PORTLAND, Ore. — Central Library in downtown Portland reopens Friday with brand new amenities and improvements, including two new outdoor public terraces.
For most of last year, the Central Library, located on Southwest 10th Street, was closed to finish phase two of a $13 million major renovation project that started in 2022 as part of a library building bond.
While much of the 110-year-old building, built in 1913, remains the same — it does feature some new improvements.
The shelves are now a fraction of the size, which is to help with safety, Multnomah County Library said. New furniture and seating have also been added throughout the building, plus new carpeting.
Two areas were added: a meeting room and a designated teen space, along with more than 100 additional outlets and charging ports and 200 seats with charging. The restrooms were also remodeled and now include a 10-stall gender-inclusive bathroom.
“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.”
Starting Friday, the Central Library will open 10 a.m. every day, except Tuesday, where it will be open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The updated Central Library is just one of eight major construction projects for the Multnomah County Library system underway. This year, the Midland and North Portland branch expansions are expected to finish, and the 21,000-square-foot Holgate Library will complete construction.