Multnomah County Library Capital Bond Program Multnomah County, Oregon
In a major transformation across their facilities, Multnomah County Library is expanding spaces and upgrading technology to benefit the community through a comprehensive capital bond program. The Otak owner’s representative team provided leadership and overall program management for the entire $380 million program.
Expanding for the Community
The library is renovating and expanding five buildings while building four more, one of which is an Operations Center for sorting materials and housing library outreach teams. The new and expanded libraries offer a wide range of features focused on representing diverse cultures through art as well as space for youth to play, study, and express themselves creatively. Altogether, the projects add more than approximately 34,000 square feet of new community space; approximately 6,500 square feet of youth space; and approximately 50,000 square feet of outdoor space. An estimated 395,000 new books and media will be going on shelves as well. Among the technology upgrades is gigabit speed internet for all libraries as well as automated materials handling designed to get patrons materials faster.
Completed in July 2024, the Holgate Library triples the size of the original facility while also representing the most energy-efficient library ever built in Multnomah County. Supporting one of the most culturally diverse areas in the region, extensive public engagement led to a design that reflects those diverse communities through a variety of features including signage, color patterns, and art installations throughout.
As the first stop for all new books and materials, the new Operations Center - opened in January 2024 - is also a central location for staff-led programs for early childhood, adult literacy, homeless shelters, new immigrants, and more. With solar panels installed, the building aims to be net-zero energy in its design.
After breaking ground on this state-of-the-art library in July 2023, the completed project is designed to add approximately 95,000 square-feet of space aimed at maximizing community use. Among those features are a large auditorium, audio visual studio, and outdoor plaza. The site's strategic location was chosen to provide convenient accessibility for all residents of East County. (Rendering courtesy of Multnomah County Library)
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Holgate Library
East County Library (Rendering Courtesy of Holst Architecture)
East County Library (Rendering Courtesy of Holst Architecture)
Albina Library (Rendering Courtesy of LEVER Architecture)
Holgate Library (Rendering Courtesy of Bora Architecture)
Midland Library (Rendering Courtesy of Bora Architecture)
North Portland Library (Rendering Courtesy of LEVER Architecture)
Multnomah County Library Operations Center (Rendering Courtesy of Hennebery Eddy Architects)