New facility will expand offerings, activities
Building crews are hustling to finish last-minute details at the new Winthrop library, which will have its grand opening on Saturday, June 11.
An appearance by renowned Northwest author Tim Egan, whose best-selling works include “The Big Burn,” caps off the grand opening day.
The library’s grand opening events start at 10:30 a.m. and will include a welcoming ceremony, activities for children and families, a quilt show and auction, a barbeque lunch and much more.
The new library, off of White Avenue in Winthrop, was built by the nonprofit Friends of the Winthrop Library (FOWL), which raised money for the building through a fundraising campaign over the past several years. FOWL also received a $2 million state grant for the library’s construction.
The new building will be turned over to the Town of Winthrop when completed, and its programs will be funded and operated by NCW Libraries, the regional library system that oversees 30 branches including those in Winthrop and Twisp.
More about the library
For more information about the library and details about the grand opening activities, see the insert in the B section of this week’s newspaper.
FOWL will host opening day activities that include a ceremony at 11 a.m.
The day will feature a book-themed quilt show and online auction that benefits FOWL, a photo exhibit of Methow Valley library history, a barbecue lunch and cupcakes, and fun activities for children and families, according to an NCW Libraries press release. The architects and artists who contributed to the building’s design will also be available.
The quilt show starts June 11 at noon and will continue all week during library hours in the Community Room. Over the last year, the Methow Valley Quilters have put their artistic talents to work to create over 45 reading- or book-inspired quilts that will be sold in an online auction. Proceeds will help fund the landscaping and the gardens at the new library. The online auction opens on June 8 at 5 p.m. and closes at 3 p.m. on June 18. The auction website is https://auctria.events/FOWLBookquilts.
Library doors will open at noon on June 11. Visitors can explore the new space with the help of librarian Ree West and NCW Libraries staff. “I can’t wait to welcome you all into this beautiful space and see our community come together to learn, grow, discover new opportunities, and connect with each other,” West said.
An appearance by renowned Northwest author Tim Egan, whose best-selling works include “The Big Burn,” caps off the grand opening day for ticket holders. The event is sold out.
The Egan event at the Winthrop Barn starts at 6 p.m., for ticket holders only. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Week of events
NCW Libraries will continue the celebration all week, during the library’s regular hours. Events will include a Technology Taste Test, a Teen Scavenger Hunt, Family Sphero Painting, Smoke-Ready Communities with Liz Walker of Clean Air Methow, The Keystone Connection: Beaver Ecology for kids, and a quilt-themed story time.
FOWL’s book and bake sale on June 18 at the new library, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will wrap up the week.
“We hope this beautiful space will enrich the lives of everyone of all ages, in all stages of life,” said Jill Sheley, executive director of FOWL in the NCW Libraries press release. “This library will be a place to come together, fuel passions for discovery, and access essential technology. Each of us can make the library a place of our own. We could not be more grateful for the donors, partners and builders who have made this dream a reality.”
“I am excited to celebrate the grand opening with residents, partners and guests,” said Barbara Walters, executive director of NCW Libraries. “We are incredibly thankful for the leadership FOWL has provided to oversee the design, funding and construction of this important project that will have an incredible impact on the Winthrop community.”
The Winthrop public library’s previous location on Highway 20 has been closed during the transition to the new facility.
For complete schedule and information for the Grand Opening day and week, visit www.winthroplibraryfriends.org/events.
