Kenton Library Reopened to Public

Library provides refreshed experience for patrons

Exterior of Kenton Library; photo courtesy of Multnomah County Library

Kenton Library is reopened to the public on July 9, 2025, welcoming patrons into an engaging, updated library space.

The work at Kenton is a continuation of the Refresh projects, providing smaller but still important upgrades to 11 libraries. Kenton Library closed to the public on February 21, 2025 to undertake these bond-funded improvements.

Multnomah County Library is building, expanding and renovating library spaces for the public as a result of the voter-approved 2020 Library building bond. This year, the library system is seeing a dramatic reinvention by building and expanding five libraries and a series of Refresh projects to libraries across the system. This includes Albina Library, which is reopening as a larger, transformed space on Saturday, July 19. 

New features at Kenton include:

• Improved shelf height to create more space for people and better sight lines

• An inviting children’s area with new, movable furniture, such as:

  • Soft seating

  • Fun animal chairs

• An engaging teen area with plush seating and study tables as well as:

  • Lounge chairs

  • Reading chairs (both with and without arms)

• New, comfortable reading room chairs (both with and without arms) as well as new lounge chairs in the adult area

• A SmartShelf from Lyngsoe which easily checks in materials placed on any shelf (coming in August 2025)

• A Tech Bar which provides an area for patrons to use the copy machine, scanner and computers, freeing up other space for patrons to sit, read and charge devices

• New, lightweight meeting room chairs and tables

• Fresh paint and new carpet for an updated, inviting experience