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 complete and the Carnegie Building now 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.

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 and prepared a report for the City Council, and the City conducted a community survey to identify top priorities. The community responded by saying it is very important that the building be preserved and available for public use, with an emphasis on supporting local arts, culture and history.

In April and May 2026, the City Council will review four proposals generated in the community on how to use the facility during work sessions. The Council will consider survey feedback and the city’s goals as it considers the proposals. The community is invited to attend the presentations, and the Council will continue to accept additional proposals during the review period.

The first four proposals include:

Hermiston Amateur Radio Club
Converting the Carnegie basement into a community radio program for STEM education and emergency communications that support resiliency and youth engagement.

Creative Arts Club
Developing a community arts and creative learning center focused on inclusive programming with art, music, therapy, and intergenerational engagement.

Hermiston Museum
Turning the building into a cultural and historical hub, with a goal to preserve local heritage while offering exhibits and learning experiences for all ages.

Learning and Discovery Center
Creating a hands-on learning and enrichment center with interactive exhibits, classrooms, and labs designed to make education engaging for kids and families.

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