Curbside services continue to be available during construction
Bellingham Public Library and the Public Works department are working with Tiger Construction and RMC Architects to remodel the main floor of the Central Library located at 210 Central Avenue. The changes in the Central Library Main Floor Remodel project will improve patrons’ use of this busy facility, which received 630,000 visits last year and has not seen a major renovation since 1985.
Project construction began Monday, July 13, 2020. This project involves remodeling the nearly 20,000 square-foot main floor where adult and teen collections and services are located. Changes will include improvements to public seating and the addition of study rooms, converting the lighting to LED technology, incorporating more efficient book-handling systems, adding two public restrooms, and providing additional open spaces and a more open concept.
On March 26, 2021, Bellingham Public Library received a “Certificate of Substantial Completion” for the Central Branch main floor remodel project. However, the public elevator remains out of service as upgrades are taking place. This designation allows Library staff to complete several additional tasks required for reopening the Central Library in late spring.
The library will remain closed to the public while staff relocate collections and re-install technology for staff and public-use. At the same time, the Library will continue to provide Curbside Holds Pickup Service, remote Help Desk, and online content.
Library curbside pickup services—which were initiated to make library materials available while the library is closed to patrons due to COVID-19 restrictions—have continued during the project. Patrons can request library materials and pick up these items by following the directions on the Library’s website at www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/curbside.
Please visit the Central Library Main Floor Remodel webpage or contact the Library Administration at (360) 778-7323 or via the Ask Us! online form to learn more about this project.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Judd, Director, Bellingham Public Library, 360-778-7220 or rejudd@cob.org