SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Libraries are moving towards the future and the downtown branch is the latest in a string of renovations.
On Friday, a wall-breaking ceremony was held to kick off a two year hiatus that’ll improve the building for the first time in its 24 year history.
“I think the library has done a really good job of stepping up their partnerships in the community,” said city council member Kate Burke.
The Shadle branch already closed their doors for a new spot in the Northtown Mall and other construction is kicking off soon.
When the downtown branch opens back up in two years, the three-story building will have new amenities to make the space more welcoming.
A café will be run by New Leaf Bakery, recording studios will be open to the public and a space for live radio broadcast will also be installed. All of this stems from Nov. 2018 when voters approved a $77 million bond that'll remodel existing libraries and build three new ones.
Friends of the Spokane Public Library have a book sale to remove as much as they can this weekend. Carol Taylor has volunteered at the library for the last six years and she’s encouraging teachers and the public to purchase as many books as possible.
“You can come in and buy a box of books of your choice,” she explained.
While the branch is closed. An alternate location will be on the second floor of the STA Plaza downtown.