Multnomah County opens one of its largest libraries after $27M upgrade

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After more than a year of construction, Multnomah County opened the new Holgate Library in Southeast Portland on Saturday -- marking one of the largest libraries in the county.

The new two-story library, at the same location at 7905 Southeast Holgate Boulevard in Portland, tripled in size compared to the original building and will support one of the most culturally diverse areas in the region, said Multnomah County Library Communications Manager Liz Sauer.

“The improvements at Holgate Library are going to be truly transformational,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries. “To go from a small, 6,400 square-foot space to two stories and 21,000 square feet, it’s the perfect example of how library spaces can—and should—change and grow alongside the community.” 

The county encouraged community members to be a part of the design process to find ways the library can represent them. This included gathering feedback on teen spaces from Your Street Your Voice, an organization where students learn design as a tool for social and environmental justice.

The new library features a large play and learning space for kids and families, a dedicated teen room for technology and homework, multiple meeting rooms, updated tech and internet, and an outdoor plaza.

“Holgate Library is a cornerstone of this diverse community,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “To see the way it is reimagined with the support of our community and getting the attention and upgrades it deserves shows Multnomah County’s commitment to developing spaces that help people thrive.”

The approximately $27 million project stemmed from a 2020 capital bond to transform library spaces.

The new space is the first new library the county’s built in more than a decade and is the most energy efficient building ever in Multnomah County.