Kenton Library
🏢 Multnomah County Library · Portland, Oregon
Kenton Library
Kenton Library opened in March 2010 inside a 1951 storefront on N Denver Avenue — the first Multnomah County branch to open with its entire collection pre-tagged with RFID — and was the culmination of a decade of grassroots advocacy to restore library service to North Portland.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm–6pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 8226 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Phone: (503) 988-5123
Website: multcolib.org
Plus Code: 84QVH8M7+47 (Portland, OR)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Kenton Library
The Kenton neighborhood has sought a public library since at least 1903, when the Library Association of Portland placed books in a local school, followed by reading rooms beginning in 1907 and the community-funded Lombard Branch Library in 1927. After Lombard closed in 1981 during budget cuts, North Portland residents spent two decades organizing to bring it back — forming 'Advocates for a Lombard Library' in 2000 and presenting their case to the Library Advisory Board. A 2006 voter-approved levy provided the funding, and after a public siting process the county selected 8226 N Denver Avenue, a 6,000-square-foot storefront in a building originally constructed in 1951 as the Cyril S. Kenyon Hardware store. Renovated by Hennebery Eddy Architects, the library opened on March 8, 2010, notable as the first Multnomah County branch to open with every item in its collection pre-tagged with RFID. The character-rich building features a barrel ceiling, reclaimed wood from the original structure and custom art-glass meeting-room doors by artist Marlene Bauer, depicting themes of community and nature. In 2025, a round of interior updates funded by the 2020 county bond brought new carpet, paint, seating, shelving and technology.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened March 8, 2010 in a 1951 storefront at 8226 N Denver Ave — the first Multnomah County branch to open with its full collection pre-tagged with RFID
- The result of a decade of grassroots advocacy: community members formed 'Advocates for a Lombard Library' in 2000 to restore North Portland library service lost in 1981
- Building features a barrel ceiling, reclaimed original wood and custom art-glass meeting-room doors by artist Marlene Bauer
- 2025 bond-funded interior refresh: new carpet, paint, seating, shelving and technology upgrades throughout the 6,000-square-foot space
- Intercambio / Language Exchange (Saturdays 1–2:30 pm) and Spanish-language collection with Spanish-speaking staff
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Kenton cardholders enjoy free access to Multnomah County Library's full digital collection:
📚 Services
- Public computers, printing, copying, scanning and fax
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Spanish-language collection and Spanish-speaking staff
- Large community meeting room (capacity 21)
- Accessible computer options and sensory tools
- Book returns and hold pickup
- Intercambio bilingual conversation program (Saturdays)
🎸 Programs
- Intercambio / Language Exchange — weekly bilingual English-Spanish conversation (Saturdays 1–2:30 pm)
- Family Storytime, Pajama Storytime and storytimes for babies and toddlers
- Pokemon card club and teen programs
- Tech help drop-in sessions
- Community council meetings for younger patrons
- Summer reading program
📍 Nearby Libraries in North Portland
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Kenton Library building look like a hardware store?
Because it was one. The building at 8226 N Denver Avenue was originally constructed in 1951 as the Cyril S. Kenyon Hardware store. When Multnomah County converted it to a library, renovations by Hennebery Eddy Architects preserved the barrel ceiling and incorporated reclaimed wood from the original structure into the interior design. Custom art-glass doors by artist Marlene Bauer, depicting themes of community and nature, now mark the meeting room entrance.
What makes Kenton Library historically significant for North Portland?
Kenton Library, which opened March 8, 2010, restored public library service to North Portland after a 29-year gap. The predecessor Lombard Branch Library operated from 1927 to 1981 before closing due to budget cuts. Community members organized as 'Advocates for a Lombard Library' in 2000 and spent the better part of a decade presenting their case to the county before a 2006 voter levy funded the new branch.
Does Kenton Library have Spanish-language services?
Yes. Kenton Library maintains a Spanish-language collection and has Spanish-speaking staff. The library also hosts Intercambio, a free bilingual Language Exchange every Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm where English and Spanish speakers practice conversation together in a friendly, informal setting.
What are Kenton Library's hours and is it open on Sundays?
Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 am–6 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday: 12 pm–8 pm. Sunday: 12 pm–6 pm. The library is open seven days a week. Check multcolib.org for holiday closures.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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