Monday, October 09, 2023
New location offers essential library services during construction closures
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oct. 9, 2023 - Beginning today, Multnomah County Library patrons can check out and return books, use computers and wi-fi and get personalized help at a new temporary library location on the University of Oregon campus in NE Portland. The new service will help offset a series of construction-related closures to build, expand and renovate libraries as part of a 2020 voter-approved bond measure.
Located in room 120 of the Library and Learning Center at 2800 NE Liberty St. in Portland, the temporary Multnomah County Library at University of Oregon Portland location offers holds pick up, a 24/7 book return, computer stations, wi-fi and free printing, faxing and scanning. The library houses a small collection of books in English and Spanish for adults and children, including items from the Black Resources Collection and Lucky Day items and DVDs. Library staff will offer assistance in English and Spanish Monday-Saturday weekly 10-6 pm (see all locations and hours).
Multnomah County Library is expanding and modernizing library spaces, which requires simultaneous closures, including Albina, Gregory Heights and North Portland libraries in the surrounding area. The new location is intended to supplement closed locations and is expected to operate through the summer of 2024 at least before library staff transition back to currently closed locations.
“Multnomah County Library is undergoing a profound transformation and we are working to be nimble in serving the community during this period of disruption, including this temporary space,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “Thanks to an incredible spirit of partnership from the University of Oregon, we’re able to offer more library materials and services to the community where they’re needed.”
“UO Portland Library is thrilled to begin this unique partnership that will jointly serve UO Portland and neighboring communities. Our academic library includes a small children’s library with a family study space that will support our student parents and is also open to the community,” said Library Manager Michael Brown.
For more information, please contact:
Shawn Cunningham, Multnomah County Library
shawnc@multcolib.org, 503‑781‑5410
Heidi Hiaasen, University of Oregon
heidih@uoregon.edu, 503‑412‑3714