A new library will serve Multnomah County residents living in the eastern part of the county. The $126 million library will be similar in size to the Central Library in downtown Portland.
The cost of the library will be covered by a bond measure funded by property taxes, which voters passed in 2020.
Property owners will see a annual tax increase based off of their property’s value. For the median value home in the county, around $400,000 based on census data, that will be an increase of about $250.
Library spokesperson Liz Sauer said the east county area currently has four small library branches, but no large central library.
“There is definitely a need as we see populations grow for folks living east of Interstate 205,” Sauer said. “You know, with 40% of the county residents now living east of it, it’s just really vital.”
Multnomah County agreed to purchase a TriMet-owned park-and-ride lot near the Gresham City Hall for the new library. TriMet’s Park & Ride program allows passengers to park their cars for up to 24 hours while they use public transit. Sauer said the parking lot is historically underused. Less than a mile away, the Gresham Garage will take on the role that the Gresham City Hall park-and-ride filled.
The new library’s available services have yet to be determined. Sauer said community input will have a significant influence on what the library will offer.
“It’s really just going to be so dynamic and so iconic and it’s going to be built alongside the community with their voice at every step of the way,” Sauer said.
The county will work with TriMet to limit the impact of construction on traffic and public transport, according to Sauer.
“This flagship is scheduled to likely begin construction in late 2023,” Sauer said. “And we are looking at the current timeline of full completion so we’re ready to open in mid to late 2025.”
The county has not yet decided on a name for the new library.
Editor’s note: This story’s headline has been updated to reflect the fact that the TriMet lot’s purchase is planned but not complete.