The Lakewood Pierce County Library has secured a property for an interim library location on Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W. and Alfaretta St. S.W., a few blocks north of the current Lakewood Library.
The Library System intends to install an approximately 7,000 to 10,000-square-foot library on the property. The interim library will offer full services including browsing shelves and checking out books and movies, using computers and Wi-Fi, participating in classes and events for all ages, as well as spaces for reading, studying and public meetings.
The Library System is continuing to work in partnership with the City of Lakewood to move forward with plans for the interim library.
UPCOMING EVENT: Community conversation with Councilmember Jani Hitchen includes an update on Lakewood Library buildings. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m.
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The interim library will allow the public to have the full range of access to library services while a long-term decision about Lakewood and Tillicum Pierce County Library is being determined. A community advisory committee, created by the Library System and the City of Lakewood, reviewed options for how to provide quality library services in the long term for Lakewood and Tillicum. The committee provided its recommendation to the Library’s Board of Trustees and Lakewood City Council at a joint meeting on Nov.17, 2022. The Board of Trustees is reviewing next steps for the Lakewood and Tillicum libraries.
Lakewood Library on Wildaire Road S.W.
In June, the Library System closed the aging Lakewood Library because it was in critical and unsafe condition and needed significant maintenance and repair.
Engineers now project the building needs approximately $22 million in repairs and replacements, to bring the 59-year-old building up to code for safety with seismic engineering and fire, as well as systems such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing. This September 2022 structural engineering report is more in-depth than a 2021 architects’ building condition assessment that estimated the current building required $10 million-$15 million in repairs for improved safety and access, including replacing the roof, HVAC and plumbing.
Appraisers estimated the value of the current property at $1.5 million.
In September 2022, workers installed tarps where the most significant deterioration on the roof of the current Lakewood Library is located, to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. While tarps cannot completely prevent further water damage, installing tarps is the only option to attempt to reduce further deterioration as the Library System Board of Trustees reviews the Community Advisory Committee’s recommendation about the building long-term.
In consultation with, the City of Lakewood, the Library System installed a temporary fence around the Lakewood Library to further protect the property.
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The Library System is offering pop-up libraries and services with community partners throughout Lakewood. People can check out books, movies and other materials as well as participate in classes and events at the pop-up libraries and community places. Find events throughout Lakewood or attend a story time.
Lakewood Pierce County Library *Closed effective Sunday, June 5 to prepare to move to interim location. Your Pierce County Library is bringing library services to you! Find events throughout Lakewood or attend a story time. Download the current list of events. 6300 Wildaire Rd SW
Starting the week of Sunday, June 5, 2022, please pick up your books and other items on hold at the University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100. You may change the location of your hold pick-up with these easy steps.
You may also call any library or stop by in person and staff will help you set up your holds pick-up location. |
Learn about the history of Lakewood Pierce County Library.
Learn more about the Lakewood Law Library.
Tel: 253-548-3300 Fax: 253-537-4600 Washington Relay TTY: 711
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