Tour will provide media a sneak preview of the larger, modern space ahead of opening events
PORTLAND, Ore.--August 7, 2026
Multnomah County Library is excited to announce the grand opening of the renovated and expanded Belmont Library on August 15, 2026. More details about the grand opening events will follow in the coming days. Belmont Library is now an expanded modern space, built to reflect its neighboring communities.
Multnomah County Library is transforming library spaces as part of a November 2020 capital bond. With the opening of the larger Belmont Library, the library has successfully completed 20 building projects (11 Refreshes, eight libraries and one Operations Center) and has completed the major projects laid out in the capital bond. The Library Capital Bond has used the community’s investments responsibly to deliver beautiful, modern and transformed libraries.
Belmont Library is one of the busiest locations in the entire county for circulation, yet it had one of the smallest footprints before construction (approximately 6,000 square feet). It’s a textbook example of the space shortage the library bond worked to fix. Belmont Library is more than doubling in size to approximately 15,000 square feet, keeping the original 1924 brick building (last updated in 2000 and not a Carnegie building) and adding a new, two-story addition. To recognize its role as a beloved location, all of the updates are the result of extensive community and staff engagement with features for the community to enjoy.
Gifts to The Library Foundation supported the creation of an interactive early learning space, a teen room for students to gather and study, and mobile creative learning lab at Belmont Library.
Advance press tour of Belmont Library
**Due to the level of activity expected for the opening events, members of the media are invited to tour the new library early on Monday, August 10 from 3-4 pm.
The press tour will meet outside Belmont Library (1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd., Portland, OR 97214). At this time, the media can get photos of the completed building, comments about the new features and learn about the expansive space, public art and more from Director of Libraries Annie Lewis and Deputy Director of the Library Capital Building Projects Katie O’Dell. **
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About Multnomah County Library
A treasured community institution since 1864, Multnomah County Library is one of the nation’s busiest public library systems, providing social, educational and cultural programs, resources and services, online and through its 19 public locations. With an eye toward the future of community-centered spaces, the library is working to build, rebuild or expand nine libraries through a voter approved capital bond. In addition to being Oregon’s largest provider of free internet access, the library offers millions of print and digital resources, in multiple languages for people of all ages. From early learning to job training, computer-assisted design and 3D printing, the library supports all people in their pursuits to connect, learn and create. Learn more at multcolib.org