Progress at Two Historic Libraries

Aug. 27, 2024
By: Fred Leeson

Albina Library

Two Portland architectural gems dating back to the Carnegie library era of the early 20th century are advancing with renovation projects that will inspire renewed library activity when finished in 2025.

The larger project involves the Albina library at 216 NE Knott St. where a two-story addition behind the 1912 Spanish renaissance building will substantially expand facilities and activities.  The original building was designed early in the career of Ellis Lawrence, who for many years commuted between Portland and Eugene where he led the University of Oregon architecture program.

North Portland Library

The second historic library undergoing renovation is the North Portland library at 512 N. Killingsworth St.  It first opened in 1913, following the design of Josef Jacobberger who is best known for his work for the Catholic Church.  The North Portland library even shows some religious influences with its flattened gothic arches and elegant beams on the second floor reminiscent of a cathedral’s nave.

Both buildings originally were funded by grants from Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy steel magnate who decided that his vast wealth could improve communities by erecting new libraries devoted to residential neighborhoods, rather than larger central city buildings.

Both the Albina and North Portland libraries show the welcoming fundamentals insisted upon by Carnegie’s management team: Stairs rising from the sidewalk and electric lights generally flanking the doorway.  The theory was that visitors were to be “uplifted” and “enlightened” by their arrival.

In all, Carnegie funded seven libraries in Multnomah County.  Three remain in the Multnomah County system, St. Johns, Albina and North Portland.  Two others, East Portland and Arleta, later were sold by the county and the last, South Portland, is used as a city Parks & Recreation office.

The Albina project is expected to be finished in the second half of 2025; the smaller North Portland work is scheduled to be finished before next spring.  The new Albina space will include community meeting rooms and spaces devoted to teens and children.  North Portland will include a Black cultural center and a new outdoor space.

Since both buildings are designated city landmarks, the plans had to be approved by the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission.  While that level of regulation was mandatory, the Multnomah County library staff should be complimented for their appreciation of, and dedication to, their beautiful historic architectural inventory.

Fred Leeson is a former president of the Bosco-Milligan Foundation and a member of the foundation's Board of Advisors.