New libraries are on their way in Multnomah County! Central Library will reopen to the public on November 1 after undergoing important upgrades to make a better building for patrons and readying for future projects. Holgate and Midland libraries are preparing for dramatic rebuilding and expansion.
Since July, Central Library construction crews have been hard at work to:
- Begin construction on two new outdoor public terraces to provide outdoor gathering and program space (the south terrace is now complete; north terrace construction will occur in the next project phase).
- Improve Americans with Disabilities Act required (ADA) access to the building and alter landscaping
- Begin the expansion and remodeling of the primary first floor restrooms (the noisiest, most disruptive phases)
- Prepare space for future automation to expedite holds and returns
- Upgrade electrical components in movable shelving (storage)
- Stage equipment and materials for Central library building projects
More improvements coming in 2023After this project phase, Central Library will prepare for a series of bond-funded projects next year that will result in greatly expanded space for people, including new restrooms, a teen space, upgrades to meeting rooms of various sizes, more community space, automations for faster holds and returns, and adding more flexible seating and additional power outlets along with new paint, carpet and furniture. Crews will also finish outdoor terraces and improve emergency egress. To complete that work, Central Library will close again for a sustained period in 2023, of six months or more. Project planners are still finalizing the details and dates for those improvements.
A brand new Holgate Library Holgate Library is being rebuilt as a new, larger library on the same site it occupies now. To start on this work, Holgate will be closed temporarily for construction beginning December 5, 2022. It will reopen in 2024. The building will be deconstructed and the new library will be triple the size of the current space for a total of 21,000 square feet — making it one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County. Exciting features for patrons will include:
- Dedicated teen space with comfortable furniture and state-of-the-art technology
- Large early learning and play space for families
- Multiple flexible programming spaces
- Meeting rooms for community gatherings and individual use
- Updated technology and gigabit speed fiber optic internet
- Outdoor plaza for community members to relax and connect
- Art created with community input and engagement
- Solar panels to offset almost half of energy use
- Outdoor interactive children’s play area
- Large early learning and play space for families
- Outdoor seating and reading area
- Public art created with community input and engagement
- Multiple flexible programming spaces
- Dedicated teen space with comfortable furniture and state of the art technology
- Gathering Circle for community conversation and connection
During construction closures,the library encourages patrons to visit the libraries closest to them and use the many online services on the library’s website.
The closest libraries to Holgate and Midland libraries are:
Belmont Library: 1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd.
Gregory Heights Library: 7921 NE Sandy Blvd.
Hollywood Library: 4040 NE Tillamook St.
Rockwood Library: 17917 SE Stark St.
Woodstock Library: 6008 SE 49th Ave.
The closest libraries to Central Library are:
Northwest Library: 2300 NW Thurman St.
Belmont Library: 1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd.
The library will share additional updates about services on its construction closures webpage.
Original source can be found here.
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