Bellingham Public Library officials invite you to get involved this fall as the next phase of developing our community’s new central library begins in earnest. Public open houses, surveys, library tours and other activities are chances for you to hear about decisions made so far, brainstorm about facilities and services, and help shape future library proposals.
Bellingham is a city of readers and learners. In 2006, nearly 750,000 people visited our two libraries, and 1.2 million items were checked out – both record-breaking numbers for a city our size. We are proud to provide a library that is used and valued by the community!
These devoted users (and future users in our growing community) deserve a healthy library. Today, the central library is too small and limited in its design to offer the best collection of books and materials, services, programs and gathering spaces our community is asking for. Nor can it meet the central administration and distribution needs of a library system that is growing into other areas of the community, such as those services newly located at Whatcom Community College and soon Barkley Village. To meet community needs, we need a new and larger central library.
Library users tell us they want our library facilities and collections of books, materials and resources to continue to grow. They also want expanded access to technology and information. They expect us to continue operating a cost-effective, efficient facility that meets the needs of our patrons and community over the long term.
Library and city officials will look at these wishes and others throughout this fall, and present recommendations for library services and facilities that respond to the community's needs. We have contracted with Thomas Hacker Architects of Portland, Oregon, a firm that has designed more than 30 libraries throughout the country. The Hacker team has partnered with Bellingham's RMC Architects to develop recommendations, and together they expect to make recommendations to the Library Board, the Bellingham City Council and the community in early 2008.
Visit the Bellingham Public Library Planning News webpage for more information about ways you can help shape future library proposals or contact the Library Department.
Date Posted: Oct 19, 2007
