A new library is coming to Northwest Portland! The library is moving to a different location, going from a leased space at 2300 NW Thurman to 2030 NW Pettygrove Street. The new location will be around 11,000 square feet, more than twice the size of the current building at 4,700 square feet. The current Northwest Library will stay open during construction to keep serving the community.
On June 5, 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new Northwest Library. Attendees heard brief remarks from Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson along with Multnomah County District 1 Commissioner Sharon Meieran; Interim Director of Libraries Annie Lewis; and William Temple House Executive Director Graham Craft.
“Northwest Library has been a thriving cornerstone of the community for years, serving as a small but well-loved library,” said Annie Lewis, Interim Director of Libraries. “Now, with more space in a new, transformative location, Northwest Library is expanding not just in size but in how it can support the community.”
Architectural rendering of the outside of the new Northwest Library. The color palette is not final.
The new Northwest Library will feature:
- Large play and learning space for children and families.
- Flexible meeting spaces for community use.
- A teen area with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
- Updated technology and internet.
- New art that represents the community in collaboration with the Regional Arts and Culture Council.
The new Northwest Library is scheduled to open in summer 2025. The design is led by Hennebery Eddy Architects, and Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, is the General Contractor. Community insight will continue to guide the design. So far, focus groups, public meetings and surveys have been conducted to gather feedback. The next opportunity to contribute to the building’s future will be voting for your favorite color palette from Monday, June 17 - Monday, July 1, 2024.
Learn more about the library’s building projects and vote for your color preference at the new Northwest Library today.