The replacement Holgate Library will reopen to the public on July 13th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and three days of events. The entirely new two-story mass timber facility at 7905 SE Holgate Boulevard replaces the former single-story Library and is the first new branch building constructed since 2010. The Multnomah County-run location hosts thousands of new books but also features many other community-supporting resources that help ensure all county residents have access to digital tools and young guests have dedicated areas to do more than read.
The Holgate Library is three times the size of the original building at this site, now offering 21,000 square feet, becoming one of the largest libraries in Multnomah County. The $27 million investment in this facility is part of a 2020 capital bond that supports a system-wide refresh of the previously undersized library system. In addition to added capacity, program designers have looked to enhance the resources provided to the public and adjust to meet shifting community needs. Recognizing that the Holgate Library supports one of the most culturally diverse areas in the region, Multnomah County leaders made this project a cornerstone of the system updates. It features the first fully enclosed Teen Room with Nintendo Switch-based gaming and video creation kits available for checkout. In addition to several community meeting spaces with multimedia connections and assistive technologies, one of the reservable spaces has a sink and splash-safe flooring that can work as a future maker space. Visitors can also access computer resources where they can print and scan. The upper floor features private booths for taking calls or other solitary work.
The Library’s design resulted from extensive community and staff engagement with artwork wrapping the structure and anchoring walls. The green exterior and carpeting resulted from survey participant input, and the art selected in partnership with the Regional Arts and Culture Council represents the community. Two elevators ensure people can navigate the building smoothly, but a central stairway entices people to walk the naturally lit and decoratively screened steps. Recognizing the need for universal communications, signs in the building feature mostly icons instead of words. Many aspects of the Library respond to the diversity seen in its user base. Fourteen Community Design Advocates participated in a paid program designed to connect library designers to representatives from various communities, shaping this building’s functions and design.
The Saturday opening will begin with brief remarks from 9:30 to 10 a.m. The guests will then have the opportunity to experience performances by the White Lotus Dance Team, Two Generations of Hoops Dance, and Mulan Drum and Jade Dance Team throughout the day. A Traditional Vietnamese music performance with David Dahl concludes the first day’s schedule from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The two remaining event days will contain more afternoon programs representing various cultures and artistic performances. The Library’s information page offers a complete listing of events and times.
Library staff invites people to attend the three-day celebration or visit anytime during regular operating hours to experience the amenities not originally part of the former 6,400 square-foot space. People caring for young children should appreciate the large learning and play space on the ground floor. This branch also features the latest automated materials handling technology, allowing people to self-checkout and return borrowed items. A new Book Locker lets patrons pick up on hold without waiting for assistance. The automation already seen in many other library systems frees library staff to assist those with special requests and support the increased number of people expected to visit this location. Even those not wanting to come indoors can enjoy the outdoor plaza where community members can relax and connect. The Holgate Library is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.
