PORTLAND, Ore––November 12, 2024
Multnomah County Library is starting construction on one of its vital renovations and expansions. St. Johns Library will grow to approximately 8500 square feet, preserving the original Carnegie building and adding a new addition.
St. Johns Library is the final groundbreaking as part of the November 2020 capital bond. With St. Johns, all major renovations, additions or new libraries are either under construction or open (including Holgate and Midland libraries), representing a true milestone for these library transformations.
Groundbreaking ceremony
What: St. Johns Library groundbreaking ceremony as part of Multnomah County Library Capital Building Projects, brief remarks and photo opportunity
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024; 11-11:30 am
Where: St. Johns Library (7510 N Charleston Avenue, Portland, OR 97203)
Draft rendering of St. Johns Library’s exterior, showing the edge of the Carnegie building and the new addition from the west courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors
St. Johns Library has one of the smallest footprints (approximately 5,600 square feet). It’s a textbook example of the space shortage the library bond is working to fix. As part of the library bond, St. Johns is one of seven libraries the library will expand, renovate or construct. Through this expansion and update, St. Johns can serve patrons even more efficiently with features that reflect the community.
To amplify the community’s vision, Community Design Advocates (CDAs) were part of a paid program to connect with their communities about how this library can represent them.
Based on additional community input through focus groups, public meetings, surveys and more, new features will include:
- A 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.
Draft rendering of St. Johns Library entryway courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson will join St. Johns Library’s groundbreaking celebration along with Director of Libraries Annie Lewis; Assistant Principal at George Middle School and Community Design Advocate Madeleine Allen; and Community Design Advocate Whitney Watson.
Bora Architecture and Interiors and Convergence Architecture, a local St. Johns architecture firm, led the design for St. Johns Library. Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, is the General Contractor for this $13 million project. St. Johns Library closed to begin construction processes on October 11 and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026.
Draft rendering of St. Johns’ kids area and community room courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors
During St. Johns’ construction, the library encourages patrons to visit the following locations:
Kenton Library: 8226 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Northwest Library: 2300 NW Thurman Street, Portland, OR 97210
Community members can stay up-to-date on the latest news about St. Johns Library and all Multnomah County Library building projects at multcolib.org/planning.
Renderings of St. Johns Library are courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors and available via Dropbox.
###
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 eight 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