Portland Library Board celebrates St. John's groundbreaking and North Portland opening

The Multnomah County Board held a briefing on February 12, 2025, highlighting significant developments in library projects, particularly in North Portland. The meeting focused on the recent groundbreaking of the St. John's Library and the upcoming opening of the North Portland Library, scheduled for February 8, 2025.

During the meeting, officials celebrated the completion of various bond projects, including the final groundbreaking at St. John's on November 13, 2024. The event drew community members and local media, fostering engagement and feedback on temporary services during the library's closure for renovations. Library staff emphasized their commitment to community involvement, noting ongoing conversations with residents about their needs.

The North Portland Library, which has undergone extensive renovations, received its certificate of occupancy at the end of 2024. The library's opening celebration will feature community-centered events, showcasing the facility's modern design while preserving its historical elements. The project has prioritized outreach to historically disadvantaged firms, achieving over 50% participation in its construction efforts.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the artistic contributions to the new Black Cultural Center within the library, featuring works that reflect the community's heritage and the theme of Afrofuturism. Local artists engaged with the community to ensure their input was incorporated into the designs.

Overall, the briefing underscored Multnomah County's dedication to enhancing library services and fostering community engagement as they prepare for the new library openings and ongoing renovations. The board expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events and the positive impact these projects will have on the community.