Hillsdale Library
🏢 Multnomah County Library · Portland, Oregon
Hillsdale Library
Hillsdale Library — Portland's LEED Gold-certified branch at 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard — is temporarily closed for roof, HVAC and accessibility upgrades funded by the 2020 county bond, with a planned reopening in December 2026.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Tuesday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Wednesday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Thursday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Friday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Saturday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
| Sunday | Temporarily closed — reopening December 2026 |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1525 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR 97239
Phone: (503) 988-5123
Website: multcolib.org
Plus Code: 84QVF8H4+V7 (Portland, OR)
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📖 About Hillsdale Library
Southwest Portland's public library has served the Hillsdale area for more than a century. Service began in 1913 as a small book deposit station with 30 to 50 volumes. A dedicated branch called Southwest Hills Library opened in 1957 at SW Sunset Boulevard; by 1967 it circulated more books per user visit than any other neighborhood library in the county. In 1986, following a community petition drive, the library board officially renamed the branch 'Hillsdale,' honoring the neighborhood identity residents had long used. The modern building at 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard opened March 8, 2004, designed by Thomas Hacker and Associates Architects and certified LEED Gold — one of the first LEED-certified library buildings in Oregon. In 2024 the branch received fresh carpet, new technology and lower shelving. The current closure, which began in August 2026, allows crews to install a new roof, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, a new HVAC system and ADA restroom upgrades — all funded by the voter-approved 2020 Multnomah County Library Capital Bond.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Library service in the Hillsdale area dates to 1913; the neighborhood name became official for the branch in 1986 after a community petition drive
- 2004 building by Thomas Hacker and Associates is LEED Gold-certified — among Oregon's first LEED library buildings
- By 1967, Southwest Hills Library circulated more books per user visit than any other Multnomah County neighborhood branch
- Currently closed for bond-funded upgrades (new roof, LED lighting, HVAC, ADA restrooms); reopening planned for December 2026
- Multnomah County Library card provides access to two million items and digital resources including Libby, hoopla and Kanopy
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Hillsdale cardholders can access Multnomah County Library's full digital collection while the branch is closed for construction:
📚 Services
- Public computers, printing, copying and free Wi-Fi (when open)
- Multnomah County Library card for digital and in-person borrowing
- Book returns (check multcolib.org for nearest alternate return location during closure)
- Full system-wide hold pickup at any open MCL branch
- Accessible design throughout — LEED Gold building with ADA upgrades in progress
🎸 Programs
- Storytimes for babies, toddlers and families (resumes when branch reopens)
- Adult programs and book discussions
- Tech help drop-in sessions
- Community room available for meetings and events (when open)
- Summer reading program
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Portland
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hillsdale Library closed, and when will it reopen?
Hillsdale Library closed in August 2026 for construction funded by the 2020 Multnomah County Library Capital Bond. The project includes a new roof, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, a new HVAC system and ADA restroom upgrades including accessible wave door operators. Reopening is planned for December 2026. Check multcolib.org for the confirmed date.
Is Hillsdale Library LEED certified?
Yes — the building at 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard, designed by Thomas Hacker and Associates Architects and opened in 2004, holds LEED Gold certification. It was among the first library buildings in Oregon to earn that designation, with materials sourced from local manufacturers. The current renovation adds LED lighting and a new HVAC system, further improving energy efficiency.
How old is the Hillsdale Library, and how did the name come about?
Library service in the area goes back to 1913, when a small book deposit station opened in Southwest Portland. A dedicated branch called Southwest Hills Library opened in 1957. In 1986, residents circulated petitions asking the library board to rename the branch 'Hillsdale' to reflect the neighborhood's identity — the board agreed, and new signage was funded by community donations.
Where can I pick up holds or return items while Hillsdale is closed?
Any Multnomah County Library branch can serve as a hold pickup and return point during the Hillsdale closure. The nearest open branches are Garden Home Community Library and Central Library. You can also update your preferred pickup location through your account at multcolib.org.
🖨 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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