Thursday, December 01, 2022
Construction to begin at Holgate and Midland in December, followed by Albina and North Portland in spring 2023
PORTLAND, Ore. — December 1, 2022.
Multnomah County Library is hard at work on a major transformation to expand and modernize library spaces, helping the library change and grow alongside the community. Holgate and Midland libraries, which will close to the public this month, are among the first to undergo dramatic rebuilding and expansion in mid-county. In spring 2023, construction will begin at Albina and North Portland libraries, which will also temporarily close. These libraries are the first set of eight total building projects funded through the 2020 library bond that will also include the construction of a new East County Library.
Timelines
The projects at Holgate, Midland, Albina and North Portland are scheduled to be completed in 2024. To most efficiently and responsibly use taxpayer funds while following fiscal spending requirements, the libraries are closing for construction on similar timelines. Project leaders selected these locations to be completed first because they didn’t require new land purchases, which would have meant a longer timeline.
A new, larger Holgate Library
Holgate Library will be a brand new, two-story building, triple the size of the current space for a total of 21,000 square feet — making it one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County. To start on this important work, Holgate Library will temporarily close for construction starting on December 5, 2022. Holgate is scheduled to reopen in spring 2024 as a new building at the same location.
Holgate Library’s new and expanded features will include:
- Large play and learning space for children and families.
- Dedicated teen room with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
- Multiple flexible programming and meeting rooms.
- Updated technology and internet.
- Outdoor plaza for community members to relax and connect.
- New art that represents the community.
- Solar panels to help offset energy use.
Expanding Midland Library
Midland Library will be renovated and expanded, adding 6,000 square feet of space to support the growing community. To begin this incredible expansion, Midland will temporarily close for construction on December 23, 2022 and will reopen in summer 2024.
Midland Library’s new and expanded features will include:
- Outdoor interactive children’s play area.
- Large play and learning space for children and families.
- Dedicated teen room with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
- Updated technology and internet.
- Outdoor plaza for community members to relax and connect.
- New art that represents the community.
- A Gathering Circle for community conversation.
Albina Library up next for important upgrades
Albina Library, which relocated to its historic location on NE Knott Street in 2020, will be renovated and greatly expanded, resulting in a 30,000 square ft library for the surrounding community. The building will keep its historic Carnegie exterior on Knott Street, while providing four times the current space, making it one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County. To start on these vital upgrades for the community, Albina Library will temporarily close for construction starting in spring 2023. Exact closure dates are still being determined and will be shared widely with the community when set. Albina is scheduled to reopen in fall 2024.
Albina Library’s new features will include:
- Outdoor courtyard for community members to relax and connect.
- Large community and meeting rooms.
- Expanded study spaces.
- Dedicated teen room with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
- Updated technology and internet.
- New art that represents the community.
A renovated and expanded North Portland Library
North Portland Library will be renovated and expanded, adding 1,500 square feet of space that will highlight the diversity and history of the community. North Portland Library will temporarily close for construction starting in spring 2023. Exact closure dates are still being determined and will be shared widely with the community when set. It is scheduled to reopen in summer 2024.
North Portland’s new, expanded features will include:
- A Black Cultural Center for connection and a celebration of Blackness.
- Outdoor space for community members to relax and connect.
- Updated technology and internet.
- New art that represents the community.
“Multnomah County Library is expanding and transforming library spaces in a way we haven’t seen in over a century,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “These improvements will cause short term disruptions, but the long term benefits to our community and to future generations will be profound. We’re excited to lead this transformation alongside the community and we are grateful for the community’s patience and support in order to make this vision a reality.”
During construction closures, the library encourages patrons to visit the libraries closest to them and use the many online services on the library’s website.
Nearby libraries for Holgate and Midland are:
Belmont Library: 1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd.
Gregory Heights Library: 7921 NE Sandy Blvd.
Hollywood Library: 4040 NE Tillamook St.
Rockwood Library: 17917 SE Stark St.
Woodstock Library: 6008 SE 49th Ave.
Nearby libraries for Albina and North Portland are:
Belmont Library: 1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd.
Hollywood Library: 4040 NE Tillamook St.
Kenton Library: 8226 N Denver Ave.
St. Johns Library: 7510 N Charleston Ave.
The library will share additional updates about services on its construction closures website.