Located just a few blocks away from Whitman campus, the Walla Walla Public library is housed in a 52-year-old building. The age of this building can show, as it leaks when it snows and grass grows in the aging window frames.
Library Director at the Walla Walla Public Library Erin Wells discussed that the failing roof and windows pose a risk to the collection.
“We have holes in the ceiling that leak every year,” Wells said.
Wells wants to modernize the library to better reflect the changing needs of the community, as those needs have changed since the library was first constructed. She sees the need for a community space where people can gather, including an expanded program area, several smaller meeting rooms, study rooms and a makerspace.
The makerspace planning is still in its early stages, but Wells sees it as a place for hands-on learning.
