Midland – Montavilla News

The Multnomah County Midland Library at 805 SE 122nd Avenue will remain closed for repairs after the Monday, May 25th Memorial Day holiday closure, reopening on June 7th. Crews will use surplus funds from past upgrade projects to modernize the building’s original sewer line and enhance finishes inside and out. The Midland Library reopened on October 26th, 2025, after an extensive remodel that was part of the voter-approved 2020 Multnomah County Library Capital Bond.

A modern restroom with a large sink featuring multiple faucets, mirrors reflecting two restroom stalls with doors, and tiled walls.

Unused contingency funds from the library capital bond projects are the primary source of money for this next round of work. Library representatives explained that attentive financial stewardship during the system-wide facilities upgrades enabled this phase of work, which includes Midland Library sewer repairs and improvements to the original sewer line, as well as several enhancements that will extend the life of public-facing amenities and make the site more accessible. Crews will upgrade the community gallery, including picture rails and tack-friendly panels that will protect walls. They will also add a more durable finish to the “Gathering Circle” wood floor and update outdoor benches with durable materials. Workers will install chair rails in the community rooms to protect the freshly painted walls. Three Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)- compliant bathrooms will receive updates that include touchless wave-to-open automatic door operators.

An empty classroom with rows of tables and blue chairs, large windows letting in natural light, and a modern decor featuring a wooden ceiling. — *_{Large community meeting room}*

The Albina Library closed for similarly funded updates on May 18th and will remain closed through May 25th. Midland Library users can visit the Holgate Library at 7905 SE Holgate Blvd., the Gregory Heights Library at 7921 NE Sandy Blvd., or the Rockwood Library at 17917 SE Stark Street during the closure. During the work dates, library staff will extend due dates, and items on the holds shelf will receive extra time. People do not need to change their holds location and can direct questions about due dates and holds to library staff.

A modern building entrance featuring colorful, floral murals and geometric designs on the exterior. Prominent orange and yellow sculptural elements add artistic flair to the pathway, surrounded by landscaped areas.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Update: The library reopened on January 4th, 2024.

Thursday, Gregory Heights Library at 7921 NE Sandy Boulevard will close for several months while crews perform minor renovations. This bond-funded work includes new paint and carpets throughout the building’s interior. Other enhancements include increased book handling efficiency through automation, faster internet, and updated technology. After the crew completes the interior refresh, staff will install more comfortable seating and adjust shelving for better sightlines through the facility.

This temporary closure is one of many recent construction-related disruptions limiting library access for Montavilla residents. Although not the closest location, the Gregory Heights Library has seen increased usage since December 2022, when Multnomah County began significant renovation at the Midland and Holgate Libraries. With this location closing on July 20th, Montavilla residents should now use the Belmont Library at 1038 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard.

Multnomah County Library is expanding and renovating facilities across the system thanks to the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond. This year, contractors are reconstructing or augmenting five libraries and working on ten refresh projects. Crews will use the Gregory Heights closure to patch the roof and repaint the library’s exterior. That general maintenance work is not bond funded but part of regular facilities upkeep. Expect this location to reopen in winter 2023 with many enhancements and a fresh look.

Jacob Loeb

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