One of the many upgrades and amenities Tacoma Public Library’s Main location will offer when it reopens is access to community organization partners on its second floor.
As part of the process of reimagining how the vast building could be better utilized, Director Kate Larsen envisioned community organizations, whose mission and values align with those of Tacoma Public Library having well-appointed spaces to offer programs and services at the Main library.
“This model has several benefits: it will strengthen community partnerships, help local organizations to thrive, attract new patrons to visit the library, and expand community programming in the downtown corridor,” said Larsen. These partnerships are mutually beneficial; selected community organizations will pay well-below market rates in exchange for offering free or very low-cost public programs – programs of the kind the Library may not have the capacity to run themselves but that are nevertheless of interest to the community.
Having this vision in mind, roughly 10,000 square feet of space on the library’s second floor is being converted to partner spaces. Work began to transform the first and second floor of the modern addition of the Main Library began in 2023 and is nearly complete. Other amenities being added included additional meeting rooms, study rooms, public restrooms, a maker space and expanded teen area.
Two organizations are confirmed: Tacoma Tool Library and Write253, and the library is seeking two more. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit a proposal through the City of Tacoma’s RFP (Request for Proposal) process by Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The nature of the RFP process precluded staff from answering any questions about it.
The Tacoma Tool Library provides low-cost access to shared tools and other durable goods and encourages re-use, repair, and reduced consumption. In addition, it hosts a safe community space for learning how to use household tools and empowers local residents to care for their homes and neighborhoods, house by house and block by block.
Write253 is a literary arts and printmaking organization whose mission is to provide meaningful and transformative writing, publishing, and artistic opportunities that cross boundaries and create community for teens and young adults in greater Tacoma.
“Both of these organizations align with our own mission, vision, and values,” stated Kate Larsen. “We look forward to the services and programs they’ll provide as we bring more energy and vitality to downtown.”
The Main Library is anticipated to reopen in 2024. Follow its progress at tacomalibrary.org.
