NCW Library renovations progress regionally

EPHRATA — The North Central Washington Library District is making strides towards the remodeling of several public library facilities across the region, but delays in the Ephrata Library renovations have raised questions about the timeline of future projects. The project, according to Supervising Librarian Aaron Loeffelbein, was supposed to start at the beginning of 2026. However, the district is now expecting a start date closer to March or April of 2026.  

Associate Director of Community Libraries Tim Dillman addressed the situation of the Ephrata Library, clarifying that setbacks are mostly due to the sequencing of renovations across numerous branches and being optimistic about the timelines at the beginning of the project.  

“When we first envisioned the project, our goal was to bring the libraries up to 21st-century standards,” Dillman said. “Well, we thought we could probably knock this whole project out in four or five years, we thought. Then, we realized we were super optimistic, and we were trying to remodel 26 libraries in five counties.”  

He pointed to several branches ahead of Ephrata in the queue for redevelopment as contributing factors to the delays.  

“Any slowdown ends up impacting everything behind it,” he said. “Right now, the spring date for Ephrata is pretty realistic. We have our Chelan branch that is about to begin its remodel and then the Ephrata branch is right after that.”  

Despite the challenges faced by the Ephrata Library renovation, Dillman emphasized the overall positive impact of the NCW Library project.  

“The feedback has been excellent. At the beginning of the project, we get some people who are like, ‘Well, what is wrong with the library as it is now?’ Then, when we finished the project, folks came back in and they were like ‘Wow, I had no idea it was going to be so fresh, bright and inviting,’ or ‘This is a place I want to stay and relax’ or ‘This is now the nicest building in town,’” he said. 

The extensive renovations have already yielded improvements in other libraries within the district.  

For example, the new Soap Lake Library, which celebrated its grand reopening June 20, has successfully transformed the community's engagement with the space.  

“We heard from people that there was no place to sit and meet,” Dillman said. “That was something the Soap Lake locals really wanted. Somewhere public with a little bit of privacy where they can hold small meetings.” 

As a result, they incorporated a small meeting room into the design to cater to local groups seeking a suitable venue for discussions. 

In addition to Soap Lake, Royal City also recently reopened its library after significant renovations, with a grand opening held July 12. Dillman highlighted that feedback from community members has been overwhelmingly positive.  

“We listened to the communities we serve, and we gave them what they had asked for through surveys and all of that. We are making the libraries a space that can be used for whatever by whoever in the community,” Dillman said. “The new spaces seem to be really connecting with our patrons.”  

This high level of engagement and satisfaction has sparked renewed interest in library services, Dillman said. He said he has noticed the renovations encouraging individuals who previously may not have utilized the facilities to return. 

Beyond just physical renovations, the NCW Library project aims to revitalize community involvement by capturing the sentiments of local residents regarding their library spaces. Dillman explained that an integral part of the renovation process involves gathering community input through surveys and engagement.  

“We want to hear from everyone in the community,” he said, stressing the importance of understanding the unique perspectives of not only library regulars but also those who may not currently utilize library services. 

Moving forward, the renovation slate includes upgrades for several other libraries in the Grant County area.  

After Ephrata, Mattawa is scheduled for 2027. Warden is currently being planned for after 2027.  

Moses Lake’s library will be a later project, also planned for post-2027 because of the size and complexity of the building. There are also discussions happening about improvements the city may want to make prior to the renovation.  

George’s Library recently relocated and reopened a new library in June of 2024, so they are also at the back of the renovation priorities.  

Coulee City just built a new library, with its completion in January 2025. While the building is new, its interior is a conglomeration of furniture from libraries that have already been renovated. The library will still get a Reimagining Space renovation, but it will be post-2027. 

Dillman noted that managing each project requires careful planning, especially as current renovations dictate future timelines.  

“The project is completely funded,” he said. 

He said the district had some money from revenues that had been built up over a handful of years. In 2022, the NCW Libraries board voted to use the saved money of nearly $10 million to renovate all of the libraries in the district. 

“The reason the board approved for this to happen is our library buildings have always historically been the responsibility of the cities, but they are low on the priority list when the dollars are being allocated,” Dillman said. “So over time, that ends up meaning that they don't get investments into new paint, flooring, patching up walls. So, they had just kind of gotten to a place of disrepair. Our board saw the opportunity to invest money back into those spaces as kind of a gift to the cities and make them more enjoyable spaces.”  

While the Ephrata Library waits for its renovation phase, Dillman affirmed that online resources remain accessible to patrons, alongside efforts to provide alternatives such as holds, pick-up services and potentially books from the collection available for browsing during the construction period.  

“We are still finalizing all of the opportunities we will have for the Ephrata community while renovating,” Dillman said.  

As the NCW Library district continues to enhance its facilities, Dillman remains optimistic about the long-term benefits these renovations will bring to the community. He noted that the upgrades aim to ensure that libraries can function as flexible spaces to host a variety of events, from crafting workshops to dance classes. 

“Libraries today are not simply just a place to go and shop the bookshelves,” Dillman said. “They are a space to meet people, make art, hold meetings, allow kids to play, and so much more. These renovations make all of that possible.”  

      

    The Soap Lake Library had its NCW Reimagining Space project renovation this year with its grand reopening June 20.