Photo credits for images in this article: Bob Kerns
East County Library opens May 16! Join us for a fun-filled weekend packed with music, comedy, art, reading, and more to celebrate the grand opening of this palace for the people. Books & a world of fun are waiting to welcome you to your brand-new library!
Find East County Library at 475 NW Division St., right next to the Gresham City Hall MAX station and many bus lines. This modern and accessible space is a day trip, a learning resource, and a place of civic pride. It’s the second-largest library in the county at 95,000 square feet, and it’s packed full of opportunities for learning, fun, and community connections.
Books & finding your new favs
There’s so much waiting to welcome you to this fun, inviting space. Visit and enjoy:
- Nearly 200,000 different books, CDs, and DVDs tailored for the nearby area.
- A two-level, flexible auditorium that can seat 200 people — the first in the system.
- Indoor and enclosed outdoor family spaces, plus a large teen room.
- A rooftop terrace to relax, read, and connect with your neighbors.
- Creative learning spaces to explore everything from 3D printing to robotics and beyond.
- An audiovisual studio where you can record, edit, and produce your passion project.
- And so much more!
Photo credit: Naim Hasan
Books & a space just for you
This library was made specially for East County. We worked directly with local community members to shape what went into this space. It was designed with the East County community in mind through:
- Input from over 5,000 people, given in 60 different ways.
- Votes from over 550 East County teens to decide the colors for the teen room.
- Partnering with organizations like Black Economic Collective, El Programa Hispano Católico, and IRCO.
- Sculptures, murals, and more community artwork in coordination with the Regional Arts & Culture Council and the Portland Street Art Alliance.
Books & a party to remember
East County Library opens with a community party on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. Stop by from 10 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and 12 to 5:30 pm Sunday to celebrate the grand opening of this remarkable new community space!
Library staff have planned a weekend of fun and free events to celebrate the brand-new library. Lean into creativity with crafting workshops, gaming tournaments, and trying out equipment in the new creative spaces. Enjoy music, entertainment, and dance throughout the whole weekend with performances in the auditorium, magic shows, and much more!
East County Library’s early learning playspace, creative learning room, AV studio, teen room, outdoor children’s area, and opening weekend celebrations are all made possible by generous gifts to The Library Foundation.
Thank you to the Friends of the Library who generously supported the development of East County Library.
