New Northwest Library on Pettygrove Street scheduled to open early 2026
PORTLAND, Ore––October 29, 2025
Northwest Library is moving from a leased space at 2300 NW Thurman St. to a new library-owned location at 2030 NW Pettygrove St. This new library will be around 11,000 square feet, more than twice the size of the current building at 4,700 square feet.
In order to move books, furniture and other materials out of the leased space on NW Thurman Street, Northwest Library will close to the public on November 25, 2025. The last day open to the public will be November 24.
Northwest Library at 2300 NW Thurman St. is closing to begin move out processes on November 25, 2025; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
The new Northwest Library on Pettygrove Street is scheduled to open in early 2026. The library will announce a date for the grand opening events later this year.
As part of the voter-approved bond improvements, the library purchased the building, which sits on Overton Street to the south and on Pettygrove Street to the north, in 2021. The building is being renovated into a brand new space for the community as part of the library’s goal to reduce costs and uncertainty related to leased spaces.
Before Northwest Library closes, there are some service changes to note:
- Starting October 31, 2025, Northwest Library will pause programming, including storytimes. Community rooms will be open for public use and reservable until Northwest Library closes to the public on November 25. (10/29/2025: Edited to correct that patrons will be able to use and reserve Northwest Library's community room until Northwest Library closes to the public on November 25)
- Starting November 20, 2025, holds will not be sent to Northwest Library and this location will no longer be available as a pickup location. Patrons can change their holds location by updating their account online or contacting the library.
While Northwest Library’s Thurman St. location is closed, and before the new Northwest Library on Pettygrove St. is open, library staff will help prepare the space for the public and train on new tools and technology. During this period, the community is invited to use alternate libraries:
- Central Library: 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
- Albina Library: 205 NE Russell St., Portland, OR 97212
- North Portland Library: 512 N Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97217
The new Northwest Library on Pettygrove Street is scheduled to open in early 2026. Rendering courtesy of Hennebery Eddy Architects/Multnomah County
The community can look forward to new features at the expanded Northwest Library on Pettygrove Street, including:
- A large early learning and play space for children and their families.
- A teen area with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
- A larger, more diverse collection of books.
- Five small community rooms for study, homework and small group meetings; one medium and one large room for group meetings, library programs and presentations.
- Updated wi-fi and technology, including more laptops, iPads and creative software for patron use.
- New Automated Materials Handling system, ensuring materials get to patrons much faster.
- Modern self checkout stations to provide a better patron experience.
- New art that represents the community in partnership with the Regional Arts and Culture Council including:
- A suspended artwork by artist Christine Clark
- Artwork from the Portland Street Art Alliance including:
- A room-spanning mural that covers the adult seating area, teen area and kids area by artist Kyler Martz
- Mural in the gallery seating area by artist Nia Musiba
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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 early learning 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