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A renovation and expansion of a Southeast Portland library branch is in the works. The project is in early design.

The Belmont Library, at 1038 S.E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., will see its existing 6,000-square-foot building renovated and gain approximately 9,000 square feet.

The project team includes architect Bora Architecture & Interiors, structural engineer Valar Consulting Engineering, civil engineer Vega Civil Engineering LLC and general contractor Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to keep the original building and then we鈥檒l be adding a new (two-story) building sort of around it,鈥� said Katie O鈥橠ell, library capital bond deputy director for Multnomah County Library.

The library will retain on-site parking. Amenities will include meeting and huddle rooms of different sizes available to the public for free, an expanded children鈥檚 space and learning/play space, computers fully loaded with software, flex spaces, and mobile maker spaces with access to audio/video recording devices, graphic design software, and other programs.

The library鈥檚 collection of books and materials will be selected according to Belmont community interests, O鈥橠ell said. Staff can look at trends and what is being checked out at the library and tailor the selection of books on shelves.

Funding from The Library Foundation will support the interactive early learning space, a mobile creative learning lab, and a study space for teens. The teen space will have a low-key oval light, as well as a green screen.

鈥淲e鈥檝e made those big decisions around what鈥檚 going to go in the building and now we鈥檙e involved in a lot of community engagement,鈥� O鈥橠ell said.

The library and design team will work with community design advocates as part of a paid program. Their mission will be to connect with community members so that they understand how this library can represent them.

During the application process, library personnel went out into the community, O鈥橠ell said. The design team and library staff then entered a selection process and engaged a final selection committee that included the library鈥檚 community engagement coordinator. The members represent diverse ages and backgrounds, O鈥橠ell said.

The estimated total project cost is approximately $26 million. Money from a bond measure approved by voters in 2020 is paying for the work. This project is among nine involving renovations or new construction.

The design of Belmont Library will continue through 2024. Construction will likely begin late next year and finish in early fall or winter 2025.