Hermiston Carnegie Library Building

When Hermiston’s Carnegie Library was first built in 1918, the town was still just 11 years old and had only about 1,000 residents. The library was an ambitious project at the time, and the building has served the community well for more than a century.

With the renovation of the new Hermiston Public Library nearly complete and the Carnegie Building soon to be empty, Hermiston is looking at how to use this historical downtown treasure for the greatest community good. Located at the end of Festival Street and steps away from the Harkenrider Center, City Hall, and Public Library, this is an opportunity to develop a new community asset that serves Hermiston in this century.

The question is how. And the City is asking for the community’s help to decide.

Because of its location in the heart of Hermiston, unique architecture, and history as a community cornerstone, the Carnegie Building will continue to be a treasured part of the city. The 2025 Oregon Legislature approved $1 million toward developing the building for its next use.

The 2025 Hermiston Civic Academy studied the project in May and June and prepared a report for the City Council on how to best seek input from residents on developing the building.

The City will is actively seeking feedback from residents on the future of the building. This will include online micro-polls, in-person engagement at local events, and community meetings.

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