Sellwood-Moreland Library history

Sellwood-Moreland Library began as a reading room in 1905. In 2002, after several relocations, this Southeast Portland library found its new home in a mixed-use facility.

Milestones

2020 In November 2020, Multnomah County voters approved a $387 million capital bond to build and transform library buildings across the county. Sellwood-Moreland Library was selected as one of 11 libraries set to receive upgrades and not undergoing major renovations.

2002 After closing the old library on January 27,  community members helped library staff transport books and other items to the new location at 7860 SE 13th Ave. The new library opened on February 12.

2001 Construction began on the new library.

2000 The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners approved the lease of ground floor space in a new mixed-use building on the corner of SE 13th Ave. and Bidwell Street.

1996 Multnomah County voters passed a $29 million general obligation bond measure.

1965 A new 2,204-square-foot library celebrated its opening on September 30. The new building, located on SE Milwaukie Ave. and Lexington St. was a community venture, designed by Westmoreland architect Loyal Lang on property owned by Fillmore Investments Oregon, Ltd. of Milwaukie Avenue.

1949 After 50 years on Nehalem Street, the landlords sold the property, and the library had to find a new location.

1935 The library was moved to 1406 SE Nehalem St.

1915 Sellwood's library moved to 582 SE Nehalem St., where it would remain a rental tenant for many years.

1909 Sellwood Branch Library moved into the Reinecke Building at 570 SE Tacoma Ave. in September. This move brought the library closer to the streetcar line and the Sellwood shopping district.

1907 Sellwood Branch Library opened in the same location, featuring additional shelving for a larger collection of 1,000 volumes.

1905 Sellwood Reading Room was the first public library facility in Multnomah County outside of the main library in downtown Portland. Books were provided by the Portland Library Association.