Central Library Renovations Phase 2

Project Overview

Phase 2 renovations of the Bellingham Central Library (210 Central Avenue) will include a remodel of the ground floor Children’s library area, the main floor help desk, and the upper floor staff areas.

This project has been driven by community need for more modern library services and spaces.

Project Background

Bellingham Public Library’s largest facility, the Central Library, was constructed in 1950 to serve Bellingham’s population of 35,000 people. It was remodeled in 1985 for a population of 47,000 people, with an expected 25-year life span (ending in 2008). Forty years later, the same building is now serving a population of nearly 100,000 people and receives more than 500,000 visits per year. Phase I of the current remodel was completed in 2021.

“For over twenty years, our community has debated the need for an updated facility that reflects the high value Bellingham residents place on education, stories, access, and opportunity. Now, at last, we are on a path to renovate our mid-Century building for a new generation,” explains Bellingham Public Library Director Rebecca Judd.

Phase 1: Bellingham Central Library Renovation: In 2018, the City of Bellingham funded a proposal to begin renovations on the main floor of the 44,000-square-foot building. Construction began in 2020 and in 2021 the Central Library reopened after pandemic closures with a redesigned main floor that features a large seating and study area, two study rooms, a co-learning space, a book sorter for more efficient operations, LED lighting, two public restrooms, and new ceiling tile, windows, paint, and carpet. Our community was thrilled with these improvements.

Project Scope

Phase 2 Bellingham Central Library Renovation 2025 – 2027: In 2024, there were nearly 500,000 visits to the Bellingham Central Library, with per capita library use among the highest in the state. This project will update and refresh the ground floor public areas, including revitalized spaces for children and teens, the main floor help desk, and the upper mezzanine staff spaces.

The expected and expanded benefits from completing interior renovations are many and include:

Youth spaces: necessary updates to the Children’s library area (last updated 1985) to modernize services to children and teens. These designs will include new framing, drywall, LED lighting, carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, furniture & fixtures.
Safety and security updates: renovated public restrooms and a more open floor plan on the lower floor, as well as a relocated help desk on the main floor.
Staff spaces: necessary updates to modernize staff work spaces with a focus on ergonomics. These designs will include new framing, drywall, LED lighting, carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, and furniture & fixtures.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Repair and enhance the building’s HVAC system to provide adequate heating and implement air conditioning in public spaces.

Funding

Bellingham Public Library has secured capital funding of $3.03 million in the 2025-2027 Washington State budget for the Bellingham Central Library Renovation. The allocation represents a $2 million Library Capital Improvement Program (LCIP) grant, as well as $1.03 million in Local & Community Projects (LCP) funding, both administered by the WA State Department of Commerce.

The state funds will be matched with city funds and private donations. Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom Community Foundation have also secured $1.9 million towards a $3.5 million goal for private community donations to the Central Library Renovation Project. More than 200 donors have participated. Additional fundraising is ongoing.

Learn more and donate here.

Future Planning

Phase 3 Central Library Exterior Renovation: Future plans include a renovation to the building exterior and will include:

Refreshed and painted exterior that welcomes everyone in our community into a renewed modern and comfortable space and inspires civic pride.
Redesigned main entrance and outdoor plaza to provide our community with appropriate welcoming and active gathering spaces in the downtown core.
New windows that meet the City’s Climate Action goals of increased energy efficiency,
ADA door upgrade for the children’s entrance to increase access for our youngest readers.

Resources

Bellingham Public Library Facilities Master Plan

For more information about the project, please contact the Library Administration.

FAQ

City and library leaders have long recognized Central Library services have outgrown the building’s current space and configuration. Plans more than a decade ago envisioned seeking public support to construct a new Central Library downtown. Since then, community economic realities and commitments to making effective use of existing buildings and properties caused city and library leaders to pursue updating rather than replacing the Central Library. Recent studies have determined that the Central Library building is sound and able to be successfully remodeled and/or expanded. A multi-phase approach is outlined in an assessment completed in 2018 by RMC Architects. Library leaders expect to pursue additional building improvements, and possible expansion, over several budget cycles.