Bellingham Public Library Secures State Funding for Renovation
Bellingham Public Library has secured capital funding of $3.03 million in the 2025-2027 Washington State budget for the Bellingham Central Library Renovation. The allocation represents a $2 million Library Capital Improvement Program (LCIP) grant, as well as $1.03 million in Local & Community Projects (LCP) funding, both administered by the WA State Department of Commerce.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our local legislators for their assistance in advocating for these critical dollars,” said Bellingham Public Library Director, Rebecca Judd. “This includes 42nd district legislators Representative Joe Timmons, Representative Alicia Rule, and Senator Sharon Shewmake, as well as 40th district legislators Representative Alex Ramel, Representative Debra Lekanoff, and Senator Liz Lovelett.”
“Our public libraries play an invaluable role in serving our community. I’m thrilled that my legislative colleagues and I were able to secure state funding to support this renovation project,” said Timmons, who championed the project. “Once complete, the Bellingham Central Library will be better equipped to meet the growing and diverse needs of local residents, making a tangible impact for years to come.”
The state funds will be matched with City of Bellingham funds and private donations to enable the Bellingham Central Library Renovation project to move forward with phase 2. The vision is to revitalize the Central Library’s aging ground floor into a space for children and teens that is modern, safe, clean, inviting, age appropriate, and ADA accessible. Updates are also needed for the main floor help desk, upper floor staff areas, and the building’s HVAC system.
"We are grateful for this funding, which will help us create a more enjoyable and accessible library experience for families and children. These improvements will ensure our library continues be a welcoming place that cultivates growth, learning, and connection,” said City of Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund.
The Bellingham Central Library was constructed in 1950 to serve Bellingham’s population of 35,000 people. It was remodeled in 1985 for a population of 47,000 people, with an expected 25-year life span (ending in 2008). Forty years later, the same building is now serving a population of nearly 100,000 people and receives more than 500,000 visits per year. The library went through a significant remodel of the main floor in 2019-2021, which brought that floor up to more modern standards.
Phase 2 continues the work on the ground floor and staff mezzanine to create a more functional library. Project design is set to resume in 2025, with construction anticipated in 2026 – 2027.
"For over twenty years, our community has debated the need for an updated facility that reflects the high value Bellingham residents place on education, stories, access, and opportunity. Now, at last, we are on a path to renovate our mid-Century building for a new generation," explains Judd.
In a parallel effort, Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom Community Foundation have also secured $1.9 million towards a $3.5 million goal for private community donations to the Central Library Renovation Project. More than 200 donors have participated. Additional fundraising is ongoing.
Bellingham Public Library (BPL) is a department of the City of Bellingham. It has 4 branches and serves nearly 100,000 residents who live within the Bellingham city limits. Bellingham Public Library is a separate organization from Whatcom County Library System (WCLS), which has 10 branches and serves more than 140,000 residents outside of the City limits.