Capitol Hill to close May 17 for vital updates as part of Refresh projects and capital improvements

Monday, May 15, 2023

Library will receive new paint, carpeting and furniture from this work

PORTLAND, Ore.–May 15, 2023

Capitol Hill Library will close to the public on May 17 to start on a series of bond and capital funded improvements. Project teams expect the work to last until fall 2023. 

Multnomah County Library is hard at work to build, expand and renovate library spaces for the public as a result of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond. This year, the library system will see a dramatic reinvention by building and expanding five libraries and a series of Refresh projects to libraries across the system, requiring a series of temporary library closures.

The work at Capitol Hill Library is one of the first Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 10 libraries. 

New features will include:

  • Fresh paint and new carpet
  • Furniture upgrades
  • Updated technology and faster internet
  • Improved shelf height to create more space for people and better sight lines 
  • Automated material handling to increase the efficiency of checking in and sorting books, freeing up staff time for other work
  • Planned work that is not bond-funded, including HVAC replacement, roof maintenance and exterior paint

“Multnomah County Library is undergoing an incredible, modern transformation,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “We appreciate the community’s patience and flexibility as construction is underway at several libraries. When patrons walk in the doors to enjoy the beautiful new upgrades at Capitol Hill, we can’t wait to be there to greet them.”

The community is invited to use nearby libraries while Capitol Hill is closed: 

Sellwood-Moreland Library: 7860 SE 13th Avenue

Hillsdale Library: 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard

The library will share additional updates about services at library construction closures. For help using the library, please contact us. The library routinely posts closure or schedule change notices at library hours and locations.