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 opened in 1951 to serve Bellingham’s population of 34,000 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 nearly 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 2026 – 2027: In 2025, 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 work spaces.
Phase 2 focuses on three main areas:
- Children’s and teen spaces: Ground floor youth areas will be modernized with new finishes, furniture, lighting, and ADA-accessible design. A relocated teen area and a multi-purpose room within the renovated children’s area will provide flexible space for programs and activities for both youth and the wider community.
- Safe and welcoming spaces: The ground floor layout will be opened for better sightlines and safety, public restrooms will be renovated, and the main floor help desk relocated to better serve visitors and staff.
- Staff work areas: Ground floor and upper mezzanine staff spaces will be updated for improved workflows, supporting employees who keep the Library running smoothly.
Heating, ventilation, and cooling improvements are also part of the project. While the Library initially hoped to provide air conditioning throughout the building, the current budget and existing electrical and HVAC systems make this infeasible. Instead, updates will repair and enhance the existing system to improve heating and ventilation, with targeted air conditioning in contained areas, like the multi-purpose room.
Funding
The total Phase 2 budget is $8.53 million, supported by:
- $3.03 million in Washington State Department of Commerce grants
- $2 million from the City of Bellingham’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds for HVAC improvements
- $3.5 million in private fundraising, of which $2.2 million has already been raised from hundreds of local donors
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 (PDF)
For more information about the project, please contact the Library Administration.
FAQ
What happened to plans to build a new Central Library?
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.
How will I get my books during the Phase 2 renovation?
During construction, library services and expanded hours will be available at Bellingham Public Library’s additional three branches, including Bellis Fair, Barkley and Fairhaven branches.