ABOUT THE PROJECT
Why Did the Methow Valley Need a New Library?
At just 1,141 square feet, our former Winthrop library—intended to be temporary over 12 years ago—lacked space for programs, collections, access to technology and space to work or study. Despite its small size, it was among the busiest per capita of the 30 libraries in the North Central Washington Libraries (NCW Libraries) system. It supported up to 30 book clubs, many children’s programs and bustles with activity, yet there was hardly a place to sit. The women’s bathroom and the screen porch doubled as storage. Our existing population often overwhelmed the space and expected growth in our valley was outpacing the library’s ability to serve all.
Gather - now
Our former library offered the only free public gathering space in Winthrop, and its cramped aisles get overwhelmed during popular programs.
GATHER - NEW!
The new library accommodates groups small and large. Shown here: a separate, dividable room for presentations, workshops, clubs, study hall and meetings.
Connect - now
Libraries connect people-to-technology and people-to-people through mentoring, reading buddies, and small group meetings. Our former library had just two computers.
CONNECT - NEW!
Copiers and plenty of computers with high-speed broadband for distance learning, job skills, training and more. There is plenty of seating for person-to-person meet ups, too.
Discover - now
Our former library was 6,000 feet smaller than recommended for the population it served, and access to technology, programs and collections was very limited.
DISCOVER - NEW!
Our new library inspires discovery with expanded collections, free programs and technology. Shown here: more books, study tables, and cozy seating—with a view of Mount Gardner.
Funding the Project
The project was primarily funded by private donations and the State of Washington, with support from the North Central Washington Libraries and the Town of Winthrop. FOWL successfully secured a $2 million appropriation toward capital costs from the State and then raised the required, equal amount of private funding. With that success, FOWL was able to contract with the State to build the library and construction started in July 2020.
No new taxes were needed to build or maintain the library.
How The Funding Was Spent
Funding paid for the design, engineering and construction of the library’s permanent home. This light-filled, 7,300-foot facility includes a divisible, public meeting room for up to 70 people, an acoustically separate children’s area, a teen area, a librarian’s work space, plenty of computers and tools, as well as a messy or ‘maker’ space for hands-on art and projects for all ages.