You may have noticed some changes at your library over the last few years! Voters approved the Multnomah County Library Capital Bond measure in 2020, and this set the library on a major journey to transform our spaces to best serve the community.
It’s an exciting time, as newly renovated and modernized libraries like Holgate and Midland have opened to the public. North Portland Library is due to reopen on February 8, and we’re thrilled to bring this updated and expanded space back. There are construction projects still in process, like the new East County Library located next to the Gresham City Hall MAX Station. And some projects have yet to start.
Kenton Library will close for construction on February 21 and reopen in summer 2025. The library is part of 11 Refresh projects receiving small but essential updates to provide a safe, modern and welcoming space for library patrons.
New features will include:
- Fresh paint and new carpet
- New comfortable seating (including animal chairs in the children’s area)
- Welcoming spaces for children and teens
- A designated area for patrons to scan, copy and use library computers
- Updated technology and meeting room furniture
- And much more!
While libraries like Kenton and St. Johns are closed for construction, the library will provide temporary services throughout the community. These include:
- A Mobile Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in two North Portland locations, with future dates to be determined.
- Library staff at the St. Johns Community Center on select dates will make library cards, place holds, answer questions and provide support accessing e-resources.
We are working hard to minimize the impact of short-term library closures while improving these spaces for the future of our community. Check out the temporary library services page for full, up-to-date information. Patrons can also visit the nearby North Portland Library and Northwest Library to place and pick up holds. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to get from Kenton Library to North Portland Library on public transportation!
Curious why multiple libraries are closed at the same time? This is because we want to protect your investment. The terms of the bond require the library to spend most of the funds in a short amount of time. More funds were put into library improvements to maximize the benefit for taxpayers. A slower schedule would have meant less money for projects and increased costs due to inflation and supply chain issues. By closing libraries at the same time, taxpayers get more for their money, and the library can create spaces to best serve the community with the funds available.
We’re excited to work on and share these updated libraries with the community.