Central Library to close for renovations in March

  • 2023-02-12
The Multnomah County Central Library will be closed to carry out improvements over much of 2023, beginning in March.

Fresh paint, new furniture, and carpet are among the changes in store for the county’s central library, which is in Portland. Money for these improvements, as well as for expanding the building’s restroom and adding charging outlets for patron’s devices, will come from a 2020 voter approved bond issue.

Many items originating from printing services find their way into libraries. Government agencies at every levy use libraries as repositories for pamphlets or Brochures they have commissioned for the public’s education.

The last major improvements to the library took place in the mid-1990s. The upcoming work will begin the Central Library’s second phase of construction. Phase one took place in 2022.

According to Multnomah County Library communications director Shawn Cunningham, the nearest alternative locations for library patrons are the Belmont Library, Northwest Library, and Hillsdale Library. Additionally, Portlanders can utilize a pop-up library space at 501 SW Washington Street. The pop-up will offer technical assistance and internet access.

Over the course of 2023, five county libraries will be rehabbed, with the Central Library receiving the largest renovation. According to Vailey Oehlke, the Multnomah County Director of Libraries, is considered “Portland’s Crown Jewel,” and will have approximately $12m expended on its improvements.

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