Ribbon cutting, dancing lions, open all-new Holgate Library

INCLUDES RIBBON-CUTTING VIDEO AND INSIDE LOOK | At last, after being rebuilt from the ground up, this outer East Portland public library is once again open for patrons. Take a look at the celebration …

After a festive grand opening ceremony, the all-new Holgate Library is now open to the public.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

At a celebration on Saturday morning, July 13, attended by some 150 people, the totally-rebuilt Holgate Library once again opened its doors to the public.

As we’ve reported in past articles, the previous incarnation of the single-story Holgate Library wasn’t just remodeled, it was entirely demolished and rebuilt from the ground up – as a two-story, ultramodern, 21,000 square foot structure. CLICK HERE to read our story about the groundbreaking ceremony in late 2022.

People gather for the grand opening ceremony in the parking lot of the all-new Holgate Library.

The rebuilding was completed on schedule, in about a 18 months – a remarkable achievement in and of itself. CLICK HERE to see our article and video providing an inside look at the construction as it was taking place.

Former Multnomah County Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke says she’s “thrilled” to have been invited to the grand opening of Holgate Library.

“We started seriously planning this project back in 2015, making this a long-term effort – but one well worth it, as I think most people here would agree today,” expressed Vailey Oehlke, Multnomah County’s longtime Director of Libraries, who retired in June after serving in the position for the past 15 years.

See the celebratory ribbon snipped, then follow the White Lotus ‘Lucky Lions’ (and their drum and cymbal band) into the library for a look around:

“One of the things that’s really striking about this building, is that it really demonstrates where public libraries are going into the future,” Oehlke told East Portland News. “That is, really centering on ‘community’ and the people who will be using this building.

“There are still lots of books inside; but in addition, there’s also lots of space for people to interact, to engage, or just to have alone time,” she said.

Addressing the gathering is Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.

During the ceremony, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson proclaimed, “This is the very first completely new library that we’ve created. This is such an amazing reflection of growth, and what is going to look like for our communities.”

She reeled off facts about the building, pointing out that it’s “on track” to be LEED Gold certified, one of the highest levels of energy efficiency awarded to buildings. Its design elements include the “mass timber” used in construction, high-efficiency mechanical systems, radiant heating in the floor, and 111 photovoltaic panels on the roof to convert sunlight into electricity.

Former Library Director Vailey Oehlke tells the gathering, “This is truly amazing. I’m really thrilled to welcome you to this brand new library.”

Community Design Advocate Dominique Garcia comments, “I’ve always associated the library with knowledge, as teenager back in the days of dictionaries and encyclopedias. Going to the library still feels like hope, liberation, validation … and it initiates change.”

With the sun quickly warming the area, participants seemed eager to proceed inside the new air-conditioned building. The speeches were soon over, and the ribbon-cutting signaled the official grand opening of Holgate Library.

About to snip the ceremonial ribbon, signifying the opening of the Holgate Library, are (from left) former Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Community Design Advocate Dominique Garcia.

To the rhythm of their drums, the White Lotus Lion Dance Group’s “Lucky Lions” prance – leading a procession into the new library.

Inside, folks toured the new facility – an approximately $27 million project — which now includes:

Large play and learning space for children and families
Dedicated enclosed “Teen Room”
Multiple flexible rooms for programming and meetings
Updated technology and Internet
Outdoor plaza for community members to relax and connect

Visitors enter the main lobby of the all-new Holgate Library.

In this second-floor area, the “mass timber” elements are evident in the ceiling and side beams.

The Holgate Library is still situated at 7905 SE Holgate Boulevard. For its hours of operation, events, and services, see their webpage: CLICK HERE.

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