The Central Library in the heart of downtown Portland is the flagship location for Multnomah County Library. No longer meeting the needs of the community, the library embarked on a major refresh of the 1913 Georgian-style building (designed by A. E. Doyle) to enhance safety and security, give patrons and staff more personal space, and introduce a contemporary palette of finishes and furniture that honor the historic interior. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the transformation brings the three-story, 125,000-square-foot building into the 21st century while honoring the legacy of the celebrated historic structure, positioning it to better serve its wide range of patrons well into the future.

Inside, the primary goal was to increase usable space, from computer research and reading room table seating, to lingering in comfortable lounge chairs, studying in carrels, or accessing social services. Relocating nearly 50% of the collection to the County’s new Operations Center improves patron safety and meant book stacks could be lowered to improve sightlines, bringing daylight deep into the building and freeing up space for varied seating while decreasing population density. As a result, long term guest comfort is improved, whether to read, research, or rest. Adding in-floor power outlets and limiting the number of computers to two per table improves privacy as well as safety. The new configuration enables individuals to use the library without encroaching on others’ personal space while remaining in an open, public area.

Thoughtfully revised programming prioritizes spaces for high-demand use. At the main entrance, a new social services office provides support for patrons seeking housing, recovery, or healthcare assistance. Relocating the Friends of the Library Store, which funds the library’s advocacy and support nonprofit, within a glass enclosure in the main lobby puts its offerings on display to library visitors and creates a safer work environment for its volunteers. A new teen area has been created and includes a media/gaming room, while, in contrast, a designated “Living Room” without computers offers quiet space to read or work. New and restored furniture and finishes reinvigorate spaces that invite a longer stay. An abstracted green rose carpet pattern references Portland’s “Rose City” moniker, while organic and flowing carpets reflect the natural world and the green, garden-like environment of the Willamette Valley.

On the exterior, the design team introduced two new terraces flanking the main staircase to portray a more welcoming and inviting presence, increase visibility from the public realm, and improve safety and security. The terraces are open to the public, serving Library patrons and passing pedestrians who sit and relax, socialize, and attend library events, including Friends of the Library book sales.

The result is a beautiful, modern library within a celebrated historic structure, positioned to better serve its wide range of patrons—a “21st Century Garden of Knowledge.”

Hennebery Eddy design team
David Wark – Principal-in-Charge
Meg Matsushima – Project Manager
Hannah Fugate – Project Architect
Brenda Katz – Interior Designer
Marema Mamilova – Interior Designer
Eduardo Ruiz – Staff Designer

Project team
Design Architect & Architect of Record: Hennebery Eddy Architects
Contractor: Swinerton Builders
Structural Engineer: James G Pierson
Mechanical Engineer: Arris Consulting
Electrical Engineer: Interface Engineering, Inc.
Acoustical Engineer: The Greenbusch Group, Inc.
Signage/Wayfinding: Mayer/Reed
Cost Estimator: DCW Cost Management
Client: Multnomah County

Photography
Kevin Scott