The first major remodel of Wenatchee Public Library in its 60-year history is nearly complete!
The work that began in the spring of 2019 should be completed over the next few weeks. When complete, the library at 310 Douglas St. will have a vibrant new look, with new shelving, improved lighting, updated technology, a centralized information desk, spaces for community gathering, private meeting and 
quiet study areas, and new bathrooms. The exterior of the building will also get a facelift, with new windows and bright colors.
The project was originally scheduled to be finished earlier this year but was delayed by a construction shutdown due to Covid-19.
“It’s exciting to drive by and see the shiny new windows!” said Branch Librarian Courtney Tiffany. “Some of the paint is going up on the outside, too. There’s a lot of color! You can see us from across the park now.”
The Friends of Wenatchee Public Library raised nearly $1.5 million to remodel the Wenatchee library. The city of Wenatchee and North Central Regional Library, which jointly own the building, also contributed significantly to the construction.
For the last 15 months, the library has been temporarily housed in a former bank building in downtown Wenatchee.
Meanwhile, Wenatchee librarians have been hard at work packing up all the materials in the temporary location for the move back. We received a waiver from local health officials for staff to work in the library because the lease for the temporary space expires at the end of July.
Once Chelan County reaches Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan, staff will be able to unpack and get set up in the newly renovated space. And when libraries are cleared to reopen to the public in Phase 3, we invite everyone to come see the revitalized space!
Wenatchee staff packing up materials in the temporary library location this week.
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