A bigger, better home for Washougal Community Library
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, and Friends of Washougal Community Library are actively fundraising for a new 13,000-square-foot library in downtown Washougal. While fundraising continues, some features may be added or changed, though we're excited to share concept drawings and features from Hacker Architects for a new library to replace our current 2,300-square-foot space in the City of Washougal's administrative complex.
Architect Renderings
Entry space with display shelves, comfortable seating, accessible power, and laptop tables
Designated space for children’s materials and storytimes
Plenty of comfortable seats and tables with charging stations for reading, studying, and working
Dedicated space for teens to read, play games, and hangout with friends
Large space for library and community programs with flexible arrangements to serve different configurations
Multi-use space for library programs, gatherings, or just enjoying a good book
Proposed Features
Hacker Architects held several meetings with the community, FVRLibraries, Friends of Washougal Community Library, and the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation to identify key features for the new library.
Lobby
Entry space with display shelves, comfortable seating, accessible power, and laptop tables
- Donor board recognizing the contributions of the community and donors
- Friends Bookstore offering gently used books and other materials, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Washougal Community Library
- Metal curtains to allow for after hours use of the Community Room
Display shelves
Children's Storytime Area
Designated space for children’s materials and storytimes
- Hanging acoustic sculpture
- Children-sized furniture and other features
Adult Area
Featuring plenty of comfortable seats and tables with charging stations for reading, studying, and working
- Service desk
- Conference room
- Two study rooms
- Gallery nook with art hanging system
Teen Room
Dedicated space for teens to read, play games, and hangout with friends
- AV Equipment
- Teen-friendly furniture
- Acoustic material
Community Room
Large space for library and community programs with flexible furniture arrangements to serve different configurations
- Kitchenette
- Audio Visual equipment
- Art hanging system
- After hours use
Courtyard
Multi-use space for library programs, gatherings, or just enjoying a good book
- Removable canopy for year-round accessibility
- Educational signage
The Project
The current 2,300-square-foot Washougal Community Library is housed in the City of Washougal’s administrative complex, where it has operated since 1981. The small size of the facility limits the library’s ability to offer meaningful access to collections and resources such as reading and study space, meeting rooms, and computers.
Over the past few years, FVRLibraries has been working closely with the City of Washougal to develop a plan for the downtown civic core that would include an expanded community center, park, and public parking alongside a new 13,000-square-foot community library to support the growing needs of the region. This project would serve as a catalyst and anchor for economic development in Washougal.
Project Goals
- Provide adequate library space to serve the growing community. The current facility is approximately 2,300 square feet for a community of nearly 17,000 people (2022 U.S. Census).
- Leverage the generous donation of a 17,250-square-foot property in the downtown core, received in 2021, strategically located near the existing city hall complex.
- Compliment and enhance the City of Washougal’s investment in projects sited adjacent to the new library – including an expanded community center, splash park, dog park, and additional public parking.
- Enhance current library services by incorporating meeting, programming, and study room facilities, dedicated spaces for children and teens, and providing technology access for residents without home Internet service.
- Support economic development for businesses in downtown Washougal by drawing traffic to the city’s core area.
- Execute the finalized conceptual blueprint for the new library, emerging from extensive community-driven outreach efforts.
Next Steps
- Develop a full budget for the project
- Work with the FVRL Foundation and the Friends of Washougal Community Library on a fundraising plan
How you can help:
- Donor Opportunities
- Upcoming meetings for Friends of Washougal Community Library and the community to get information about the new library
- Check for upcoming fundraisers
- Invest in the new library—gifts of any size are gratefully accepted by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation
- Join or support the Friends of Washougal Community Library and help with fundraisers and library promotion
