NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
December 5, 2006

Contact:
Pamela Nyberg Kiesner, Director
Bellingham Public Library
Phone (360) 676-7794 or 676-6860 Fax 360-647-6371
pkiesner@cob.org

The Library Board Chooses Familiar Site for New Central Library!

The Board of Trustees for the Bellingham Public Library is recommending the current library block for construction of the new central library. The 55-year old library building would be eliminated to provide for a new 2-3 story building with 1 or 2 levels of underground parking and green space. The Library Board’s site recommendation will go to the City Council for review and final approval early next year.

The Bellingham Planning Group presented volumetric studies to the Library Board at their special Board Meeting on December 5 th showing that it would be possible to construct a new library over underground parking behind the current building, and then tear down the current building for use as a plaza and green space.

Phasing construction this way probably increases costs, constricts the space available for a new library, and places the building on the edge of Lottie Street. Discussion continued about the alternative of planning the new library using the entire block and eliminating the current library building first, which may provide the best opportunities for cost savings and good architectural solutions.

Once the City Council reviews the Library Board’s recommendation, and approves a final site, the next steps include selection of architects, preliminary design work, and bringing a plan to the voters with a bond issue. The Library Board anticipates the bond issue would include funds for structural improvements to the historic Fairhaven Branch, along with funds to extend library services to the north side of the city.

Throughout the process, the library will seek public input on their hopes and dreams to develop the best new central library and life-long learning center for the entire community.

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