Hey Portland, if you live in the Northwest or just love a great library upgrade, you’re going to want to check this out. The brand-new Northwest Library has officially opened, and it’s a huge glow-up for the neighborhood.
Part of the Multnomah County Library system, the new location replaces the former leased space at 2300 NW Thurman Street, which was just 4,700 square feet. The library has now moved into a purpose-built home at 2030 NW Pettygrove Street in the heart of Slabtown, and it’s more than double the size. At roughly 11,000 square feet, there’s finally room to breathe, browse, gather, and settle in.
The library celebrated its opening with a community parade on January 10, and families showed up in force. The energy hasn’t slowed since. The $21 million project was shaped by input from more than 1,700 community members through surveys, meetings, and even votes on design elements. The result feels thoughtful and very Northwest, right down to the color palette inspired by the sky, sunsets, and the Vaux’s swifts that gather near Chapman Elementary.
For families, the standout feature is the large early learning and play space. It’s designed to blend play and reading, with a custom play structure for climbing and exploring, cozy reading nooks, and plenty of natural light pouring in through glass walls. It’s welcoming, calm, and genuinely fun, a place where kids can learn through play while parents relax or join in.
Teens also get a space of their own. The dedicated teen area includes room for homework, group projects, and creative expression, along with access to laptops, iPads, and creative software. It’s separate enough to feel like a true hangout, without being tucked away, and the upgraded Wi-Fi keeps everything running smoothly.
Beyond that, the library offers an expanded and more diverse book collection, five small community rooms for study or meetings, plus medium and large rooms for events and programs. Modern self-checkout stations and an automated materials system make borrowing faster and easier.
Art is woven throughout the building as well. Highlights include a suspended installation by Christine Clark, a large mural by Kyler Martz inspired by local teens and themes of tranquility and nature, and another piece by Nia Musiba in the seating area. Together, they reinforce the strong community feel of the space.
Accessibility was clearly a priority, with easy entrances, bike parking, and close proximity to TriMet stops. Hours are generous too:
- Mondays and Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 8 p.m.
- Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.
If libraries are your go-to for quiet reading, family time, or community connection, the new Northwest Library is a game-changer for Northwest Portland. It’s open now, and absolutely worth a visit.
