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The Walla Walla Public Library on Aug. 4, 2026, officially broke ground on its renovation project, marking the beginning of a transformational investment in one of the community's most visited public spaces.
Community members, donors, project partners, elected officials, city staff, and library supporters gathered to celebrate the milestone and recognize the planning, collaboration, and generosity that made the project possible.
The renovation will transform the library with welcoming community spaces, a vibrant children's area with attached Creativity Center, improved accessibility, energy-efficient building systems, private study rooms, and flexible meeting spaces designed to serve Walla Walla for generations to come.
“This renovation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It is our chance to honor what the library has always been, while preparing it for what Walla Walla needs next,” said Laurie Stroud, Library Board chair. “We are not simply updating walls, systems, entrances, and rooms. We are strengthening a civic promise: that knowledge, creativity, safety and community should be available to everyone.”
Construction is expected to continue for approximately one year. During construction, library services will remain available at the temporary library location at 115 W. Main St.
The Next Chapter capital campaign continues throughout construction, providing additional opportunities for community members to be part of the library's next chapter.
For project updates and renovation details, visit the project page on the GoWallaWalla website or follow the Walla Walla Public Library on social media.
 Groundbreaking for the renovated Walla Walla Public Library on Aug. 4, 2026. Left to right: Amy Watkins, campaign fundraising manager; Mark Brucks, executive campaign committee member; Laurie Stroud, Library Board chair; Susan Monahan, executive campaign committee member; Heather VanTassell, Library Director, Walla Walla Public Library; Elizabeth Chamberlain, City Manager, City of Walla Walla; Kol Medina, President and CEO, Blue Mountain Community Foundation; Gustavo Reyna, Mayor, City of Walla Walla
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