The new Winthrop library will have a children’s nook, and even a “messy area,” buffered by a sound barrier.
More tours this Sunday
Community members got a peek inside the covers of the new Winthrop library, which is holding tours of the building this month.
At 7,300 square feet, the library will be more than six times the size of the current library. The expansive building will allow it to function not only as a library, but also as a community gathering space.
The main area includes dedicated sections for kids, teens and adults; six windows with bench seating; and a living-room area with a fireplace and view of Mount Gardner.
Children get a special section — buffered by a sound barrier — with a nook for reading and exploring and a “messy area.” The nook will feature designs of local plants and animals.
The building also features separate rooms for community gatherings, lectures and activities, and a maker space for things like art projects, 3D printers and sewing machines. The larger library will accommodate a bigger collection — more books, magazines, audio and movies. There will be public computers and printers. The entire facility — including the parking lot — will have free public Wi-Fi.
Friends of the Winthrop Public Library (FOWL) led a tour on Sunday (Oct. 17) that gave people a sense of what it’s like in the light-filled, airy space, with its soaring ceiling of wooden beams. “You won’t have to trip over arts and crafts supplies to go to the restroom,” the tour guides pointed out.
When it’s done — opening is projected for late spring 2022 — North Central Washington Libraries will move in books and other supplies.
Even the outdoor spaces will be educational, with Firewise landscaping and fire-adapted plantings. There will also be a children’s play area.
The library will feature artwork created by local artists Hannah Viano and Tori Karpenko, plus space for rotating exhibits.
The building is designed to meet environmental standards and will be prepped for solar panels, which FOWL hopes to add in the future.
FOWL secured a $2 million state appropriation toward capital costs and raised matching funds through private donations.
The library design is based on input from the community. Winthrop Librarian Ree West still wants to hear from people about what they’d like in the new facility.
To donate
FOWL is within $70,000 of the amount needed to open the library. The first 1,000 community donors will be honored by having their names carved into doors, and there’s still room for more. To be included, donate $10 or more by the end of October through Give Methow at https://cfncw.org/givemethow.
Tour the library
Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
Times: 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30, or 11 a.m.
Who: Adults 18 and older
RSVP required: email winthroplibrarytours@gmail.com with preferred time
For more information, go to www.winthroplibraryfriends.org.
