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Oregon City is on the hunt for land to build a new library.

The Oregon City Library was previously located in a strip mall, but was forced to move last year when the mall’s owner decided to redevelop the property. The library has temporarily moved into the historic Carnegie Center, but the building can house part, but not all, of the library’s collection.

After a deal to purchase the vacant Eastham School fell through in December, the city of Oregon City issued a request for information this month for potential sites to build a new 20,000 to 40,000 square foot library. Renovating the former school proved to be too expensive, according to Maureen Cole, Oregon City’s public library director. The city currently has around $8 million to spend on obtaining the land and constructing a new library.

“We are trying not to do a bond,” Cole said. “I’m hoping to use library district funds we already have. We hope in the next four to six months to have a site selected.”

The city is looking for less than 1.5 acres of land that is centrally located with access to public transportation. While the city’s goal is to own the property, a lease agreement may be considered.

Proposals are due Jan. 24 to David Reinhart with CresaPartners, the city’s consultant. In the coming months, the city will also be looking for an architect and for a construction manager for the library project.