North Portland Carnegie Library Renovation and Expansion

Long a cornerstone of the North Portland community, the North Portland Library carries both deep cultural significance and everyday relevance. This renovation and expansion builds on that legacy, honoring the neighborhood’s history while creating new spaces that reflect how the community gathers, learns, and connects today.

The 1913 Carnegie library was renovated and expanded by 1,600 SF within its tight urban site. The design was shaped through extensive community engagement, including dozens of public meetings and a teen design cohort that helped inform spaces for youth and families. At the heart of the project is a new Black Cultural Center located in the addition, with direct access to outdoor space and strong connections to the library. Every aspect of the design was considered to celebrate the neighborhood’s Black history and identity, from artwork inspired by Afrofuturism to furnishings by Black designers. A large community room provides a flexible gathering space for events, programs, and celebrations.

The project carefully balances preservation with modernization. Historic features such as plaster detailing, wood windows, and bronze fixtures were restored, while a full seismic upgrade, accessibility improvements, new lighting, acoustical enhancements, and complete replacement of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems ensure the building will serve the community for decades to come.

Interior spaces were reorganized to prioritize people over collections, creating light-filled areas for reading, studying, and gathering. Expanded staff work areas and improved support spaces enhance day-to-day operations and provide a more functional workplace.