St. Johns Library, the neighborhood’s century-old Carnegie branch in North Portland, is about to feel a lot less quiet. The building will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 27 after a major renovation that expanded and modernized the space. The project adds nearly 2,900 square feet for a new total of about 8,500 square feet, and refits the interior for more programs, meeting rooms and updated technology. Closed for construction since late 2024, the branch is rejoining the county system with refreshed public spaces and new artwork.
According to Multnomah County Library, the reopening party starts with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 and continues with public programming through Sunday, June 28. Media are invited to an advance tour on Thursday, June 25. The temporary holds pickup at 8191 N. Lombard St., Unit 110 will close to the public on June 11, with June 10 as the final public day, while materials and furniture are moved back into the renovated branch.
The makeover is part of the voter-approved 2020 Library Capital Bond that has funded dozens of projects across the county. OPB reports that rebuilt and expanded locations have been rolling out this spring, and that St. Johns and Belmont are among the branches scheduled to open this summer. Library officials say the upgrades are meant to match changing community needs and to turn neighborhood branches into true community hubs.
What’s New Inside St. Johns
Multnomah County Library says the renovated branch now includes dedicated spaces for young children, teens and meetings, along with upgraded Wi-Fi, more public devices, faster automated materials handling and modern self-checkout stations. The children’s learning area features a site-specific mural by Carson Ellis inspired by Forest Park. The teen room includes a painted wood-panel work by David Rice that was developed with input from Roosevelt High School students. Outside, a trio of colorful sculptures by Victor Trejo, imagined as alebrijes, will greet visitors. Library staff say community engagement helped shape many of the design choices.
Design was led by BORA Architecture & Interiors with local partner Convergence Architecture, and construction was handled by Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company. The project reuses the historic Carnegie structure while adding new systems and a seismic upgrade. The library says the branch is on track for LEED Gold certification, and that public-art components were planned with the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
Funding, Community Input And What Comes Next
County budget documents show the St. Johns project was funded through the 2020 capital bond and related county construction funds, with explicit line items for seismic work, art and historic preservation improvements. The bond program is structured to sequence multiple builds and refreshes, and Multnomah County paperwork and the library’s rollout schedule place St. Johns among the later renovated branches set to reopen this year.
Patrons who used the temporary holds pickup at 8191 N. Lombard St. will be directed to nearby branches while St. Johns finishes move-in work. The library encourages people to check the system’s events and hours pages for the full reopening schedule and program listings. With new rooms to reserve, expanded technology and public art that reflects neighborhood voices, the reopened St. Johns branch is positioning itself for everything from storytime to community meetings.
