Renovated Libraries Near Liberty Lake

The objective of this section is to provide information on what elements are being placed in new and renovated libraries.exist in new and renovated libraries

  • Spokane Valley - June 2023

  • 28,000 sq. ft. - New Build

  • Meeting and Study Rooms

    • Community Room: The Diane E. Zahand Community Room can accommodate up to 200 people and is named after a Spokane Valley early education teacher.

    • Conference Rooms: 4

    • Audio Visual Studio: The STCU Studio is a fully equipped audio-visual space for public use, sponsored by STCU.

  • Computers

  • Play- Space: A bright, interactive area with learning spaces.

  • Outdoor Spaces: The library also features outdoor reading areas and connections to Balfour Park.

  • Sustainability: The building was designed with LEED Silver certification in mind, considering water-use reduction, natural light, and energy efficiency.

    Details of the Funding: $15M

    • Washington State Treasurer's Office: $9 million loan.

    • Spokane County Library District: Library's savings.

    • Washington State Department of Commerce: $2 million grant.

    • City of Spokane Valley: $1.3 million contribution.

    • Private Donors: Contributions to the Library Foundation.

    • Other: A portion of the funding came from library savings and private donations. 

South Hill - March 2023

  • 15,000sq. ft. - Renovation

  • Interior Modernization: The renovation included updated finishes, materials, and lighting to modernize the interior spaces.

  • Flexible Spaces: The project created flexible connections between the program room and other areas, allowing for overflow during peak usage.

  • Improved Amenities: The renovation introduced group study rooms, improved children's discovery areas, and enhanced quiet reading and study spaces.

  • Children's Play-space: The children's play area is named "Turkey Treetops”

  • Meeting Space: The renovation resulted in eight times the meeting space compared to the previous layout.

    • Event space (accomodates 45)

    • 2 study rooms.

  • Computers: 22 public computers, 4 children’s computers

  • Improvements: The project included capital improvements such as ADA accessibility, HVAC systems, and security upgrades.

  • Site Improvements: Site work included upgrades to landscaping and irrigation, as well as connections to existing utilities.

  • Funding: $5.5M as part of a bond for renovations to other libraries in Spokane.

Indian Trail - March 2023

10,600 sq. ft. - Renovation

  • Upgrades: The renovation includes extensive mechanical and electrical upgrades, bathroom upgrades, and a roof replacement.

  • Updated Finishes and Furnishings: Refreshed interior design elements and furniture throughout the library.

  • Outdoor Space:  (Opened Sept . 2024). The library's lawn was transformed into a shared space with a garden and meadow, offering a place for birds, bees, and butterflies, as well as a space for community play and enjoyment.

  • Meeting and Study Rooms

    • Event Room - Accommodates 30

    • 2 Study Rooms

  • Computers

    • 10 public computers

    • 2 children’s computers

  • Children's Play-space: A renovated Children's Discovery area with a new play space.

  • New Staff Area: Provides a more functional and comfortable space,

  • Funding: $4.8M as part of a bond for renovations to other libraries in Spokane.

Liberty Park - Nov. 2021

12,725 sq. ft. - New Build/Relocation

  • Increased size and footprint: 

    • Previous facility 6,300 sq. ft. (East Side Library)

    • The design incorporated features like open spaces with flexible furniture and ample power and wifi connections.

    • The library also includes enclosed spaces with transparent walls for visual connections.

  • Flexible spaces: The large meeting room can accommodate various programs and events, and the library utilizes moveable shelving and furniture for flexibility, according to the AIA Washington Council.

  • Meeting and Study Rooms

    • 64 capacity event room

    • 3 study rooms

  • Computers:

    • 14 public computers

    • 2 children’s computers

  • Children’s Play-space

  • Funding: $7.6M as part of a bond for renovations to other libraries in Spokane.

Shadle Park - Nov. 2021

  • 30,000 sq. ft. - Expansion

  • Expansion: The library was expanded by approximately 10,600 square feet, bringing the total to 30,000 square feet.

  • Meeting and Study Rooms

    • 157 seat capacity. The space can be opened further for private or special events with the glass accordion wall which can be pushed back to expose the full Shadle lobby and atrium

    • 35 person capacity classroom

    • 59 person capacity maker studio

    • 5 small study rooms

  • Computers

    • 18 public computers

    • 2 children’s computers

  • Children's Play-space: The children's play area is named "Moose's Market" and is designed to be a vibrant and engaging space for children.

  • Meeting Space: The renovation resulted in eight times the meeting space compared to the previous layout.

  • Amenities: Other amenities include a classroom, a large event room, and a recording/video studio space.

  • Laptops: A cabinet of laptops is available for checkout.

  • Funding: $15.5M as part of a bond for renovations to other libraries in Spokane.

Hillyard - Sept 2021

14,000 sq. ft. - New Build

  • Increased size and foot print : previous location 8,234

  • Meeting and Study Rooms

    • 61 person capacity event space

    • 44 person capacity classroom

    • 3 small study rooms

  • Children's Play-space: "Mt. Shaw," an innovative and whimsical play area for children.

  • Computers:  8 computer stations

  • Collaboration: The library is situated on the Shaw Middle School campus, with a retractable door connecting it to the middle school library.

  • Funding: Cost $5.1 M. However the library system cost was only $500,000, as it was actually built onto Shaw Middle School.

Other Libraries Near Liberty Lake

Post Falls - Minor Renovation 2024

  • 34,000 sq. ft. (needs validation)

  • Renovation:

    • Jan. 2024 - Freezing temps cause pipes to burst

    • Significant Damage resulted in new paint, carpets, electrical work, and some furniture replacement

    • Library reopened Dec 2024

  • Meeting rooms:

    • 2 meeting rooms with 40 person capacity each

    • 2 study rooms

  • 1200 sq. ft. Teen-space:

    • Funded by a $48,000 bequest, local businesses and teen fundraisers

  • Computers

    • Adult stations with unfiltered access

    • Childrens computers for learning have internet filters to block in appropriate access

  • Children’s Play-space

  • Friends of the Library re-sale book store

  • 3D Printing

Coeur d’Alene Library - Built Sept. 2007

  • 38,500 sq. ft.

  • Meeting rooms:

    • 1 - 200 seat capacity community room

    • 2 - Conference rooms w/projectors

    • 4 Study rooms w/computers

  • Computers

    • Adult stations with unfiltered access

    • Childrens computers for learning have internet filters to block in appropriate access

  • Children’s Play-space : Story Cabin - for children to relax and enjoy stories, with books, computers, kits, and a window seat. Funded by donation from local business.

  • 3D Printing - Funded by grant

  • Friends of the Library re-sale book store