Midland Library, originally built in 1995, is being renovated and expanded. The project blends architecture with artistic elements, fostering connections with the vibrant, multicultural communities in East Portland. This project is part of a county-wide bond measure passed in 2022 to revitalize the city's library infrastructure and network. Midland Library is one of three mass timber libraries for which Timberlab has provided mass timber fabrication and installation services. 

In this community-centered project, we partnered with Colloqate, who led community engagement and the concept design, ensuring that the library's design would reflect community voices. Employing a Design Justice approach, we collaborated closely with community design advocates with strong local ties, aiming to unite cultural perspectives and uplift underrepresented voices. Aligned with Multnomah County Library’s mission to prioritize people and communities, the redesigned layout includes flexible workshop areas, expanded community meeting rooms, a children’s library, a teen area, a quiet reading room, and various seating and activity zones. Angled walls and ceilings seamlessly connect the original structure with the new spaces, creating a unified central area for the main collection.

Midland Library is anticipated to open in 2024.