Building libraries together

Great libraries. Great communities. Building for the future. 

Exterior of the updated Midland Library

Thanks to the support of voters, Multnomah County Library is hard at work on a major transformation. New spaces will replace cramped buildings and help the library change and grow along with the community. The library will upgrade computers and technology in every location. 

Community engagement

Community input is shaping the design for library spaces. Thanks to feedback from members of the community, many libraries will have new features, such as:

  • Art that represents diverse cultures.
  • Large play and learning spaces for children. 
  • Teen rooms with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
  • New and expanded spaces for meeting and gathering.

Learn about how community engagement has guided all the projects.

 

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Gifts to The Library Foundation will support enhancements to spaces for children and teens.

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Features at your new libraries

34k+ square feet
new community space
6500+ square feet
creative teen space
50k+ square feet
new outdoor space
250k new materials
books and media

New buildings

Rendering of the new East County Library

New East County Library

A new library similar in size to Central Library (scheduled to be complete spring 2026)

Exterior of the new Holgate Library

New Holgate Library

A new, larger library, three times the current size at the same location (Now open!)

Northwest Library

New Northwest Library

A new, larger library with double the square footage at 2030 NW Pettygrove St. (Now open!)

Renovated and expanded spaces

Exterior of Albina Library

Albina Library

Growing to almost four times the current size (opening July 19, 2025)

A rendering shows the planned renovation and expansion of Belmont Library

Belmont Library

Growing to three times the current size on existing site (scheduled to be complete summer 2026)

Exterior of the new Midland Library

Midland Library

Adding 6,000 square feet (Now open!)

Exterior of North Portland Library

North Portland Library

Adding 1,500 square feet with a new Black Cultural Center on existing site (Now open!)

St. Johns Meeting Room

St. Johns Library

Adding 2,900 square feet on existing site (scheduled to be complete summer 2026)

Refresh projects

  • Central Library: New restrooms, carpet, paint, furniture, comfortable seating, power outlets, teen space, meeting space
  • 10 more libraries receiving important upgrades (scheduled to be complete fall 2025)

Upgrades for better, faster service

  • Gigabit speed internet to all libraries (scheduled to be complete fall of 2025)
  • Operations Center: a new, efficient materials-handling facility (opened January 2024)