About

 The Next Chapter Campaign

A Cornerstone of Our Community

Since 1987, the Walla Walla Public Library has been more than a building. It’s where our community’s stories unfold – where children learn how to read, neighbors come together, new residents find their footing, and lifelong learners find a place to belong.

Today, the Library welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every month, hosting 40 monthly free events that are open to the public. It serves as a community center, technology hub, and safe space for residents of every age and background. With over 9,000 active cardholders, we serve over 120,000 people each year.

While the Library has expanded its capacity to meet the growing needs of our community, the building has struggled to keep pace. Built in 1970, the Library is constrained by outdated technology and functional limitations. The Next Chapter Campaign is our opportunity to turn the page for our community.

“The library is a place that is not my home and not my school and is a place I feel I belong, and I can go whenever I want.”

– Raleigh, 12

The Renovation: What We’re Building

This $16 million project will transform the Walla Walla Public Library into an accessible, energy-efficient, and beautiful redesigned community hub. The design was largely shaped by community input and reflects the unique identity and landscapes of Walla Walla. Construction will begin in Spring 2026 and the new Library is planned to re-open in Spring 2027. 

Imagining a Space for Everyone

Our vision is to create a library that fosters growth, connection, and imagination. This transformation will bring forth a space that is accessible, adaptable, and welcoming for all. Key features of this revitalized space include:

Flexible Spaces for Studying, Gathering, and Creating

  • Thoughtfully redesigned interiors balance quiet and active areas
  • A large community room for diverse events of all types
  • A mid-sized, tech-equipped meeting room for library programming and public meetings
  • Quiet study rooms will offer comfortable spaces for focus and collaboration.
Accessible to Everyone
  • New restrooms, including a family-friendly toilet room in the children’s area.
  • ADA-compliant spaces throughout, improving navigation for all library users.
  • Spaces designed for older adults, people with mobility issues, and families
A Strong Sense of Arrival
  • A vibrant Civic Plaza will connect the library to downtown with outdoor space for gathering
  • A new Great Hall that welcomes natural light and serves as a community space
  • Thoughtfully designed landscaping with native plants will complement the surroundings.
Sustainable Design
  • Energy-efficient equipment and LEED-certified systems that reduce operating costs
  • Sustainable building materials and water-efficient fixtures reduce environmental impact

A Legacy for Future Generations

In 2006 our community came together to expand the children’s wing and it changed what the Library could be for young families. This renovation is the same – an opportunity to expand what is possible for our community. Walla Walla’s future library is within our reach—please join us in making it a reality.

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Key Facts & Figures

What?

  • This is a $16 million renovation project for our library at its current location.
  • All of the interior spaces of the library will undergo a renovation to build a more accessible, welcoming, and functional space for our community.
  • The project includes a small expansion of about 700 square feet to extend the entrances and create a Great Hall.
  • Key focus areas include reorganizing all interior spaces, new restrooms, consolidating support and staff areas, and creating dedicated flexible programming space.

When?

  • The architects, BuildingWork, have completed the completed schematic and design development phases of the project.
  • Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed in Summer 2027.
Walla Walla Public Library Entrance

Why?

  • Our library was built in 1970, and it has not kept pace with its role as a 21st century gathering place and modern library.
  • The ways in which we use our library today have greatly changed over the last 55 years. To better serve our community, we need to create dedicated programming spaces, invest in new technology, and organize the space so that it is more accessible and functional.
  • The building needs critical infrastructure upgrades or replacements (electrical, lighting, plumbing, HVAC). The ongoing maintenance and repairs are costly and not sustainable.
  • The building’s design does not meet current ADA standards. A renovation allows us to make the entire space more accessible, address safety concerns, and improve sightlines throughout the building.

Where?

  • The library will need to be relocated during the construction phase.
  • During the renovation, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to library services. The library will be temporarily relocating to 115 W. Main St, Walla Walla, WA  99362.
  • We anticipate the library opening in its temporary location by the end of May.

How?

  • The project will be primarily funded with grants and donations. To date, nearly $12.5 million has been raised.
  • The Next Chapter Capital Campaign has been launched to raise awareness and additional funds for the project through philanthropic gifts from granting organizations, local businesses, and community members.
  • The Walla Walla Public Library Capital Campaign Fund has been established at the Blue Mountain Community Foundation. Tax-deductible donations can be made to this fund online, https://bmcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list Gifts can also be made via check, gifts of stock, or cash through Blue Mountain Community Foundation. Checks should not be made out directly to the library.

By the Numbers

  • The library hosts more than 40 events or activities every month. They are all free of charge and open to everyone.
  • 2,300 people use the library every week – an average of 10,000 people in a month.
  • The library has 65,000 items in its collection, and circulates 250,000 items annually.
  • The library is approximately 19,000 square feet
  • 14 staff members.

Library History

  • 1897 – First Walla Walla Public Library opens
  • 1905 – Carnegie Library opens
  • 1970 – Current location library opens
  • 2006 – Children’s Wing expansion completed

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