East Portland library celebrates 10 years in new building on September 16

If you haven’t been in to visit, come to their open house and see why people come to Midland Library for much more than simply to read books ‚Ä¶

One of the most recognizable landmarks along 122nd Avenue is Midland Library’s clock tower.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Come to this “birthday party” and you get the gifts! All the folks at Midland Library hope you’ll drop by to celebrate their tenth year of operation in their “new” building.

Midland’s director, Carolyn Schell, told us that the original library serving outer East Portland was first opened in 1958. “It was three times smaller than this facility,” she said. “In fact, this new building occupies the space once taken up by the old building plus the parking lot.”

At 24,000 square feet, Midland Library is the largest branch of the Multnomah County Library. Customers enjoy its landmark clock tower, and its spacious interior with views of Midland Park.

Midland Library is the third busiest in Multnomah County library system, Schell continued. “We’re celebrating the diversity of the people we serve here through a variety of programs. The library provides free information to everyone in the area. One can get information on all kinds of information, on all kinds of topics. Midland is also a teaching center, including computer classes for adults.”

Come party on September 16
The library’s open house celebrating ten years of service runs from 1 – 5 p.m. on Sept. 16.

A colorful Chinese Lion Dance kicks off the event, followed by Library Director Molly Raphael’s welcome, and a cake-cutting ceremony.

Stay and see multi-cultural performances — including a Vietnamese Dance Team, Ballet Popotle performing Mexican folk dancing, and Americanistan presenting music from the Middle East.

WANT MORE? Read on! There will be crafts during the day, and participants can build their own birdhouse with the Jane’s Park Committee from 1-3 p.m. Refreshments and other activities will also be provided throughout the celebration.

The Midland Library is located at 805 SE 122nd Ave., a block south of SE Stark Street. Midland Park is located behind the library’s parking lot ‚Äì be sure to see the Jane’s Park Group there while you visit. For more information, call the library at (503) 988-5392 or visit the library’s website at www.multcolib.org.

We’ll see you then!

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