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 ground floor meeting space, the main floor entrance, and the upper floor staff areas, as well as the addition of new electric heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) units.
This project will bring needed heat and cooling to provide climate resiliency by allowing temperature control and ventilation throughout the building, as well as renovations to the children’s area which is currently undersized and outdated. Safety and security improvements will be made to the first-floor help desk. Other staffing areas will be redesigned for more efficient use.
This project has been driven by community need for more modern library services. The Central Library was built in 1950 and its last major renovation was in 1985. Phase I of the current remodel was completed in 2021.
Project Background
Bellingham Public Library’s largest facility, the Central Library, was built in 1950 and was last renovated in 1985. 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.
Phase 1: Central Library Main Floor Interior Remodel: 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 (a) Central Library Ground Floor Interior Remodel 2025 – 2027 (estimated $7M): 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 children, teen, and public meeting room spaces to better reflect the high value our community places on education and learning. In addition, this project will address building safety and accessibility concerns expressed by library patrons including outdated restrooms, space configurations and technology.
The expected and expanded public benefits from completing interior renovations are many and include:
- Youth spaces: necessary updates to the Children’s/Youth areas (last updated 1985) to modernize services to children and teens, and create a new dedicated Early Learning space. These designs/floorplans will include new framing, drywall, LED lighting, carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, furniture & fixtures.
- Meeting and Conference rooms: Appropriately sized and equipped meeting rooms that reflect current operational and community needs. This update will include the addition of a hearing loop in the community meeting space and the data/power cabling to allow use of current technology in all meeting spaces. The design will include new framing, drywall, LED lighting, carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, furniture & fixtures.
- Safety and security updates: renovate and relocate the public service desks. This will include construction of a small consultation room, electrical and data cabling. Other safety improvements include renovated public restrooms and removal of walls. In addition to construction of the consultation room these spaces will also receive updated lighting, flooring, fixtures, paint, ceiling tiles and furniture.
- Staff spaces: necessary updates to staff areas (last updated 1985) to include walls for an IT server room, offices for managers, a ventilated space for materials processing equipment and updated workspaces for staff that improve ergonomics and meet the needs of current processes. These designs/floorplans will include new framing, drywall, LED lighting, carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, and furniture & fixtures.
Phase 2(b) Central Library HVAC System Replacement (estimated $5M): In Phase 2(b), we plan to upgrade the HVAC system from a 1950s-era natural gas boiler to an electric, climate-friendly system that supports the City of Bellingham’s climate action goals. With an updated HVAC system that provides functional heating and cooling, the Library will be able to provide a place of respite for vulnerable community members in times of extreme heat, cold, or poor air quality, increasing access to public library services and promoting community health and well-being.
Phase 3 Central Library Exterior Renovation (estimated $4M): To complete the project, the exterior renovation will include:
- refreshed and painted exterior that welcomes everyone in our community into a renewed modern and comfortable space and inspires pride in civic engagement,
- a 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.