A new chapter: Walla Walla Public Library set for major expansion and temporary relocation
By Dan Thesman on Friday, May 29th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a major renovation and expansion project for the public library, greenlighting a contract to begin construction after surpassing a key fundraising milestone.
The council voted 7-0 to award a $10.3 million construction bid to Banlin Construction of Kennewick and simultaneously amended the city’s biennial budget to accommodate the project’s funding structure. Library Director Heather VanTassell announced that total fundraising has officially eclipsed $12.5 million. The $16 million project relies heavily on local contributions, spearheaded by a $7 million donation from an anonymous donor alongside state grants and municipal funds.
To facilitate the overhaul, the current library building, which has not seen a major update since 1970, will temporarily close its doors to the public June 1-5, so that staff can begin moving materials to a temporary facility located at 115 West Main St. The temporary branch is scheduled to open the week of June 8.
The library will host a send-off party on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where campaign donors can sign or leave messages on the library walls, which will be preserved behind insulation during the upcoming construction.
Following the relocation, construction at the main library site is slated to commence in mid-June. The extensive renovation project is expected to take approximately one year, with city officials projecting a grand reopening of the modernized, expanded facility in July 2027.
The upgrade aims to resolve decades-old infrastructure deficiencies, improve safety, and create flexible community gathering spaces.
“I think you folks have done one heck of a good job,” Councilmember Jeffrey Robinson said prior to the vote, noting the library’s vital role as a community resource.
Artist concept of renovated interior courtesy Walla Walla Public Library
