Possible sites for a new library in North Portland
As you've no doubt heard, a new library is coming to North Portland. To clarify, there are no plans at all to close the "Killingsworth" library - formally known as the North Portland library - or the St. Johns library. Our goal is to place a new library in the center of both existing libraries to provide more access to everyone.
If you clink on the "download file" link below, you will see what will be presented at the public library meetings. There are options for new library sites as well as explanations. TONIGHT, 9/20/07, there will be a public meeting at the University Park Community Center starting at 6pm. Jeff will be there, along with our library executive director, Molly Raphael. Please join us and feel free to share your thoughts on the sites on our website.
Posted on September 19, 2007
Comments
(Note: Comments are the views of their authors, and no one else.)
Posted by: Mark - September 19, 2007 04:01 PM
Way to go! (A new branch is) Definitely needed, and the timing couldn't be better.
Posted by: Maxine Scott - September 22, 2007 09:22 AM
Is it in the works to build a new building? If so, why not the corner of Interstate and Lombard where as I understand that it is available. I believe that De LaSalle does not extend that far and it seems to me that ample parking would be available. Of course getting into it would be a large problem unless a widening of the streets were possible.
Too bad you didn't jump on the corner of Peninsular and Lombard, the site of the old Safeway building,when it was available. You could buy out Arby's where parking is ample. Then there is an old meat market on the corner of Newman and Lombard, but I do not know how much property is there.
Just a few of my thoughts.
Maxine Scott
Posted by: Karol Collymore - September 24, 2007 09:27 AM
Hi Maxine,
The money the county receives for the levy is only for the "inside" of a new library, not a capital money for a building. So, we are in the position of looking for space to lease. We also keep in mind that the space should be 2 miles from the current St. Johns and Killingsworth branches. The properties you mentioned would not fit into our framework; in fact the meat market is still running.
Thank you for your thoughts, they are much appreciated. Hope you can join us at the next meeting on October 11th at the North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth at 6pm.
Posted by: N. Miller - September 25, 2007 03:37 PM
I know this branch has been in the works for a long time the last I heard the New Columbia Villa was one of choices for location. For safety sake I hope another location is choosen.
Posted by: Jeff Cogen - September 26, 2007 09:07 AM
You are correct that New Columbia was originally chosen as the site for a new North Portland library branch, but at that time the County did not have the money to open a library. Now that we do, New Columbia has no available sites left, so, for better or for worse, New Columbia is no longer an option.
Posted by: Jeff Cogen - September 26, 2007 09:10 AM
You are correct that New Columbia was originally chosen as the site for a new North Portland library branch, but at that time the County did not have the money to open a library. Now that we do, New Columbia has no available sites left, so, for better or for worse, New Columbia is no longer an option.
Posted by: Jeff Cogen - September 26, 2007 09:11 AM
oops, I only meant to say that once...
Posted by: Lelo - October 3, 2007 03:24 PM
The former Clarendon school would be a GREAT site for a new library. Adjacent to a park and right on a major busline, there are so many children and seniors directly in this neighborhood who could really be served by the services of a library. Is this an option?
Posted by: Karol - October 3, 2007 03:26 PM
Lelo -
Alas, it is not! Clarendon is still owned by Portland Public Schools. And while its a great location, its way too big for what we need and PPS can do more with the space. All we are looking for is 5000 to 7500 sq. ft. of contiguous space. Please let us know if you have any more ideas!