Multnomah County Central Library

The c.1913 Central Library in downtown Portland, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is Multnomah County Library’s flagship location serving families, job seekers, researchers, and houseless community members. Hennebery Eddy has worked with the library for more than 15 years to steward this community resource, including long-term planning, exterior repairs, and various interior renovations. As part of a major bond campaign, Central Library’s interiors received a significant refresh to enhance safety, offer more and different space types, and introduce a contemporary palette of finishes and furniture that honor the historic interior. The result is a beautiful, modern library within a celebrated historic structure, positioned to better serve its wide range of patrons.

Thoughtfully revised programming prioritizes spaces for high-demand use, making the library more accessible and welcoming. Relocating nearly 50% of the collection to the library’s new Operations Center allowed for lower bookstacks to improve sightlines, daylight, and space for varied seating while decreasing population density. As a result, patrons can better settle into a seat and stay longer, whether to read, research, or rest. Flexible and varied uses include computer research and reading in comfortable lounge chairs to studying in carrels or accessing social services. New and restored furniture and finishes reinvigorate spaces, and a custom carpet design references Portland’s “Rose City” moniker with an abstracted green rose pattern. 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.