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 planned 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 today (Monday, July 13). 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.
Library curbside pickup services – which were initiated to make library materials available while the library is closed to patrons due to COVID-19 restrictions — will continue with minimal disruption 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. Library users may see small impacts to parking around the library from construction-related staging and deliveries. All Bellingham Public Library locations are currently closed to visitors, with reopening of facilities coming in later phases of the Governor’s Safe Start plan.
The construction schedule for the main floor remodel project is subject to change in response to community health and safety requirements that may arise due to COVID-19. All contractors implementing City construction projects at this time are required to follow a health and safety plan for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
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.
