Portland Courant

Major transformations are underway for Multnomah County Library with plans for expanded and modernized library spaces. Holgate Library is the first library to undergo dramatic rebuilding and expansion in mid-county and closed to the public to begin move out and construction processes on December 5. Midland Library is up next, closing to the public at 6 pm on December 23 to prepare for construction on its renovation and expansion. These libraries are the first set of eight total building projects funded through the 2020 library bond that will also include the construction of a new East County Library. 

Timelines

The projects at Holgate and Midland are scheduled to be completed in 2024. To most efficiently and responsibly use taxpayer funds while following fiscal spending requirements, the libraries are closing for construction on similar timelines. Project leaders selected these locations to be completed first because they didn’t require new land purchases, which would have meant a longer timeline. 

Expanding Midland Library

Midland Library will be renovated and expanded, adding 6,000 square feet of space to support the growing community. Midland will reopen in summer 2024.

Midland Library’s new and expanded features will include:

Outdoor interactive children’s play area.

Large play and learning space for children and families.

Dedicated teen room with space for technology, homework and creative expression.

A larger, more diverse collection. 

Updated technology and internet.

Outdoor plaza for community members to relax and connect.

New art that represents the community.

A Gathering Circle for community conversation.

“Multnomah County Library is creating innovative, modern library spaces on a scale that the community hasn’t seen in over one hundred years,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “We know these vital expansions and renovations like at Midland Library will cause some short term interruptions in service, but the community will experience incredible long-term benefits. We’re excited to share these transformations to show how the library changes and grows alongside the community.”

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. 

Library collections (books, media, etc.) will be affected by construction. Some items will be moved to storage and unavailable during building closures. You can always find up-to-date information about available materials through the library catalog. If the item you are looking for is not available to be checked out, take a look at our vast collection of e-books, audiobooks, and streaming media, all free to use with your library card. If you need assistance, please contact us.

Nearby libraries for Holgate and Midland 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 library will share additional updates about services on its construction closures website.    

Availability for comment will be limited to Thursday, December 22. 

Original source can be found here.