The Blaine Public Library building will be closed to the public for the next two weeks while it undergoes $65,000 renovations to improve its layout and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.
The closure will start Monday, April 27, and is expected to continue through Friday, May 8. The library will be completely closed April 27-28 and then will offer limited doorside services for the remainder of the construction, according to a Tuesday notice from the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS).
The doorside services include pickups, printing and help with questions. A temporary book drop will also be set up.
WCLS is expected to update its website, wcls.org, and the Blaine Library Facebook page if there are changes to the construction timeline.
The upgrades will ensure ADA compliance at the checkout station, while circulation desk upgrades will improve ergonomics and storage. The library will also receive new carpet and cabinetry.
The project is meant to be a temporary fix while library staff pulls together funds for a new building. Library supporters have long advocated for a replacement of the current library at 610 3rd St. — a renovation of the city’s former Public Works garage four decades ago.
In 2019, Friends of Blaine Library hired an architect to design a new library but the pandemic halted plans and funding became more limited.
In 2023, Bellingham affordable housing consultant Paul Schissler proposed two mixed-use buildings downtown that included a library, affordable condominiums and commercial space. Those plans stalled due to financial challenges as well as community partner Kulshan Community Land Trust’s focus on other projects.
WCLS’ levy lid lift that voters passed last August is funding the library upgrades.
