Gresham / A new regional anchor
East County Library.
A bigger public promise in East County.
East County Library changes the geography of the system. A major regional library in Gresham puts substantial space and resources closer to eastern county residents instead of treating downtown as the only destination.
How it got here
The new library opened in May 2026, replacing Gresham Library, which closed permanently. Its official history credits Holst Architecture, with Adjaye Associates involved through design development.
Funded through the 2020 library capital bond, the new building is around 95,000 square feet at 475 NW Division Street. The project’s public record describes a former TriMet park-and-ride site near transit.
Official branch history ↗What you can find
Official features include an audiovisual studio, creative-learning room, rooftop terrace, sensory rooms, teen space, family areas and many community rooms. Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese language services are listed alongside cultural staff and multilingual collections. Consult the library for room reservations, program access, current staffing and any rules or charges for event rentals.
Official services and accessibility information ↗The next question
Civic Lab proposal—not adopted policy
Our proposal is to fund the operating capability that makes the new space valuable: collections, mentors, technicians, accessibility and building upkeep. The regional role should complement Fairview-Columbia, Rockwood and Troutdale, not make residents travel to a flagship for every basic service.
Does the new building translate into more useful access for East County residents, including people who cannot easily travel?
MCL: East County building project and photographs ↗Part of one shared system
Branch investment is not the same as a guaranteed level of service. Our countywide proposal connects collections, staffing, safety, accessible digital service and lifecycle funding. It asks for a clear service floor everywhere, with specialized offerings where they can be sustained.
Read the proposed service and funding plan →