Updated library will offer new paint, furniture and SmartShelf
PORTLAND, Ore.–October 21, 2025
Rockwood Library is reopening to the public on October 24, 2025, welcoming patrons into a beautiful, updated library space.
The work at Rockwood is a continuation of the Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 11 libraries. Rockwood Library closed to the public on April 22, 2025 to undertake these bond-funded improvements.
Exterior of Rockwood Library; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
Multnomah County Library is building, expanding and renovating library spaces for the public as a result of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond. This year, the library system is seeing a dramatic reinvention by building and expanding four libraries and a series of Refresh projects to libraries across the system. The library system is more than halfway through the completion of these bond projects. New and expanded libraries have opened at Holgate, Midland, North Portland and Albina.
New soft seating and fun animal chairs in the kids area; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
New features at Rockwood include:
- Improved shelf height to create more space for people and better sight lines
- An inviting children’s area with new, movable furniture, such as:
- Soft seating
- Fun animal chairs
- A small teen corner with study tables and comfortable furniture
- New reading room chairs (both with and without arms) and more table space
- A Tech Bar which provides an area for patrons to use the copy machine, scanner and computers
- This will free up other space for patrons to sit, read and charge devices
- A SmartShelf which easily checks in materials placed on any shelf
- Fresh paint and new carpet for an updated, inviting experience
- Upgraded technology in the larger community room for a better presentation experience
New self checkout stations with a SmartShelf in the background for easy returns; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
Rockwood’s makerspace, which was housed at Midland Library during Rockwood’s construction, is also returning to the updated Rockwood and will be ready to welcome patrons back on October 24.
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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