Albina Library: A Community Living Room

The renovation and expansion of the Albina Library in Portland, Oregon, demonstrates how public architecture can serve as both a tool for cultural continuity and functional infrastructure. The library’s return to its original Carnegie-era home creates a fusion of heritage, civic engagement, and spatial innovation.

Designed by LEVER Architecture in collaboration with Multnomah County Library and Noll & Tam Architects, the project prioritizes the preservation of the historic structure while integrating seismic-retrofitting measures for durability without compromising the building’s identity.

Engaging the Portland community

A central aspect of the project is the community-driven design process. Over 75 community sessions – including public events, focus groups, interviews, and workshops with local youth – helped establish the design guidelines. This collaborative approach directly influenced the project’s spatial and functional configuration.

Architecturally, the relationship between the new and existing structures is articulated through a deliberate choice of materials and geometries. The addition’s brick cladding references the neighborhood’s historic fabric, while the color palette reflects the original terracotta roof.

The site’s grade change informs the design. The ground floor of the historic building connects to the second level of the addition, placing the adult reading room above the entrance. Overlooking the courtyard, this space is light-filled and permeable. The 2,787 m² addition redefines the library’s role, establishing it as a central hub within the local library system and expanding its community uses.

Inside, the Albina Library functions as a community living room. Featuring a timber structure, the double-height entry lobby moves beyond mere circulation to become a space for pausing and social interaction. A community room opening onto the courtyard, study rooms around the perimeter, and group-activity spaces create a flexible, inviting environment that adapts to multiple uses. Large windows maximize natural light throughout the interior, while colorful, flexible furniture allows for various configurations.

By adopting a community-centered approach, the design team also integrated art and technology to celebrate cultural diversity and foster social interaction. The Albina Library thus meets the community’s current needs while anticipating future ones, solidifying a deep connection to local community and environmental values through a commitment to sustainability.

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