Lacey and Tenino Timberland Library buildings updated for accessibility and comfort

With the dedicated work of facilities staff and the support of community partners, Timberland Regional Library (TRL) updated 12 libraries in the past two years and opened a demonstration library in West Olympia, with another to open soon in Hawks Prairie.

From January 2020 through December 2021, 12 libraries received significant upgrades and improvements, including more accessible shelving, comfortable furniture, new flooring and updated service stations.

“Our goal is to anticipate community needs with remodels and refreshes that will modernize our facilities using green and sustainable materials, increase usable, open space for library visitors, enhance accessibility so all visitors feel comfortable and accommodated, all while creating spaces that are easy to clean and maintain,” said Timberland Regional Library Executive Director Cheryl Heywood.

In Thurston County, Lacey Timberland Library and Tenino Timberland Library both received significant updates. A remodel scheduled for Lacey for the fall of 2020 was moved up several months so that the planned construction work could be completed while all TRL libraries were closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Lacey remodel

Lacey’s remodel began mid-July and was completed in early October 2020. Improvements included:

• Installation of a single-occupancy family restroom.
• Replacement of all service desks with height adjustable stations to accommodate all patrons.
• Creation of a check-in room to combine materials return and processing in one convenient area.
• New library layout to improve health and safety of staff and patrons in response to COVID-19.
• Old furniture was replaced to offer more options including oversized chairs and furniture with or without arms.
• Installation of new Library Takeout windows to allow for continued service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine.
• A new awning with a retractable roof was installed to ensure that patrons have a positive experience no matter the weather.

Tenino remodel

Tenino also received its refresh during the building COVID-19 closures, and in 2021 TRL installed the following:

• New shelving to highlight featured books and allow more space and accessibility to patrons.
• Renovated the office space.
• Replaced worn furniture.
• Repainted the interior.

Funding for the Lacey Timberland Library project was made possible by the City of Lacey, Timberland Regional Library and generous donations by the Friends of the Lacey Timberland Library and the community.

“We are so excited that 12 of our 29 libraries received refreshes in 2020 and 2021,” Heywood said. “All our thanks go to the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees, our city partners, our highly talented operations staff and our awesome library staff for the completion of these projects.”

TRL has 27 full-size library branches and two new demonstration “Lucky Day” libraries, totaling 29 locations. The new locations are the West Olympia Timberland Library in Capital Mall, which opened July 2021, and the Hawks Prairie Timberland Library in east Lacey that has its grand opening set for Feb. 8, 2022.

Other TRL libraries that received a recent refresh include Amanda Park and Montesano in Grays Harbor County; Centralia, Mountain View (Randle), Packwood, Salkum and Winlock in Lewis County; Hoodsport, North Mason (Belfair) and Shelton in Mason County; and Naselle and Raymond in Pacific County.

During the pandemic closures, 13 branches including Lacey, Olympia and Tenino also had new takeout windows installed so that library staff could continue to serve their communities.

“We encourage you to experience them all, each unique to its community, each promoting the best in TRL services, collections and more,” Heywood said.