Tour will provide media a sneak preview of the transformed, modern space ahead of opening events
PORTLAND, Ore.--June 24, 2026
Multnomah County Library is excited to announce the grand opening of the renovated and expanded St. Johns Library on June 27, 2026. More details about the grand opening events will follow in the coming days. St. Johns Library is now a larger, modern space, built to reflect its diverse neighboring communities.
Multnomah County Library is transforming library spaces as part of a November 2020 capital bond. With the opening of the updated St. Johns Library, the library has successfully completed 19 building projects (11 Refreshes, seven libraries and one Operations Center) and will open the final project, Belmont Library, in summer 2026. The Library Capital Bond has used the community’s investments responsibly to deliver beautiful, modern and transformed libraries.
St. Johns Library is a perfect representation of these modern transformations. A cornerstone of the community, the library was renovated and expanded, updating the historic Carnegie building and adding 2,900 square feet for a total of 8,500 square feet of space on the existing site.
Gifts to The Library Foundation supported the creation of an interactive early learning space featuring artwork by Carson Ellis, a teen room for students to gather and study, and mobile creative learning lab at St. Johns Library.
Advance press tour of St. Johns 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 Thursday, June 25 from 1-2 pm.
The press tour will meet outside St. Johns Library (7510 N Charleston Avenue
Portland, OR 97203). 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