Northwest Library opened in 2001 in a 5,000 square foot space in a historic Northwest Portland building that was previously home to a pharmacy, a potter's workshop, a winery and café. Thanks to the 2020 voter approved library bond, the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Program purchased a new, permanent site in Northwest Portland for a larger Northwest Library. The library will relocate once renovations are complete.
Milestones
2024 The library held a ceremony on June 5 to mark the groundbreaking of the new Northwest Library site.
2021 The library acquired a new site in Northwest Portland at 2030 NW Pettygrove St., which will be rebuilt into the new Northwest Library.
2020 Multnomah County voters pass library bond, funding expansion and renovation of several libraries.
2001 Northwest Library opened on October 30.
2000 The Multnomah County Commissioners approved leasing space for a new library in the historic building at NW 23rd Avenue and NW Thurman Street.
1997 Multnomah County voters approved a five-year operating levy for Multnomah County Library that included funds for a new library in Northwest Portland.
1980s and 1990s Neighborhood revitalization began as small shops and services moved in along NW 21st and 23rd avenues.
1960s and 1970s The population in numerous urban Portland neighborhoods — including Northwest Portland — declined as residents moved to the suburbs. Many houses were demolished to make room for Interstate 405 freeway and new commercial developments.
1939 A reading room opens for three months in a church at NW 16th Avenue and NW Savier Street.