HERMISTON, Ore.-Hermiston City Council will review proposals from the community for the use of the old Carnegie Library Building during two work sessions, scheduled for April 27 and May 11 at 6 p.m., before the regular City Council meetings at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Community input has been a large part of the City Council’s review process for the historic building that has been empty since the new Hermiston Public Library opened. According to the City, public feedback, community priorities, and city goals will be taken into consideration as proposals are evaluated.
Community input also included a report from the 2025 Hermiston Civic Academy, and a public survey in which residents emphasized the importance of preserving the building and ensuring it remains accessible for public use, with a focus on local arts, culture, and history.
In 2025, the Oregon Legislature approved $1 million for the redevelopment of the Carnegie building, which sits at the end of Festival Street near the Harkenrider Center, City Hall, and the Public Library and is over a hundred years old.
The community is invited to attend the work sessions, and additional proposals for the use of the Carnegie building will be accepted during the review period, according to the City.
Proposals from local groups that will be considered at April and May work sessions
- Hermiston Amateur Radio Club: A community radio program focused on STEM education, youth engagement, and emergency communication resiliency
- Creative Arts Club: A community arts and creative learning center offering inclusive programming in art, music, and intergenerational activities
- Hermiston Museum: A cultural and historical hub preserving local heritage through exhibits and educational experiences
- Learning and Discovery Center: A hands-on learning facility with interactive exhibits, classrooms, and labs designed for children and families
