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 meeting space, Children’s library area, main floor entrance, and 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ventilation throughout the building, as well as renovations to the children’s area which is currently undersized and outdated. The public meeting space may also be improved to allow for after-hours use. 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

The library went through a significant remodel of the first floor in 2019-2021 which brought this floor up to more modern standards. Phase 2 continues this work to create a more functional library.

Phase 1: Central Library Main Floor Remodel

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.