Invest in Washougal Community Library

Library building all glass front book shelves inside hanging art from ceiling with salmon

A bigger, better home for Washougal Community Library

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, and Friends of Washougal Community Library are actively fundraising for a new 13,000-square-foot library in downtown Washougal. While fundraising continues, some features may be added or changed, though we're excited to share concept drawings and features from Hacker Architects for a new library to replace our current 2,300-square-foot space in the City of Washougal's administrative complex.

The Vision

To create a library that is welcoming, cozy, and inspirational. A library that strengthens the downtown experience of Washougal, reflecting its climate, landscape, and culture while remaining flexible to the future needs and aspirations of the community.

Scroll through Hacker Architects' renderings below, or watch a 360° flythrough of the proposed library here: https://youtu.be/OspwfkOxKA4

Architect Renderings

Proposed Features

Hacker Architects held several meetings with the community, FVRLibraries, Friends of Washougal Community Library, and the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation to identify key features for the new library. 

Lobby

Entry space with display shelves, comfortable seating, accessible power, and laptop tables

  • Donor board recognizing the contributions of the community and donors
  • Friends Bookstore offering gently used books and other materials, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Washougal Community Library
  • Metal curtains to allow for after hours use of the Community Room
    Display shelves
Children's Storytime Area

Designated space for children’s materials and storytimes

  • Hanging acoustic sculpture
  • Children-sized furniture and other features
Adult Area

Featuring plenty of comfortable seats and tables with charging stations for reading, studying, and working

  • Service desk
  • Conference room
  • Two study rooms
  • Gallery nook with art hanging system
Teen Room

Dedicated space for teens to read, play games, and hangout with friends

  • AV Equipment
  • Teen-friendly furniture
  • Acoustic material
Community Room

Large space for library and community programs with flexible furniture arrangements to serve different configurations

  • Kitchenette
  • Audio Visual equipment
  • Art hanging system
  • After hours use
Courtyard

Multi-use space for library programs, gatherings, or just enjoying a good book

  • Removable canopy for year-round accessibility
  • Educational signage

The Project

The current 2,300-square-foot Washougal Community Library is housed in the City of Washougal’s administrative complex, where it has operated since 1981. The small size of the facility limits the library’s ability to offer meaningful access to collections and resources such as reading and study space, meeting rooms, and computers.

Over the past few years, FVRLibraries has been working closely with the City of Washougal to develop a plan for the downtown civic core that would include an expanded community center, park, and public parking alongside a new 13,000-square-foot community library to support the growing needs of the region. This project would serve as a catalyst and anchor for economic development in Washougal.

Project Goals

  • Provide adequate library space to serve the growing community. The current facility is approximately 2,300 square feet for a community of nearly 17,000 people (2022 U.S. Census).
  • Leverage the generous donation of a 17,250-square-foot property in the downtown core, received in 2021, strategically located near the existing city hall complex.
  • Compliment and enhance the City of Washougal’s investment in projects sited adjacent to the new library – including an expanded community center, splash park, dog park, and additional public parking.
  • Enhance current library services by incorporating meeting, programming, and study room facilities, dedicated spaces for children and teens, and providing technology access for residents without home Internet service.
  • Support economic development for businesses in downtown Washougal by drawing traffic to the city’s core area.
  • Execute the finalized conceptual blueprint for the new library, emerging from extensive community-driven outreach efforts.

Next Steps

  • Develop a full budget for the project
  • Work with the FVRL Foundation and the Friends of Washougal Community Library on a fundraising plan
Pie graph showing allocation of funding sources and gap for the new Washougal Community Library building.
Fig. 1 – Estimated cost: $11,000,000. Contributions by source and dollar amount: FVRLibraries: $4,092,678; Friends of Washougal Community Library: $300,000; FVRL Foundation: $165,000; FVRL Foundation Additional committed funds: $535,000; Fundraising gap: $5,907,322.

How you can help:

Friends of Washougal Library