects: Holgate Library, which will be a brand new, two-story building at the same location. The new library will be triple the size of the current 6,400 square foot space to a total of 21,000 square feet — making it one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County.

Construction to begin at Holgate and Midland in December, followed by Albina and North Portland in spring 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. — December 1, 2022.

Lewis brings deep institutional experience at a time of evolution and expansion

PORTLAND, Ore. — Sept 22, 2022. Multnomah County Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke selected Annie Lewis to serve as the library’s next deputy director after a nationwide recruitment. She will begin this role on October 1.

What:
On the first day of school in Portland, join Multnomah County Library leadership, staff, youth, project partner and award-winning artist Esperanza Spalding to learn how beats, poetry and music support literacy at Donald E. Long Detention Center and preview other possible resources and offerings through the library’s space planning and expansion program.

Library’s purchase of Gresham City Hall Park and Ride site would provide East County residents an iconic library and transit-oriented development

Exterior terrace project will create new outdoor public space

PORTLAND, Ore. — June 21, 2022 — Central Library will be closed to the public Aug. 1 - Nov.1, 2022 to undergo major improvements. During that time, crews will undertake a series of projects that will create new outdoor public spaces, enhance access to the building and refresh and expand restroom amenities. Access to the building’s eastern sidewalk and street parking will be limited beginning this month. 

PORTLAND, Ore. — March 5, 2022 — Central Library will be closed for the remainder of today, March 5, 2022 following an incident of violence between two library patrons. Earlier today, one patron stabbed another patron in an elevator. The victim received medical attention and no library staff members were injured. 

The Portland Police Bureau is investigating the incident and Multnomah County Library is cooperating fully with the investigation.