Built in 1990 and renovated in 1998, today's Gresham Library replaced a small brick building that had become far too small for Oregon's fourth largest city.
The library serves residents of Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, Corbett and other East County communities. The original architect was SERA Architects P.C.
Milestones
2020 In November 2020, Multnomah County voters approved a $387 million capital bond to build and transform library buildings across the county. A new library would be coming to Gresham, named the East County Library.
1998 The library closed for renovation on July 3, reopening on December 7.
1990 Dedication of the new Gresham Library occurred on January 7.
1989 Groundbreaking at the new site was held May 15, and construction began immediately.
1987 The historic Carnegie building was bulging at its seams. A ballot measure, passed by voters in 1987, authorized $1.7 million for construction of a new 20,000-square-foot building.
1961 The library was remodeled and celebrated its new space with an open house on December 7.
1913 The new 3,032-square-foot Tudor-style building opened on the afternoon of March 1.
1912 Community members raised funds to purchase land for a new building on the corner of North Main Street and 4th Street. Money for the building and furnishings came from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.