Lacey Timberland Library planning for renovations next fall
The Lacey Timberland Library will close for a few weeks next fall so that a $370,000 interior remodel can take place, according to library manager Holly Paxson, who delivered that message to about 30 people last week during an open house.
The 20,000-square-foot branch at 500 College St. SE opened in 1991. Nearly 30 years later, the service desks are worn out and library staff need greater flexibility to serve customers, Paxson said.
The most notable change for Lacey customers is that they will no longer face a “wall of imposing counter space,” when they enter the branch, Paxson said.
Instead, that counter will be replaced with five adjustable-height service desks. Other changes: an expanded adult services area, a new return station and book drop, a dedicated check-in area, and a single-occupancy family restroom.
The branch has been updated three times. It was remodeled in 1997 to accommodate the arrival of the internet. It received a fresh coat of paint and new carpet in 2011, and new lounge furniture in 2016.
The branch is expected to close for 4-6 weeks during the fall remodel, but part of it, too, could reopen during construction, Paxson said.
The downtown Olympia library branch currently is closed for renovations, but is expected to reopen in early February. That project is installing new carpet and paint, replacing furniture and rearranging shelving to maximize space.
Funding for the Lacey remodel is coming from the city of Lacey — the branch itself is a city-owned building — as well as Timberland Regional Library and Friends of the Lacey Timberland library, a nonprofit.
The Friends group needs to do some more fundraising to pay for the work. It has a goal of raising $75,000 and has so far raised about $44,000. Donations are being accepted at the branch or they can be made online at laceyfriends.org.
This story was originally published December 21, 2019 at 7:00 AM.
