Proposals sought for old Royal City Library building

ROYAL CITY — With a new Royal City Library open and operating, Royal City officials are asking residents for proposals on uses for the old one. Already on the table is a pending offer from an existing landowner to swap the property. 

Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said the land swap proposal prompted discussion about the building and what else city residents might want to do with it. 

“We kind of opened it up to the community to approach the city with proposals,” he said. “See what the interest is, see what ideas people have for that building.”  

Proposals will be accepted through 5 p.m. Sept. 26. 

The old library, 136 Camelia St. NW, is located adjacent to a grocery store, and the store owners have inquired about swapping another piece of land for the building, Christensen said. That’s an option, but city officials wanted to find out if there is interest from anyone in Royal City for the building as it stands. 

The city itself may have a use for the building, he said. The current city hall houses both city offices and the Royal City Police Department, and space is getting tight.  

“Down the road, we’re going to need more space as a city,” he said.  

While the old library is pretty small, about 1,087 square feet, moving either the RCPD or city offices to the space could relieve some of the space issues, he said. 

Royal City residents also may have some ideas for the building, however, and Christensen said city officials wanted to give people a chance to pitch them. 

People who are interested in buying or leasing the space must include the proposed use of the property, whether the applicant plans to lease or buy it, and what the applicant would be willing to pay. Proposals can be submitted at City Hall, 445 Camelia St. NE, or by mail, P.O. Box 1239, Royal City, WA 99357.  

If city officials agree to the land swap, the store owners have proposed committing some money to building a new building for the city, Christensen said.  

    The opening of the new Royal City Library in July was cause for celebration and provided upgrades in services available for patrons. How the former site might be used is still being determined.