Tour will provide media a sneak preview of the new, dynamic space ahead of opening events
PORTLAND, Ore.--May 8, 2026
Multnomah County Library is excited to announce the grand opening of the new East County Library on May 16, 2026. More details about the grand opening events will follow in the coming days. East County Library is now a large, modern space, built to reflect its diverse neighboring communities.
Multnomah County Library is transforming library spaces as part of a November 2020 capital bond. With the opening of the new East County Library, the library has successfully completed 18 building projects (11 Refreshes, six libraries and one Operations Center) and will open the remaining two libraries in 2026. The Library Capital Bond has used the community’s investments responsibly to deliver beautiful, modern and transformed libraries.
East County Library is a perfect encapsulation of these modern transformations–and an example of dreaming big with the community. East County Library is 95,000 square feet of learning, play and connection, located in the middle of Gresham in a culturally and linguistically diverse area. To ensure that the new library reflects its community, all of the updates are the result of extensive community and staff engagement with features for the community to enjoy.
East County Library’s early learning playspace, creative learning room, AV studio, teen room, outdoor children’s area, and opening weekend celebrations are all made possible by generous gifts to The Library Foundation.
The Friends of the Library also generously supported the development of East County Library.
Advance press tour of East County Library
**Due to the level of activity expected for the opening events, members of the media are invited to tour the new library on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 1-2 pm.
The press tour will meet outside at the north entrance of East County Library (475 NW Division St., Gresham, OR 97030) near the MAX stop and will be taken inside upon arrival. At this time, the media can get photos and video of the completed building and comments about the new features from Director of Libraries Annie Lewis and Deputy Director of the Library Capital Building Projects Katie O’Dell. **
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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