Walla Walla Public Library Secures $30,000 Wildhorse Foundation grant

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Public Library has secured a $30,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to support a comprehensive $16 million revitalization of its facility. It’s one of the largest grants distributed in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The grant will fund construction improvements for a project designed to transform the 1970s-era building into a modern civic hub. Plans include the creation of light-filled, flexible spaces, dedicated programming rooms, and a civic plaza connecting the library to downtown Walla Walla. The renovation will also introduce energy-efficient systems and sustainable design elements.

“The support of the Wildhorse Foundation reflects the remarkable generosity of our community,” Library Director Heather VanTassell said, noting the investment helps move the project from “vision to reality”.

The current library serves over 9,000 active cardholders and sees 10,000 monthly visitors. To accommodate the upgrades, the library will cease services at its current building on April 4, before moving to a temporary location later that month as construction begins.

Once completed, the facility will offer expanded technology access, enhanced cultural programming, and increased meeting space for community groups and nonprofits.

Established in 2001, the Wildhorse Foundation has awarded over $20 million to nonprofits, government, and Tribal organizations.

Editor’s note: An article about all the Wildhorse Foundation grants for the fourth quarter is also available on the Columbia Basin page of our website.

Artist’s concept of Walla Walla Public Library revitalization

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Elkhorn Media Group