SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Downtown Library reopens on Monday with a fresh new look after two years of work.
The library temporarily closed in Feb. 2020 for its first renovations in 24 years. It reopens on Monday as a newly reimagined space, better designed to serve the changing needs of library patrons.
The new features at the Central Library (906 W. Main Ave.) include:
- Recording Studio
- Video Studio
- New Leaf Café
- Inland Northwest Special Collections
- River Rumpus Children's Playspace
- KYRS Broadcasting
- Computer Lab
- Business Lab
- Friends of the Library Bookstore
- Social Stair
- Meeting & Study Rooms
One of the big highlights is the remodeled children’s space. The River Rumpus Children’s Playspace is designed with a nod to the Spokane River, visible right outside the huge windows in the space. It even includes a play submarine to spark creativity.
Funding for the project was approved by voters in Nov. 2018 as part of a $77 million bond to remodel existing libraries and build three new ones. While the Central branch was closed, a temporary library was opened on the second floor of the STA Plaza downtown. That temporary branch closed at the end of June 2022.
To celebrate the re-opening of the Central Branch a grand reopening event begins at 9 a.m. on Monday. The event includes speakers, ribbon-cutting, tours, storytime, a live performance, and food trucks.
Tours will be available at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. All tours start on the first floor.
Storytime play and learn for kids will be available at 10:30 a.m. and Noon.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com.