Updated library will offer new artwork, lighting and furniture
PORTLAND, Ore. – February 2, 2026
Hollywood Library is reopening to the public on February 13, 2026, welcoming patrons into a lovely, refreshed library space.
The work at Hollywood is the final location for the Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 11 libraries. Hollywood Library closed to the public on July 22, 2025 to undertake these bond-funded improvements.
Exterior of Hollywood 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 across the system. Additionally in 2026, the Library will undertake a final series of smaller bond-funded improvements to further enhance completed projects through buy-backs which occur after completing a library project and use the project savings that are a result of good financial stewardship.
“As Hollywood Library reopens as a refreshed space, I want to thank the entire community for their patience while their beloved library was under construction,” said Annie Lewis, Director of Libraries. “We are so excited to welcome the community back to a beautiful, updated Hollywood Library complete with new artwork that highlights Beverly Cleary’s work and the place that the library holds in her world.”
Comfortable seating, books and computers for patron use; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
New features at Hollywood include:
- Improved shelf height to increase natural light and create more space for people and better sight lines
- An inviting children’s area with new, movable furniture
- New reading room chairs (both with and without arms)
- A Tech Bar which provides an area for patrons to use the copy machine, scanner and computers
- New meeting room tables and chairs that are easily movable to allow for a flexible space
- Automated materials handling to increase the efficiency of checking in and sorting holds, freeing up staff time for other work and getting materials to patrons faster
- Fresh paint and new carpet for an updated, inviting experience
- New artwork from Kyler Martz
- Refreshed restrooms
- New LED lighting throughout the building
Soft seating and animal chairs in the kids area; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library
Public art for the Hollywood community
Hollywood Library’s Refresh includes some physical space changes to make room for a new Automated Materials Handling area near the library entrance. This technology is much needed, since Hollywood Library processes the highest number of holds in the system. The automation will get books and other materials to patrons much more efficiently.
As a result of the physical change to the space, the library removed a wall displaying a map of the streets referenced in Beverly Cleary’s beloved children’s books. This wall, which was not a mural or artwork, was created by the architects when Hollywood was last updated in 2002.
The wall was replaced by a vinyl transfer mural on the vestibule glass. The project team, along with Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), worked with artist Kyler Martz to reimagine the theme of the street map and create new artwork that is an homage to Beverly Cleary and the library’s place in her world. The library and Portland Street Art Alliance also worked directly with Beverly Cleary’s estate and HarperCollins to envision this new artwork for the community.
The mural by Kyler Martz celebrates the world of Beverly Cleary; images by Kyler Martz/Portland Street Art Alliance
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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