Central Library has reopened after a series of closures to complete major bond-funded and other improvements, offering bright, welcoming spaces and many new features for the community to enjoy.
Built in 1913 and last renovated nearly 30 years ago, Central Library is a beloved historic building. With the new updates, Multnomah County Library has worked diligently to honor and preserve the building's legacy while ushering it into the modern era.
“Central Library—beloved by its community for more than a century—is once again open for everyone to enjoy,” said Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke. “We have an important job as caretakers of this historic building. These thoughtful improvements honor the past, while meeting the needs of the present and preparing for the future. Welcome back, and thank you for your patience.”
Central Library’s new improvements and amenities will create a more modern, welcoming and functional community library space. This work follows initial phases that built two new outdoor public terraces, a new ADA compliant sloped walkway and emergency exit, and preliminary construction inside the library.
Central Library’s refresh project reflects an investment of $13 million of voter-approved bond funds, plus other funds in this phase and the previous phase. As a result of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond, Multnomah County Library is working to build, expand and renovate library spaces for the public. New libraries are under construction for Albina, Holgate and East County, with major expansions underway at Midland and North Portland, and expansion planning in process at Belmont and St. Johns. A new Northwest Library building awaits renovations.
Source: Multnomah County Library