Renovated and expanded building will provide engaging experience for Belmont community
PORTLAND, Ore––October 8, 2024
Multnomah County Library is breaking ground on one of its renovations and expansions. Belmont Library will more than double in size to approximately 15,000 square feet, keeping the original 1924 brick building (last updated in 2000 and not a Carnegie building) and adding a new, two-story addition.
Groundbreaking ceremony
What: Belmont Library groundbreaking ceremony as part of Multnomah County Library Capital Building Projects, brief remarks and photo opportunity
When: Wednesday, October 9, 2024; 11-11:30 am
Where: Belmont Library (1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd., Portland, OR 97214)
Draft rendering of Belmont Library’s exterior from the northwest courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors
Belmont Library is one of the busiest locations in the entire county, yet it has one of the smallest footprints (approximately 6,000 square feet). It’s a textbook example of the space shortage the library bond is working to fix.
As part of the library bond, Belmont is one of seven libraries which will be expanded, renovated or constructed. Through updates, Belmont can serve patrons more efficiently with features that are impactful and representative of the community.
To amplify the community’s ideas, 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 interior 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 reflects the community.
Draft rendering of Belmont Library’s second floor addition courtesy of Bora Architecture & Interiors
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson will join Belmont Library’s groundbreaking celebration along with Multnomah County District 3 Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards; Director of Libraries Annie Lewis; Department of County Assets Director and Chief Information Officer Tracey Massey; and Community Design Advocate Lul Abdulle.
Bora Architecture and Interiors led the design for Belmont Library. Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, is the General Contractor.
The construction process for this approximately $28 million project begins this October. Belmont Library is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026 as an exciting, updated space.
During construction, due to Belmont being one of the busiest libraries, a temporary location at 3557 SE Hawthorne Blvd. will serve the community. This location offers limited services, including holds-pick up, Lucky Day items, 24/7 book returns and free mobile, wireless printing.
Draft rendering of Belmont’s children’s area courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors
During Belmont's construction, the library encourages patrons to visit the following locations for additional services beyond those provided at the temporary location:
Central Library: 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Holgate Library: 7905 SE Holgate Blvd., Portland, OR 97206
Community members can stay up-to-date on the latest news about Belmont Library and all Multnomah County Library building projects at multcolib.org/planning.
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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 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