Bellingham Public Library is moving forward with Phase 2 of the Central Library interior renovation project, an important step in modernizing the building to meet the needs of today’s community. The update of the nearly 75-year-old library is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and continue through late 2027. Until then, the Central Library will remain open regular hours for most of this year.
The City Council recently authorized the Mayor to accept $3.03 million in state grant funding for the project, which, combined with $2 million in City resources and $3.5 million in private donations, makes these critical improvements possible.
Opened in 1951 for a population of 34,000 and last remodeled in 1985, the Central Library now serves nearly 100,000 residents and welcomes close to half a million visits each year. While Phase 1 of renovations in 2021 modernized the main floor seating, study areas, and public amenities, other parts of the building—particularly the children’s spaces, staff work areas, and key public spaces—have not been updated in decades.
“For generations, the Central Library has been a place where families, students, and the community come together,” said Rebecca Judd, Library Director. “Phase 2 will help us create safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces for children, teens, staff, and everyone who visits.”
Renovating for the Community
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.
“Schematic design has given us a strong foundation for the project while leaving room for flexibility as we refine details,” Judd said. “It ensures we can respond to the needs of our community as we finalize plans and move into construction.”
The Library has been collecting community input about its facility needs for decades, most recently while completing the 2022 Library Facilities Master Plan. In 2026, the Library is also gathering targeted community input that centers youth voices to guide aesthetic decisions for youth spaces.
Maintaining Library Services During Construction
When the Central Library temporarily closes to the public for construction (in late 2026 or early 2027), Bellingham Public Library will continue to offer services and expanded hours at its other branches. To provide additional program and community space during construction, the Library has negotiated a temporary expansion adjacent to the Bellis Fair branch, alongside continued services at Barkley and Fairhaven branches. Other temporary locations for storytimes and youth programming are also being explored.
“The Bellis Fair expansion allows us to continue offering program and community gathering spaces while the Central Library is being renovated,” Judd said.
Funding
The total Phase 2 budget is $8.53 million, supported by:
- $3.03 million in grants from the Washington State Dept. of Commerce
- $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
“The generosity of the community has been remarkable,” said Rebecca Craven, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees. “These funds allow us to move forward with a renovation that truly reflects how our residents use and value the library today.”
The project remains on budget at this stage, and costs will continue to be monitored carefully throughout design and construction.
Timeline
Phase 2 is anticipated to go out to bid in late summer 2026, with construction starting in late 2026 or early 2027 and completing by late 2027.
Learn more
Ongoing updates and details about the renovation, temporary services and how to donate can be found at www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org, including answers to frequently asked questions.
Bellingham Public Library is a department of the City of Bellingham, with four branches serving city residents. It operates separately from the Whatcom County Library System, which serves county residents outside the city.