Library will receive new furniture, technology from this work
PORTLAND, Ore.– May 7, 2025
Sellwood-Moreland Library will close to the public starting June 6 to start on a series of bond-funded improvements. Sellwood’s last day open to the public before construction is June 5. Project teams expect the work to last until fall 2025.
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 Sellwood Library is a continuation of the Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 11 libraries on a shorter schedule than some other projects. Similar refresh projects at other locations have taken about four months to complete.
New features will include:
- Improved shelf height and layout to create more space for people and better sight lines
- New reading room chairs (both with and without arms)
- Added bar seating with more places for power and charging devices
- Small teen/tween area with study table and bean bag chairs
- New meeting room tables and chairs that are easily movable to allow for a flexible space
- Automated materials handling to increase the efficiency of checking in and sorting books, freeing up staff time for other work
- Modern self checkout stations to provide a better patron experience
- New LED lighting throughout the building
The community is invited to use alternate locations while Sellwood is closed:
Central Library: 801 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
Hawthorne Holds Pickup: 3557 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214
Hillsdale Library: 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard, Portland, OR 97239
Woodstock Library is also currently closed for important updates as part of the Refresh projects. Several library locations are closed at the same time due to an expedited bond spending timeline which maximizes the benefit to taxpayers.
For help using the library, please contact us. The library routinely posts closure or schedule change notices at library hours and locations.
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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 kindergarten readiness 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