EAST COUNTY LIBRARY OPENS

The new East County Library officially opened Saturday with a large community celebration marking the launch of what Multnomah County Library officials describe as a major new regional hub for learning, technology, and public gathering.

Built near the Gresham City Hall MAX station, the new 95,000-square-foot facility replaces the former Gresham Library branch and is designed to serve communities across East County. The grand opening included live performances, art activities, gaming events, open houses, music, dance, and tours of the new creative and technology spaces. 

Located at 6 N.E. 8th St. in Gresham, just minutes from Mt. Hood Community College, the library is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For students at Mt. Hood Community College, this accessible new library offers expanded study areas, technology access, meeting spaces, creative learning rooms, and public resources. The facility also boasts dedicated teen and sensory spaces, multilingual collections, public art installations, recording and media spaces, and significantly expanded community programming. 

The Advocate had multiple reporters present at the grand opening and will continue coverage in Issue 15 with additional photos, student perspectives, and a deeper look at the role the new library may play for MHCC students and the broader East County community.