Library provides refreshed experience for patrons with new seating, tech bar and carpeting
PORTLAND, Ore.–July 9, 2025
Kenton Library is reopening to the public on July 9, 2025, welcoming patrons into an engaging, updated library space.
The work at Kenton is a continuation of the Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 11 libraries. Kenton Library closed to the public on February 21, 2025 to undertake these bond-funded improvements.
Exterior of Kenton 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 five libraries and a series of Refresh projects to libraries across the system. This includes Albina Library, which is reopening as a larger, transformed space on Saturday, July 19.
Children’s area with new, movable furniture; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
New features at Kenton 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
- An engaging teen area with plush seating and study tables as well as:
- Lounge chairs
- Reading chairs (both with and without arms)
- New, comfortable reading room chairs (both with and without arms) as well as new lounge chairs in the adult area
- A SmartShelf from Lyngsoe which easily checks in materials placed on any shelf (coming in August 2025)
- A Tech Bar which provides an area for patrons to use the copy machine, scanner and computers, freeing up other space for patrons to sit, read and charge devices
- New, lightweight meeting room chairs and tables
- Fresh paint and new carpet for an updated, inviting experience
New lounge chairs with self checkout stations in the background; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
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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 kindergarten readiness 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