Kenton Library Welcomes Readers Back

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 reopened as a larger, transformed space on Saturday, July 19. 

New features at Kenton include improved shelf heights to create more space for people and better sight lines, along with an inviting children’s area featuring new, movable furniture such as soft seating and fun animal chairs. The updated teen area offers plush seating, study tables, lounge chairs, and reading chairs with and without arms, while the adult area now includes comfortable reading room chairs and new lounge chairs. A SmartShelf from Lyngsoe, arriving in August 2025, will allow materials to be easily checked in when placed on any shelf. The new Tech Bar provides space for patrons to use the copy machine, scanner, and computers while freeing up other areas for reading, sitting, and charging devices. Additionally, Kenton now features new, lightweight meeting room chairs and tables, along with fresh paint and new carpet to create an updated, inviting experience for all visitors.