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The Woodstock Library, in Southeast Portland, is now receiving bond-funded improvements. The 7,500-square-foot facility, at 6008 S.E. 49th Ave., is expected to reopen within the next several months.

Since voters approved a $387 million capital bond measure in 2020, Multnomah County Library has advanced numerous projects involving either new construction, renovations, or refreshments. The Woodstock Library is gaining a variety of interior upgrades. The project team includes architect Hennebery Eddy Architects, structural engineer James G. Pierson Inc., electrical engineer Landis Consulting, and general contractor Swinerton.

The work will provide adjusted bookshelf heights to create more space for people and better sightlines, a children’s area with movable furniture such as animal-themed chairs, comfortable reading room chairs with and without arms, a new teen area, lightweight meeting room chairs and tables, and fresh paint and new carpet.

Also, new automated materials-handling technology will be incorporated to increase the efficiency of checking in and sorting books, freeing up staffers to handle other work, Multnomah County Library spokesperson Liz Sauer stated in an email.

In a technology area, visitors will be able to use computers, a scanner and a copy machine. This will free up other space for people to sit, read and charge devices, Sauer stated.

The total project cost is approximately $1.9 million.

Woodstock Library closed on March 18 to allow construction to begin. The library is scheduled to reopen this summer.

Several other bond-funded library projects are still under construction. They include Albina Library, Northwest Library, Belmont Library, St. Johns Library, and East County Library.