Though there is no confirmed date for a reopening, plans call for starting with five branches, chosen because they are close to historically underserved communities, says deputy library director Terrilyn Chun.
The five branches are Capitol Hill in Southwest Portland, Gresham in eastern Multnomah County, Holgate and Midland in Southeast Portland, and the Kenton in North Portland.
Multnomah County Commission Chair Deborah Kafoury needs to sign off on any reopening plans, says Shawn Cunningham, a spokesperson for the library system. Kafoury is meeting in the next week or so with library officials to discuss timelines, Cunningham says.
After those branches reopen for limited service, Chun says, the landmark Central Library is next, though that comes with its own set of challenges. The building is a linchpin of downtown Portland, and its reopening could be a shot in the arm to the cityâs on-its-heels core. But its three main floors and many nooks and crannies make monitoring social distancing to keep staff and patrons safe a challenge, Chun says.