Another 12 Timberland Regional Library locations were improved and updated in 2022 and a new location opened in Hawks Prairie as part of the organization’s mission to meet the needs of the communities it serves and its vision to provide access to all.
Timberland Regional Library (TRL) operations staff worked tirelessly to improve the 12 libraries located in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. These updates are in addition to the 12 libraries improved in 2020-2021.
“Anticipating community needs with remodels and refreshes to modernize our library buildings is our continued goal,” said Timberland Regional Library Executive Director Cheryl Heywood. "We strive to use sustainable materials, increase usable, open space for library patrons, increase accessibility so every visitor feels comfortable and accommodated, all while creating spaces that are easy to clean and maintain.”
Throughout 2022, TRL libraries received significant upgrades and improvements, including new flooring, remodeled restrooms, updated service stations, comfortable furniture, and more accessible shelving.
One of the biggest projects in Thurston County was the remodel and opening of the Hawks Prairie Timberland Library in east Lacey at 8205
Hawks Prairie's remodel began in the fall of 2021 and the grand opening was held Feb. 8, 2022. Improvements included:
Hawks Prairie Timberland Library was the second installment of a pilot project implemented by TRL of locations called “Lucky Day Libraries.” The first of these pilot branches to open was the West Olympia Timberland Library in Capital Mall.
As a Lucky Day Library, Hawks Prairie offers the newest and most in-demand books and movies, unique services, and computer access. Since its opening, it has become one of the busiest of the 29 TRL library locations.
“With the opening of Hawks Prairie, we are better able to serve that area of the Lacey community, which is very exciting,” Heywood said.
Also in Thurston County, Lacey Timberland Library received shelving modifications, and workers with the City of Lacey completed painting and cabinet updates in the staff work area. Olympia Timberland Library received new and upgraded stalls in both public restrooms, and additional space was created in the staff work area.
Other TRL libraries that received improvements in 2022 include Amanda Park, Westport, and Elma in Grays Harbor County; Centralia and Salkum in Lewis County; Hoodsport and Shelton in Mason County; and Ocean Park and Ilwaco in Pacific County.
McCleary Timberland Library is undergoing a major refresh that will be completed in early 2023, and the plans for a new Mountain View Timberland Library to be built in Randle are in the beginning stages.
“All of our thanks for being able to improve these 12 library locations go to the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees, our city partners, our highly talented operations staff and our awesome library staff for the completion of these projects,” Heywood said.
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